Teachers, students, Microsoft execs turn out for approval of computer-science bill
May 16, 2013 - Washington House DemocratsThere are bill signings, and there are bill signings. The one for House Bill 1472 was one of the grander affairs of its kind, held “off campus” at Rainier Beach High School in Seattle and bringing together teachers, students and … Continue reading
McCleary NOT about education reform
May 16, 2013 - Washington House Democrats
Senate leaders held a media availability this week to outline what’s on their table for discussion during the special session. According to a tweet from Melissa Santos with the News Tribune, the Senate argues that the McCleary decision is a … Continue reading
Reps. Mike Sells and Hans Dunshee op-ed in the Everett Herald
May 11, 2013 - Reps. Mike Sells & Hans Dunshee
Funding education: Closing tax loopholes is not increasing taxes Corporate tax breaks or your children’s and grandchildren’s future. The ability to grow jobs and compete economically with a well-trained and educated workforce, or continuing outdated tax loopholes to special interests … Continue reading
Pettigrew’s nominee wins Legislature’s Civic Educator of the Year Award
May 9, 2013 - Max PatashnikDuring Civic Education Day at the state capitol, South Lake High School teacher Web Hutchins received the state’s top honor for civic education. Hutchins was nominated for the award by State Representative Eric Pettigrew (D-Seattle). “Hutch’s teaching model exemplifies how … Continue reading
Governor signs Bergquist bill encouraging community service
May 9, 2013 - Rep. Steve Bergquist
With two high school students at the ceremony, Gov. Jay Inslee signed legislation by Rep. Steve Bergquist (D-Renton) that’s meant to strengthen the bonds between students and their local community. “Everybody who gets a high school diploma should be a … Continue reading
2013 Regular Session Victories
April 29, 2013 - Washington House Democrats
Education – Early Learning through Higher Education Integrating early learning (HB 1723) – Creates a framework for developing an integrated, high quality early learning continuum for low-income children ages birth to 5. Reforming Working Connections Child Care (SB 5595) – … Continue reading
Rep. Brian Blake’s Legislative Update for April 28, 2013
April 28, 2013 - Rep. Brian Blake
The Legislative Session ends today, but we will be going into overtime to continue budget negotiations and reach consensus between the House, Senate and Governor Inslee. As we move through special session, I’ll continue to fight for a responsible budget … Continue reading
1,000 teachers rally in Olympia
April 27, 2013 - Washington House Democrats
Over 1,000 teachers from the Washington Education Association rallied in Olympia today in support of public schools. Several members of our caucus were on hand to show our support for fully funding education. Negotiators from our caucus, the Senate Republican … Continue reading
Rep.Mike Sells Legislative Update for April 26,2013
April 26, 2013 - Rep. Mike Sells
The session is scheduled to adjourn on Sunday, April 28. However, we will be going into overtime to continue budget negotiations and reach consensus between the House, Senate and Governor Inslee. Are certain tax exemptions more important than educating our … Continue reading
Applications available for Legislative Youth Council
April 23, 2013 - Washington House Democrats
If you’re a teen, chances are you can’t afford a lobbyist to represent your interests in Olympia, but laws passed under the Capitol dome have an impact on your life just the same. Wanting to hear from Washington’s young residents, … Continue reading
Encouraging high-schoolers to study computer science
April 19, 2013 - Washington House DemocratsThe demand for computer programmers exceeds the supply available to businesses in Washington that want to hire them. That’s an opportunity that high-school students should take advantage of as they think about their future careers. But at the same time, … Continue reading
Greetings From Olympia: An Update from Representative Marcus Riccelli
April 17, 2013 - Rep. Marcus Riccelli
House Budget Proposals Released There are only 11 days left in the legislative session, and we have a lot to accomplish before we can head back home. At the top of that list is finalizing the three budgets that keep … Continue reading
Clean energy solutions coming to a school near you!
