Draft "common core" standards published
A one-month public comment period is now open on proposed common academic standards for students graduating from high schools around the country. The publication of the draft "college and career readiness" standards is part of a 48-state effort to develop a common core of state standards in English-language arts and mathematics for grades K-12. For more on the standards and how to comment, visit the Common Core Web site. Also available is reaction from the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction and the National School Boards Association.

TVW premieres Quest for Quality documentary
Sunnyside School Director Lorenzo Garza is among two dozen people interviewed in the upcoming TVW documentary The Quest for Quality: The Debate Over Education Reform & Funding. The two-part special, which airs this week, explores the history of education funding in the state and the debate over how Washington should finance public education in the 21st century. See the TVW Web site for details on the program and viewing options in your area.

Your help needed on creation of early learning plan
WSSDA has been asked to assist the state Department of Early Learning in encouraging input as the department works to develop a statewide early learning plan by Dec. 1 of this year. DEL is seeking comments, concerns and recommendations about what the plan should include and accomplish. School directors are encouraged to provide feedback, and to ensure that parents and families in their communities are aware of this effort. To learn more, visit the DEL Web site.

Getting up to speed on WSSDA’s officer and committee elections
We’ve just published our annual online guide to WSSDA’s elections, with information on the candidates running for statewide officer positions and a listing of committee positions that are up for election this year. Voting takes place at the WSSDA Annual Conference, which is now less that two months away. Be sure to read up on the candidates and take a look at committee positions in your Director Area. See the online guide for complete information.

Sending school directors-elect to Annual Conference
With the WSSDA Annual Conference occurring right after this November’s school board elections, districts are asking if they can send newly elected school directors to the Conference even if they have not yet been sworn into office. The answer is yes! To ensure your new members take part in this great learning opportunity, it is recommended that your board approve a resolution authorizing them to attend. A sample resolution is available here.

Applications sought for Leadership WSSDA 2010
If you are an experienced school director interested in taking your leadership skills to the next level, consider taking part in the Leadership WSSDA program in the coming year. Consistently praised for its high-level curricula and training, Leadership WSSDA challenges school directors to grow as visionary, influential leaders who effectively govern to improve student learning. Learn more here.

Four schools in Washington receive national honor
Congratulations to the Columbia (Burbank), Mead, Klickitat and Naselle-Grays River Valley school districts – each with schools that have received the national Blue Ribbon Schools Award. The four schools were among 314 nationwide that received the award, which recognizes public and private elementary, middle and high schools that are either academically superior or that demonstrate dramatic gains in student achievement. See the U.S. Department of Education press release for details.

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