SBE seeks input on science standards; work continues on 3rd math credit
The State Board of Education is looking for comment on preliminary recommendations for improving the state’s science standards for grades K-12. The recommendations were submitted last month following a review of the current standards by an advisory panel. SBE now wants feedback on the review and recommendations, and has set up an online survey for public comment. Meanwhile, the board continues to refine a proposal for requiring all high school  students to complete a third credit of math in Algebra II, an equivalent career and technical course, or another math course that fits their High School and Beyond Plan, with the expectation that a proposal will be ready for a formal public comment period starting in July. Additional information is available on the SBE Web site.

Volume discounts offered for Opportunities Conference
The Celebrating Educational Opportunities for Diverse Students Conference (scheduled for April 25-27, 2008, in Portland) is offering a special group rate registration. For every three full conference registrations from the same district or organization, they will receive one additional full conference registration for free. This is an unparalleled opportunity to learn from and interact with fellow board members, superintendents, and diversity leaders as they share strategies and best practices for meeting the challenges of providing educational opportunities for all diverse student populations. Learn more here.

Online registration now open for WSSDA Annual Conference
If you haven’t had a chance to visit our new Annual Conference Web site, be sure to take a look. You can now use our online system to register for conference and reserve your hotel rooms in Spokane. You can also submit your conference session proposals, send in suggestions for student entertainment and get information about our “Signs of Success” program. We’re adding more to the site on a regular basis. Please visit us at www.wssda.org/conference.

IAC adopts recommendations on WIAA amendments
WSSDA’s Interscholastic Activities Committee met late last month to weigh in on the nearly 20 rulebook amendments that are up for consideration this month by the Representative Assembly of the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association. For a complete rundown on the proposed amendments and the IAC’s recommendations, visit the WSSDA Web site.

WSSDA Regional Meetings underway
WSSDA's Spring Regional Meetings got underway this past week, with sessions in Monroe and Ferndale. A dozen more meetings are on tap — Manson (4/15), Wenatchee (4/16), Naches (4/17), Brush Prairie (4/22), Auburn (4/29), Elma (4/30), Colville (5/5), Spokane (5/6), Clarkston (5/7), Kennewick (5/8), Port Townsend (5/10) and Ritzville (5/13). These meetings offer a great opportunity to network with your colleagues and catch up on recent developments in K-12 education, particularly on the legislative front. The full schedule, online registration and driving directions are available in our Regional Meetings section.

Lake Stevens receives national award
Congratulations to the Lake Stevens School District, which was recently honored with a national Magna Award from the American School Board Journal.  The awards program, now in its 14th year, recognizes school districts around the country for outstanding programs that advance student learning and community involvement in schools. For more information on Lake Stevens' awarding-winning program, click here.

Williams selected for PTA post
North Thurston School Director Bill Williams has been appointed executive director of the 150,000-member Washington State PTA. Williams, who has served on the North Thurston Board since 1986, is also a past president of WSSDA and a former member of the NSBA Board of Directors for the Pacific Region. He starts as the PTA’s new executive director on April 21. For more on Bill’s appointment, visit the PTA Web site.

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