April 17, 2013 - Rep. Gael Tarleton
The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction announced today that 28 school districts around the state will collectively receive $20 million to improve energy efficiency in public schools. Seattle Public Schools will receive $500,000. From today’s news release: The … Continue reading
Boost for computer-science education gets green light in Senate
April 17, 2013 - Rep. Drew Hansen
High-school students would gain an added incentive to take computer-science courses and prepare for 21st-century jobs under a bill by Rep. Drew Hansen that won overwhelming bipartisan approval Tuesday in the state Senate. “This bill will help students train for … Continue reading
Youth-suicide prevention plan gets boost from Senate approval
April 17, 2013 - Rep. Tina Orwall
Bill by Rep. Orwall strengthens efforts to aid troubled teens A comprehensive plan to help troubled teens and reduce youth suicide won approval in the state Senate earlier this week as House Bill 1336 moved closer to final legislative passage. … Continue reading
Week 12 Legislative Update from Rep. Farrell
April 10, 2013 - Rep. Jessyn Farrell
Greetings from Olympia! Week 12 of the 2013 legislative session is behind us, and what a week it was! The Senate released a budget proposal, following Governor Inslee’s roll-out of his plan the week before. With these two budgets out, … Continue reading
House budget proposal best for schools
April 10, 2013 - Washington House Democrats
The state will step up to its responsibility to educate public-school students and will make sure college graduates are ready for high-demand jobs under the budget proposal released by the House Democratic majority on Wednesday. The budget proposal authored by … Continue reading
House doubles up on education
April 10, 2013 - Washington House Democrats
House Democrats unveiled a state budget that funds education without shredding the safety net for kids, seniors, the blind, and disabled – and without resorting to accounting tricks or one-time spending. Education The budget set the high-water mark for education … Continue reading
Senate Budget: Bad for Kids, Families, and Our Future
April 8, 2013 - Washington House Democrats
Top 10 Reasons the Senate Budget is bad for Kids, Middle Class Families and Our Future 15 NEW tax loopholes; zero eliminated – The Senate plans to add 15 new tax breaks while not eliminating even one existing corporate giveaway.
Rainier Beach Basketball Team Visits Legislature
April 5, 2013 - Rep. Eric Pettigrew
Last week, the Rainier Beach basketball team, led by their coach, Mike “Falcon Eddie” Bethea, came to accept a resolution honoring their team, their winning record and their academic success! Rainier Beach High School is in the 37th Legislative District, represented … Continue reading
War on middle class families continues in Senate budget proposal
April 5, 2013 - Washington House Democrats
Throughout the fall we heard about the Republican “War on Women” and the middle class. On Wednesday that battle continued with the roll out of the Republican Senate’s proposed $33.2 billion operating budget. Though there were some highlights, thanks to … Continue reading
Let’s tell the truth: taxes are low — and education creates jobs
April 2, 2013 - Rep. Tami Green
by Rep. Tami Green Some myths never die. Unlike urban legends about what happens when you put a Twinkie in a microwave, myths about government and taxes actually do real damage to real people. There’s a good post here (The … Continue reading
Columbian: Highest success rate out of all freshmen House Democrats
April 2, 2013 - Rep. Monica Stonier
House Democrats were pleased to welcome nine new members to the Legislature this session, and they didn’t waste any time getting to work. A story in today’s Columbian highlights freshman Rep. Monica Stonier’s near perfect success record for moving her … Continue reading
Rep. Brian Blake’s Legislative Update – March 11, 2013
March 11, 2013 - Rep. Brian Blake
Dear neighbors, These last few days have been long with late evenings and even Saturday working to pass bills on the Floor. But we have to do it this way. If we stuck to a 9-5 schedule, chances are we’d … Continue reading
Reykdal measures heading to the Senate
March 11, 2013 - Rep. Chris Reykdal
The House of Representatives has approved a batch of bills introduced by Rep. Chris Reykdal (D-Tumwater) ahead of Wednesday’s critical House of Origin cut-off. Covering a range of issues with statewide significance, the measures will now head to the Senate. … Continue reading
Stonier education bills approved by the House
March 8, 2013 - Rep. Monica Stonier
