Gregoire, Bergeson propose temporary change in math graduation requirement
If you attended last week’s WSSDA Annual Conference in Spokane, you may have heard Superintendent of Public Instruction Terry Bergeson declare that the state "must craft a careful and sensible policy to ensure that responsible kids are not denied diplomas because of struggles with mathematics." Earlier this year, WSSDA called for a three-year delay in using the math WASL as a graduation requirement. Now, Bergeson and Gov. Chris Gregoire have jointly announced a proposal to allow students in the classes of 2008, 2009 and 2010 to graduate without passing the math WASL. Learn more here.

WSSDA legislative package calls for redefining, funding basic education
Phasing in the math and science WASL as a high school graduation requirement is just one of several priority items that will comprise WSSDA’s legislative package for 2007. Meeting in Spokane, the WSSDA Board of Directors adopted a package that underscores the need to update the state’s 30-year-old definition of basic education to reflect current requirements and standards — and the need to fully fund basic education as required by the State Constitution. Click here for details.

McMullen takes the helm as WSSDA President
Cindy McMullen (Central Valley/Spokane) was sworn in as WSSDA President during the association’s Annual Conference earlier this month, and she wasted no time in making it clear that the association will be a strong voice as the state wrestles with issues such as education reform and school district accountability. For more on Cindy and her acceptance speech, click here.

Thomas, Espinoza elected WSSDA officers
WSSDA elections are now complete for 2006, with Ted Thomas (Longview) selected as president-elect and Ricardo Espinoza (Pasco) chosen as vice president. Also, Carolyn Barclift (Olympia) and Rick Maloney (University Place) are newly elected members of the WSSDA Board of Directors. Complete results, including elections for committee positions, are available on the WSSDA Web site.

WSSDA Boards of the Year named
Congratulations to the school boards of the Lake Washington, Centralia and Hood Canal school districts. School directors in these three districts have been honored as "School Boards of the Year" by WSSDA for their work in promoting student achievement. For more on their accomplishments, click here.

Diversity Award recipients announced
Congratulations are also in order for the Federal Way, Kent and Pasco school districts, recipients of this year’s WSSDA Diversity Awards. The awards, announced at Annual Conference, are given to districts that have shown exemplary progress in implementing the state’s Joint Policy on Equity in Education. Learn more here.

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