WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

House OKs continuation of the Urban School Turnaround Initiative

In last year’s supplemental budget, the legislature allocated funds to accelerate student learning and target the achievement gap through research-based techniques in two Seattle schools.

Aki Kurose Middle School Academy and Rainier Beach High School, both located in Seattle, received $1 million grants to be spent in the 2012-2013 school year. Each school was required to submit a spending plan for the grant funds, and the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction was charged with monitoring the activities of both schools.

This afternoon, the House of Representatives voted to remove the requirement that these schools use the funds in the 2012-2013 school year alone. Under the House approved measure, Aki Kurose Middle School and Rainier Beach High School must utilize the funds by August 31, 2015.

“What we’re learning from these two schools will shape policy as we move forward with addressing the achievement gap on a statewide level,” said Rep. Eric Pettigrew (D-Seattle), a leading advocate for the Urban School Turnaround Initiative in the legislature. “This change will allow Aki Kurose and Rainier Beach to continue their improvements based on what is working in the classroom.”

Rep Pettigrew AkiPrincipal Mia Williams (left) leads Rep. Pettigrew (right) on a tour of Aki Kurose Middle School in January

The week before the legislative session began, Rep. Pettigrew took some time to check-in on the progress being made at Rainier Beach High School and Aki Kurose Middle School.

At Rainier Beach, the dollars have already gone towards a staff-wide collaborative planning program.  They’ve also hired a social worker and a family outreach and engagement coordinator.

A few miles away at Aki Kurose, they have hired additional staff people to increase student achievement. They are providing extra time to teachers so they can analyze student data and make necessary adjustments to the curriculum. They’ve also created a professional development calendar that provides training to staff on pertinent subjects.

“These dollars have provided our students with the additional supports needed to assist with the acceleration of their learning” said Aki Kurose Principal Mia Williams.

The bill now moves to the Senate for their consideration.