The state House of Representatives devoted much of the Friday’s floor schedule working on education bills. State Representative Monica Stonier (D-Vancouver) was successful in getting three of her education bills approved by the House. “I am honored to be working … Continue reading
Rep. Tina Orwall’s e-newsletter for March 8, 2013
March 8, 2013 - Rep. Tina Orwall
Dear Neighbors, House policy committees did not meet last week, but legislators were busy hearing bills in the House fiscal committees. Bills were required to pass out of these committees by Friday, March 1, if they were to remain in … Continue reading
Rep. Luis Moscoso’s Legislative Update – March 8, 2013
March 8, 2013 - Rep. Luis MoscosoDear Neighbors, Since my last update the legislative process has progressed past two sets of deadlines that bills must survive to continue being considered. Now, my colleagues and I are spending our days (and many nights) on the floor of … Continue reading
House approves another round of education bills
March 8, 2013 - Washington House Democrats
Education was the main focus of the Legislature this week. While the Senate was passing bills that would grade schools, hold back third-graders, and reform the recently-reformed teacher/principal evaluation system, the House is taking a student-centered approach to education policy. … Continue reading
House approves package of Haigh bills
March 8, 2013 - Rep Kathy Haigh
As a critical deadline approaches, the House of Representatives has approved a number of measures introduced by Rep. Kathy Haigh (D-Shelton). Covering issues ranging from high school dropouts to local cemeteries – the bills target growing problems not only in … Continue reading
Washington schools could suffer under sequestration
March 5, 2013 - Rep. Larry Seaquist
Automatic federal budget cuts kicked in on Friday as a result of Congress’ failure to reach a compromise spending plan. While programs like Social Security and Medicare will largely go untouched, many other areas of federal spending could see spending … Continue reading
House OKs continuation of the Urban School Turnaround Initiative
March 4, 2013 - Rep. Eric Pettigrew
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 … Continue reading
House passes Orwall’s troubled youth legislation
March 4, 2013 - Rep. Tina Orwall
This afternoon, on a 90-8 vote, the Washington State House of Representatives passed a measure that would increase the capacity for school districts to recognize and respond to troubled youth. “This bill will give our schools basic skills and tools … Continue reading
Maxwell earns “Legislative Advocate of the Year” award
March 4, 2013 - Rep. Marcie Maxwell
State Representative Marcie Maxwell (D-Renton) was recently honored as the Legislative Advocate of the Year by the Washington School Counselor Association (WSCA). Maxwell serves as the Deputy Majority Leader for Education & Opportunity in the House of Representatives. The organization, … Continue reading
My position on education funding
March 2, 2013 - Rep. Gerry PolletFunding education is the single most important investment we can make in our state’s future. In recent years, due in part to our state’s budgetary woes, we have failed to adequately fund education, and our public schools have been the … Continue reading
Rep. Sam Hunt’s Electronic Newsletter – February 22, 2013
February 25, 2013 - Rep. San HuntWe began this week at the Legislature by celebrating Children’s Day, a yearly tradition in the House of Representatives that usually coincides with the Presidents’ Day holiday. With many children out of school for the holiday, we invite them to join … Continue reading
Rep. Mary Helen Roberts’ e-newsletter for Feb. 25, 2013
February 25, 2013 - Rep. Mary Helen Roberts
Last week the Legislature celebrated Children’s Day, a yearly tradition in the House of Representatives that usually coincides with the Presidents’ Day holiday. With many children out of school for the holiday, we invite them to join us as we recognize the special place … Continue reading
Rep. Brian Blake’s Legislative Update – Feb. 25, 2013
February 25, 2013 - Rep. Brian Blake
What are you doing this Wednesday evening? If you’re home and have the time, I hope you will join our telephone town hall. Households across the 19th Legislative District will receive a phone call at around 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, … Continue reading
Rep. Wylie’s e-newsletter for February 22, 2013
February 22, 2013 - Rep. Sharon Wylie
It’s been a busy week in the Legislature. Today is our first cut-off, which is the last day a policy bill can be considered in committee in its house of origin. Fiscal bills get an extra week beyond that – … Continue reading
Rep. Luis Moscoso’s Legislative Update – Feb 22, 2013
February 22, 2013 - Rep. Luis Moscoso
