Posted February 17, 2006

School board members and superintendents from around the state gathered together in Olympia last month to emphasize their concerns and priorities to legislators at the WASA/WSSDA Legislative Conference.

To help effectively discuss issues with their local legislators, conference participants were briefed on a handful of funding projects, including the Washington Learns Education Finance Study, a top WSSDA priority. They heard from legislators about supplemental budget proposals and high school intervention/remediation bills and were updated on the WASL process, alternative assessments and remediation by Superintendent of Public Instruction Terry Bergeson.

Support for Washington Learns was a common theme. In its first year, the study resulted in legislation on early learning and pre-apprenticeship programs and funding requests for high school remediation, according to Julie Salvi, Senior Budget Analyst for the governor’s office.

Washington Learns has contracted with Picus and Associates to complete a financial adequacy study based on successful district and evidence-based approaches. Findings will be presented to the committee in the summer of 2006.

Senator Rosemary McAuliffe shared highlights of the Senate supplemental budget proposal. She also discussed Senate Bill 6618 on alternative assessments.

Representative Dave Quall offered his concerns regarding the need to help students succeed. He praised the “High Schools that Work” model, noting that legislation this year has been drawn from its approach.

OSPI plans to support students and parents on this year’s WASL, reported Bergeson. Her office is working to complete instructional modules and teacher training for remediation programs this summer.

Bergeson also emphasized her legislative priorities, which include full-day kindergarten, staying the course on the state's new graduation requirements, and simple majority.

Conference-goers were encouraged continue their efforts.

“I need your help,” said Bergeson, “to get the money to fund these programs.”

 “Make your voice heard,” said Lisa Macfarlane, President of the League of Education Voters.

Members spent Monday in meetings with their legislators, followed by remarks by Gov. Gregoire in the Capitol Rotunda.

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