Gregoire proposes $197 million for math and science initiative
It will be a few more days before Gov. Chris Gregoire unveils her proposed state operating budget for the coming biennium. In the meantime, though, she’s provided a preview of proposed spending for K-12 education with the announcement of a $197 million plan to improve math and science education in Washington’s public schools. Learn more here.

More developments on graduation requirements, math
Our last Boardcast led with the news that Gregoire and state Superintendent of Public Instruction Terry Bergeson were proposing that the state’s math WASL graduation requirement be deferred to allow for a three-year "transition period." In the wake of that announcement, Bergeson issued a letter to superintendents and principals clarifying the proposal (click here for the text of that letter). In addition, the State Board of Education endorsed what is essentially the same proposal (see the next item). What sometimes gets lost in all of this is that any change in the WASL-related graduation requirements must be approved by the Legislature.

WSSDA weighs in on SBE math action plan
WSSDA continues to make its voice heard as the State Board of Education grapples with the challenge of improving K-12 math education. Speaking on behalf of the WSSDA Board of Directors last month, President-elect Ted Thomas (Longview) told the SBE that math improvement strategies must maintain flexibility for school districts and focus on learning as opposed to "seat time." For more on the SBE’s Joint Math Action Plan and WSSDA’s comments, click here.

Opportunities Conference seeks model programs
Does your district have a program that’s especially effective in promoting achievement among diverse student populations? If so, WSSDA would like to hear from you. As the host association for the 2007 Northwest Conference on Celebrating Educational Opportunities for Diverse Students, we’ve just issued a Call for Model Programs. This is a great opportunity to showcase your program and share your success with other districts from Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Nevada. Learn more here.

Registration open for 2007 Legislative Conference
With so many education issues on the Legislature’s agenda, you won’t want to miss the 2007 WASA/WSSDA Legislative Conference. The meeting takes place February 25-26 at the Olympia Red Lion and "on the Hill." Registration forms will be in the mail soon, but you can get a jump on signing up by using the form available on the WASA Web site.

Sign up for WSSDA online courses
Online learning has tremendous advantages for busy school board members. You can study on your own schedule in a setting that works best for you. It’s also a great way to network and learn from other school board members around the state. WSSDA and Seattle Pacific University have again teamed up to offer a number of excellent online courses, covering topics such as Community Engagement, the Key Work of School Boards, and Board-Superintendent Relations. For a complete schedule and registration forms, visit the WSSDA Web site.

Show your commitment with a quilt square
In her remarks at the WSSDA Annual Conference last month, newly elected WSSDA President Cindy McMullen (Central Valley) invited school directors to join together in making a commitment to quality education for all children in the state — and to show a sign of that commitment by crafting a square that could be used in making a quilt. Cindy has provided more details on her idea, including directions for the quilt square. Click here for more information.

Annual Conference photo gallery
Speaking of Annual Conference, we’ve selected some of the best photographs from last month’s meeting and assembled them in an online gallery. Visit the WSSDA Web site to see a pictorial review of a great conference!

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