Dear Neighbors, The last two weeks have been busy here in the legislature, but these weeks were not without moments of reflection and remembrance. On February 13, members of the House and Senate held a Joint Session to honor former … Continue reading
Rep. Orwall’s E-Newsletter for February 22, 2013
February 22, 2013 - Rep. Tina Orwall
Dear Neighbors, It has been another busy week in the legislature, but also a week with moments of reflection and remembrance. On February 13, members of the House and Senate joined together for a Joint Legislative Session in the Senate … Continue reading
Rep. Brian Blake’s Legislative Update – Feb 19, 2013
February 19, 2013 - Rep. Brian Blake
Mark your calendar: 19th Legislative District Telephone Town Hall on February 27 at 6 pm. You may get a call from us around 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 27, inviting you to join our telephone town hall. State Representative Dean … Continue reading
Rep. Mike Sells – Legislative Update, Feb. 15, 2013
February 15, 2013 - Rep. Mike SellsWhat’s Important This Session I was on TVW’s “Inside Olympia” last week. We discussed the injured workers insurance that Republicans want to cut, which have no effect on the Operating Budget. I stressed that we should concentrate on funding education … Continue reading
Rep. Kagi discusses early learning on KUOW’s The Conversation
February 15, 2013 - waldrefj
What’s up with early learning funding here in Washington, and how do we measure up against other states? Why should the state invest in early learning programs? Rep. Kagi talks with KUOW’s Ross Reynolds on The Conversation, and mentions her … Continue reading
Week 4 Legislative Update from Rep. Farrell
February 14, 2013 - majeskiq
Dear Friends: Greetings from Olympia! It is such a privilege to represent you, and I’d like to update you on some of the work I’ve been doing. I serve on the Early Learning and Human Services Committee, the Environment Committee, and … Continue reading
Haigh dropout prevention bill receives support in House hearing
February 12, 2013 - toyrab
Members of the House Education Committee heard testimony from students, parents and educators alike in favor of Representative Kathy Haigh’s (D-Shelton) landmark dropout prevention legislation. “No school in Washington has been immune from the dropout epidemic,” said Rep. Haigh. “Rural … Continue reading
Reykdal bill partners school districts, communities to curb dropouts
February 12, 2013 - toyrabState Representative Chris Reykdal (D-Tumwater) was joined by students, educators and community leaders in support of House Bill 1276 at a public hearing on the measure in the House Education Committee today. The bill creates a pilot program partnering community … Continue reading
Legislative Update from Rep. Dawn Morrell
February 11, 2013 - toyrab
I can’t tell you how exciting it is to be back down in Olympia fighting for 25th district families on the issues important to us. Believe it or not, we are already one month into the 2013 legislative session and … Continue reading
Opportunity for all
February 11, 2013 - Rep. Steve Bergquist
by Rep. Steve Bergquist As a teacher in our public schools, I know that money doesn’t solve every problem – but a severe lack of funding for Washington schools is standing in the way of what our students need. Wealthy … Continue reading
Rep. Orwall’s E-Newsletter for February 8, 2013
February 8, 2013 - nietol
Dear Neighbors, Believe it or not, we are already one month into the 2013 legislative session. Only 11 more weeks to go! The session follows a cut-off calendar, which determines the deadlines for public hearings and executive action on bills, … Continue reading
Rep. Mary Helen Roberts’ e-Newsletter for Feb 8, 2013
February 8, 2013 - nietol
Dear neighbors, It’s hard to believe we are already one month into the 2013 legislative session. Only 11 more weeks to go! The session follows a cut-off calendar, which determines the deadlines for public hearings and executive action on bills, … Continue reading
Moving testimony on Orwall’s Troubled Youth bill
February 7, 2013 - nietol
Click on the image to watch the hearing on Rep. Tina Orwall‘s Troubled Youth legislation (HB 1336) in the Education Committee on February 7, 2013. Moving testimony was given from survivors of suicide, and family members of suicide victims, including Kurt Cobain’s aunt, … Continue reading
Rep. Morris’s Week 4 E-Newsletter
February 6, 2013 - majeskiqWe’re already in the middle of Week Four of the 2013 session, and it has been a week packed with activity here on the capitol campus. One way that you can keep up with what’s going on in the House … Continue reading
Rep Hunter to House: Don’t mistake form for substance
February 1, 2013 - robertsgThe attempt by Republicans to change House rules on budgeting is misleading and disruptive, Rep. Ross Hunter says on the House floor.
