Legislative

Marysville Special Education Parent Teacher Student Association

Legislative News

THE WASHINGTON STATE PTA

TOP FIVE ISSUES FOR THE

2008-2009 LEGISLATIVE SESSION

1. Basis Education Funding: strive to redefine and appropriately fund a new basic education system in accordance with the demands of education reform and our global economy. 2. that support a new definition of Basic Education focused on improving student outcomes, instead of inputs such as seat time. 3. which focus on meeting the needs of all children according to their individual potential and in alignment with their personal goals 4. that increase the transparency, flexibility, equity and accountability of the entire system.

2. Strengthening Math and Science Curriculum and Education: strengthen math and science education by 1) providing students access to curricula that has clear examples and explanations, aligns with the new WA math and science standards and national math panel recommendations which include a focused, coherent progression that emphasizes key topics to prepare students for success in authentic algebra and geometry and simultaneously develops conceptual understanding; computational fluency in basic number facts, standard algorithms, and fractions; and problem-solving skills. Parent involvement in all phases of math/science curriculum adoption is critical. 2) implementing initiatives to attract, train, and retain qualified math/science teachers 3) providing students who are able to excel in math/science opportunities to advance quickly.

3. Washington State Assessment System Improvements: improve the Washington State Assessment System to make it more efficient and focused on student learning, while preserving high standards. This shall be accomplished by requiring the assessment system to 1) provide nationally comparable individual student progress data, 2) provide diagnostic assessments to determine student needs, 3) measure individual student growth in a manner that is reliable and valid, 4) provide results quickly so that they can be used to guide instruction during the current school year. The assessment system must also be cost and time efficient, while continuing to meet education testing requirements from the federal government.

4. Support State Board of Education CORE 24 Framework: endorse the Core 24 framework proposed by the State Board of Education. This proposal is contingent upon the provision of adequate, sustainable, supplemental funding from the State.

5. Support Rational Approaches to Teacher Compensation: eliminate outdated inequities based on the grandfathering that occurred when the current salary schedule was adopted. 2. promote teacher compensation agreements that have sufficient resources and flexibility to recruit and retain highly qualified professionals 3. base realistic pay on comparables considering state labor market factors plus characteristics that have been demonstrated to contribute to improved student outcomes.

Visit the Washington State PTA website at www.wastatepta.org for complete information and updates on these issues and how to contact your legislators.

WSPTA STATEMENT SUPPORTING BASIC EDUCATION FUNDING

On January 14, 2009 the Legislature’s Joint Task Force on Basic Education Finance (JTFBEF) issued its final report, laying out a framework for dramatically reforming the funding of public education in Washington State. Many education funding studies have been conducted, but none have held this much promise for meeting the challenges of preparing our children for the 21^st century. The Washington State PTA strongly endorses this report and encourages the Legislature to follow through on its recommendations.

Many of the Task Force’s proposed solutions to today’s funding problems are closely aligned to WSPTA’s principles. Some highlights include:

· A redefinition of Basic Education to provide early learning programs for students from low income families, and implement more rigorous high school course and graduation requirements;

· An identification of the staffing and resources needed to meet the needs of all children.;

· An easy-to-understand method to allocate state funding to school districts, so their communities can understand and hold them accountable for locally based decisions;

· Elimination of the existing irrational levy and teacher salary inequities

· A common fiscal and student data system,

· A substantial increase in funding phased in over a reasonable time period, beginning in the next biennium.

PTA applauds the work of the 14 Task Force members and their staff for producing a framework for addressing the very complex changes needed to align our education funding system with the goals of education reform. ]. PTA also thanks the Governor for her leadership and continued efforts to bring a world-class education to the children of Washington State.

Both PTA and the Task Force recognize that the current plan needs more work; it will be added to and amended as discussions about the various topic areas reveal additional considerations. For example, we recognize that funding for transportation and facilities are being addressed by different legislative task forces whose work is not yet complete. We look forward to participating in the ongoing conversation about this plan with all education stakeholders.

The challenge before PTA members and truly every public education advocate in our state is to keep the momentum going so that education finance reform becomes a reality. Our kids can’t wait for another study. Now is the time to take action to make change happen.

Be a part of the solution. Advocate!

IMPORTANT DATES

2009 PTA Legislative Focus Day
February 26, 2009
Legislative Building, Olympia, WA

WA State PTA
Convention
May 1 -3, 2009
Doubletree Hotel
Seatac

Washington State PTA Legislative Page
http://www.wastatepta.org/legislation.htm

Washington State PTA Legislative Issue Guide http://www.wastatepta.org/leg/Issue_Guide_08.pdf

Americans with Disabilities Amendments Act Signed into Law (PDF, 7 pages) Click on link to access