After several attempts, the state Legislature has approved a bill (HB 1541) to close the opportunity gap in the state of Washington. The opportunity gap is reflected in inequitable educational opportunities and barriers to student success created by structural problems within our educational system that disproportionately impact students of color.
Some facets of the opportunity gap were featured in the Seattle Times last June (Race dramatically skews discipline, even in elementary school).
The following are statements from Rep. Sharon Tomiko Santos and Rep. Lillian Ortiz-Self on the passage of the bill:
Rep. Sharon Tomiko Santos (D-Seattle) – Chair of the House Education Committee and prime sponsor of HB 1541.
“Every child in Washington state is guaranteed the right to an equitable education under our state constitution. Right now, we are not delivering on this promise. Closing the opportunity gap is the single most important step we can take to ensure that every student has a meaningful opportunity to learn. I am pleased with the action taken by the Senate today. This vote moves our state closer to eliminating the inequities that exist in our educational system and giving our students the opportunities they need to succeed.”
Rep. Lillian Ortiz-Self (D-Mukilteo) – Vice-chair of the House Education Committee and co-chair of the Educational Opportunity Gap Oversight and Accountability Committee
“There’s been a lot of focus on education funding the last few years. A fully funded education system is important, but it’s only part of the solution. Fully funding a broken system will not get us the educational outcomes we want when the deck is stacked against so many of our kids. All kids deserve an education. Closing the opportunity gap is a huge step in the right direction in restoring equity in our schools.”
HB 1541 passed the Senate today by a vote of 38-10. Because the bill was amended by the Senate, it will go back to the House for concurrence.
Please note the “opportunity gap” and the “achievement gap” are not the same thing. Today’s action by the Senate moves the state closer to closing the opportunity gap. For additional information, please see page 5 of this report or contact Andy McVicar at 360-786-7215.