Litzow, Pettigrew announce efforts to close opportunity gap, accelerate student achievement
January 28, 2013 - toyrabSen. Steve Litzow and Rep. Eric Pettigrew today announced two bills aimed at improving persistently low-achieving schools and encouraging academic progress with advanced high school-placement options. “In Washington we have many students and teachers doing some remarkable things and learning … Continue reading
Six STEM Lighthouse Schools and One District receive funds
January 24, 2013 - nietol
The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction announced today that six schools and an entire school district were awarded $19,000 in grants and will serve as Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) mentors to other schools in the state. … Continue reading
Rep. Hunter looks to curtail abuses of alternative school program
January 22, 2013 - robertsg
It’s called Alternative Learning Experience, and it’s a state-sanctioned program that allows school districts to set up non-traditional educational programs for students who are ill-suited to conventional classroom instruction. But the way some districts run the program has raised concerns … Continue reading
Rep. Pettigrew tours South Seattle schools
January 22, 2013 - toyrab
During the 2012 session, the Legislature allocated funds in support of creative and innovative programs designed to boost student achievement in a handful of struggling schools in South Seattle. On Friday, January 11th Rep. Pettigrew took some time out of his … Continue reading
“I’m in for a whirlwind for sure”
January 17, 2013 - mcvicara
It’s been a busy week for the newest member of the House of Representatives from the 17th Legislative District. Rep. Monica Stonier (D-Vancouver) was officially sworn into her new role on Monday. After a week of House orientation and getting … Continue reading
Welcome to the 2013 Legislative Session
January 17, 2013 - mcvicaraFriends, I am excited to be back in Olympia for the 2013 Legislative Session. As our state continues to climb out of the recession, I look forward to advocating for the policies and funding necessary to realize our shared visions … Continue reading
“Our caucus is organized and energized”
January 12, 2013 - Speaker Frank Chopp
Legislative leaders from each caucus spoke with reporters earlier this week during the annual Associated Press Legislative Preview. The leadership panel answered questions from reporters on several issues that will face the Legislature over the next 105 days. After opening … Continue reading
Rep. Reykdal on education, tax reform, and the 2013 session
January 12, 2013 - toyrab
Representative Chris Reykdal has an opinion piece featured in The Olympian. Among other things, Rep. Reykdal shares his thoughts on the McCleary decision and what it means for lawmakers as they begin to draft a budget for the coming biennium. … Continue reading
Testing, testing, testing: Balancing accountability and cost
December 20, 2012 - robbinsc
What price, assessment testing? As to reviewing the academic standing of our students, in other words, when is enough enough? “Frankly today, already,” maintains State Rep. John McCoy (D-Tulalip). “We have more yardsticks for measuring accountability in our education system … Continue reading
Santos reappointed chair of the House Education Committee
December 17, 2012 - Rep. Sharon Tomiko Santos
Representative Sharon Tomiko Santos was reappointed to chair the House Education Committee for the 2013 legislative session by the House Democratic Caucus. Santos is entering her eighth term as a representative from Seattle and her third year chairing the House … Continue reading
Fitzgibbon reappointed to vice-chair role, elected to caucus leadership post
December 12, 2012 - mcvicara
Earlier this week, the House Democratic Caucus announced its committee structure for the upcoming session. State Representative Joe Fitzgibbon (D-Burien) will continue to serve as vice-chair of the House Local Government Committee. The Local Government Committee considers issues relating to … Continue reading
Maxwell receives committee assignments, re-elected to leadership post
December 12, 2012 - Rep. Marcie Maxwell
Rep. Marcie Maxwell (D-Renton) received her committee assignments this week for the 2013 legislative session. Maxwell will serve on the coveted House Appropriations Committee where decisions on budget allocations are made. Maxwell will also serve on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Education … Continue reading
Pettigrew receives committee assignments, retains leadership position
December 11, 2012 - toyrab
The House Democratic Caucus has approved the committee structure for the upcoming legislative session. State Representative Eric Pettigrew (D-Seattle) has once again been appointed to several key committees. Rep. Pettigrew will serve on the Agriculture and Natural Resources, Public Safety, … Continue reading
Rep. Timm Ormsby elected vice chair of House Appropriations Committee
December 11, 2012 - frizzelldRep. Timm Ormsby (D-Spokane) will serve as vice chair of the budget-writing House Appropriations Committee during the upcoming legislative session, which begins Jan. 14. His election to that position by his fellow majority House Democrats comes as lawmakers prepare for … Continue reading
Dunshee picked to lead jobs effort again
December 11, 2012 - Rep. Hans DunsheeWill chair committee that controls state construction budget After creating 20,000 jobs statewide – including 1,700 in Snohomish County – House Democrats elected Rep. Hans Dunshee (D-Snohomish) once again to continue that effort as chair the Capital Budget Committee. “We’re … Continue reading
Education: Going from fully funded to fully functional
December 4, 2012 - mcvicaraIn this video, Rep. Larry Seaquist shares his ideas on how to fully fund K-12 education, early learning, and higher education in Washington state.
