OLYMPIA – 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 on behalf of HB 1521 during Tuesday’s House Education Committee hearing. “This bill is about providing an opportunity and an important message to share and do more.”
House Bill 1521 directs the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction to develop basic criteria and a streamlined review process to identify and designate Washington Innovation Schools. Currently, no statewide central source about successful innovative schools and programs exists. House Bill 1521 recognizes the accomplishments of Washington Innovation Schools while encouraging continued efforts to pursue bold and creative educational ideas that nurture the talents and interests of students.
Leaders from the Technology Access Foundation STEM Academy and the Talbot Hill Elementary MicroSociety testified in support of House Bill 1521 during Tuesday’s House Education Committee hearing.
Maxwell is sponsoring a wide array of education-related legislation this session. As a member of the Quality Education Council, Maxwell also continues to provide new ways this session to implement education reform in Washington state. Maxwell’s House Bill 1443 outlines ways to strengthen instruction and support for Washington students, help close the opportunity gap and support education professionals. House Bill 1443 also provides a step toward increasing opportunities for success among students and teachers who move from state to state by adopting improved standards in schools statewide.
Maxwell is also sponsoring House Bill 1684 to create an online course in financial education that is accessible by all school districts, as well as House Bill 1329 to support music education.
Please click here to track the progress of the bills mentioned above.