Rep. Lytton on the radio
November 30, 2012 - frizzelldLawmakers look at teacher-principal evaluation progress
Rep. Lytton appointed to Joint Select Committee on Education Accountability
June 26, 2012 - frizzelldOlympia –State Rep. Kristine Lytton (D-Anacortes, 40th district) has been appointed by Speaker of the House Frank Chopp to serve on the Washington State Joint Select Committee on Education Accountability (JSCEA). The JSCEA is a bipartisan House-Senate panel charged with, … Continue reading
Maxwell receives highest education honor
May 25, 2012 - mcvicaraOlympia – State Representative Marcie Maxwell (D-Renton) received the Washington Education Association’s highest honor last Saturday at the organization’s 2012 Representative Assembly in Spokane. The proclamation that accompanied Maxwell’s Friend of Education award acknowledged her work as a prominent … Continue reading
Legislature takes aim at $9 billion textbook industry
March 5, 2012 - mcvicaraOlympia – The House of Representatives approved a measure that will provide school districts with a cheaper alternative to expensive textbooks. House Bill 2337, sponsored by Rep. Reuven Carlyle (D-Seattle), is designed to fix two major problems with K-12 textbooks: … Continue reading
Haigh saves vital funding for small high schools in House budget
February 27, 2012 - mcvicaraOLYMPIA – Earlier this week, it seemed a done-deal; high schools with less than 300 students would have their budget cuts to a point that many of them would be unable to provide students the credits needed to meet state … Continue reading
Career Pathways Act, expanding career guidance in middle school and high school
February 11, 2012 - mcvicaraRep. Carlyle gives a passionate speech on the House floor in support of HB 2592, which will expand educational opportunities for foster youth
February 10, 2012 - mcvicaraSpeaker Chopp gives opening day remarks to kickoff the 2012 legislative session
January 12, 2012 - mcvicaraSpeaker Chopp addresses the House Floor on issues such as job creation, education funding, and marriage equality on the opening day of the 2012 segislative session.
Rep. Hunter describes his plan to reform basic education financing in a presentation at Educational Service District 113
January 11, 2012 - mcvicaraAnd the winner is…
December 16, 2011 - mcvicara
House Democrats applaud the news announced today that Washington state will receive $60 million in early learning grant dollars from the federal government. Check out the details on our blog.
Everett Herald: Suggestion to cut length of school year gaining grudging support
November 23, 2011 - mcvicaraThe Legislature will convene for a special session on November 28 to address the looming $2 billion budget shortfall. Earlier this week, Governor Gregoire announced her 2012 supplemental budget proposal that included both spending cuts and new revenue options. One … Continue reading
Lawmakers to hold public discussion on education
October 3, 2011 - waldrefjLawmakers to hold public discussion on education OLYMPIA – Members of the House Education Committee will travel to Davenport, Washington for a roundtable discussion with the public on Wednesday, October 5 at 4:30 p.m. Amidst challenging economic realities, … Continue reading
Rep. Reykdal named the American Federation of Teachers’ Legislator of the Year
May 18, 2011 - paribellojWith (nearly) one session under his belt, freshman state representative Chris Reykdal (D – Tumwater) is already making a positive impact on both our state’s students and working families, according to the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), which named Reykdal … Continue reading
Governor signs Probst’s PASS Act into law
May 16, 2011 - bergstromgReform aimed at cutting high-school dropout rate OLYMPIA — Everybody talks about fixing the high school dropout rate. Now Washington State has a new law that will use proven tactics to make sure more students graduate from high school. “After years … Continue reading
PTA honors Rep. Maxwell with “Friend of Children” Award
May 10, 2011 - waldrefjOLYMPIA – Education advocate Rep. Marcie Maxwell (D-Renton) was recently honored with the Washington State PTA’s “Friend of Children” Award at the 2011 Annual Convention in SeaTac. “I’m deeply honored to be recognized by such a hardworking and selfless community … Continue reading
GPS for secondary education gets governor’s autograph
May 5, 2011 - nietolOLYMPIA – This morning, stressing that Career and Technical Education (CTE) continues to play an increasingly significant role in preparing students for work and life, Gov. Chris Gregoire signed House Bill 1710, which creates a statewide strategic plan for CTE. … Continue reading
Bill helps close ‘opportunity gap’ for Native American students
May 5, 2011 - waldrefjOLYMPIA – Of the 295 school districts in Washington state, 270 have Native American students enrolled in them. Now action is being taken to ensure that these students, as well as their non-Native American peers, can benefit from the Office … Continue reading
Probst’s PASS Act passes in last hours of session
April 25, 2011 - bergstromgNew law aimed at boosting high school graduation rates OLYMPIA — The Pay for Actual Student Success (PASS) Act passed the Senate in the last hours of the legislative session with a strong bipartisan vote of 40-6. It is now … Continue reading
Video: Clips from public hearing on Jinkins’ education funding bill
April 21, 2011 - waldrefjThe House Ways and Means Committee on April 21 held a public hearing on Rep. Laurie Jinkins’ HB 2078, which would repeal two tax breaks to generate $170 million for K-3 class-size reduction. Check out some key moments from the … Continue reading
House sends Rep. Maxwell’s music education bill to Governor
April 20, 2011 - waldrefjOLYMPIA – Rep. Marcie Maxwell (D-Renton) continues her efforts to support Washington students by partnering with the nonprofit community to provide an innovative solution to help fund music education. In the face of one of the most fiscally challenging times … Continue reading
Rep. Pettigrew works to keep effective teachers in classrooms
February 16, 2011 - waldrefjOLYMPIA – In an effort to keep the best teachers in our schools and improve educational opportunities for our ethnically and economically diverse students, Rep. Eric Pettigrew (D-Seattle) introduced House Bill 1609. “We must do our best to fill … Continue reading
Rep. Maxwell recognizes and encourages innovation in Washington schools
February 9, 2011 - waldrefjOLYMPIA – Education advocate Rep. Marcie Maxwell (D-Renton) continues her efforts to support innovation in Washington’s local public education systems with her House Bill 1521. “We can and do have innovative schools in Washington state,” Maxwell said while testifying … Continue reading
Lawmaker introduces measure to increase oversight and advocacy of public education system
February 8, 2011 - waldrefjRep. Kathy Haigh proposes establishing the Washington State Education Council OLYMPIA – In an effort to improve the accountability, efficiency and advocacy of Washington state’s public education system, Rep. Kathy Haigh (D-Shelton) is sponsoring House Bill 1849. “As we … Continue reading
Lighthouse Schools for STEM instruction announced
February 2, 2011 - nietolOLYMPIA — Three schools will offer guidance on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) instruction, Rep. Tina Orwall and State Superintendent Randy Dorn announced Feb. 1. The announcement was made as part of the state’s ongoing efforts to ensure that … Continue reading
Education bill to give flexibility to school districts facing budget challenges
January 27, 2011 - waldrefjOLYMPIA — Legislation was introduced this week to help school districts that have been hit hard by budget cuts due to less state aid. During the current school year they would have the option to seek the state Superintendent of … Continue reading
Rep. Probst: Clear connection between education and jobs
January 11, 2011 - bergstromgI found the attached graph revealing. It is one more indicator of the clear connection between the economy and education. I hope you find it interesting, as well. Our old economy relied too much on debt and consumption, and it … Continue reading
