We have 11 days left in the legislative session to pass bold education reforms that will improve outcomes for children and schools in Washington.
Your VOICE will make the difference!
Lawmakers in Olympia are considering two education reform proposals. The House proposal commits our state to redefining basic education to include the essential programs our children need to succeed and a plan to fully fund it. The Senate proposal leaves the definition of basic education up for grabs.
It’s up to all of us–parents, educators, and students–to ensure our lawmakers make the right decision on behalf of children this legislative session.
TAKE ACTION: Tell Governor Chris Gregoire, Senate Majority Leader Lisa Brown and House Speaker Frank Chopp to pass the strongest education reform bill that commits the Legislature to meeting our paramount duty in the State Constitution.
- Call Gov. Gregoire’s office at (360) 902-4111 or send an e-mail.
- Call Sen. Brown’s office at (360) 786-7604 or send an e-mail.
- Call Speaker Chopp’s office at (360) 786-7920 or send an e-mail.
A strong education reform proposal should include:
- Raising high school graduation requirements to 24 credits to prepare students for college, job training and the workforce;
- Adding a sixth period in the school day so students can take more math, science and world language classes; and
- All-day kindergarten and early learning for at-risk children to improve their ability to succeed in school.
Now is the time to redefine basic education and adopt systemic reforms and accountability measures and tie them to a responsible implementation schedule. If we do so, we will be able to hold our state lawmakers and ourselves accountable for providing our children the kind of education they need to succeed in good economic times and in bad times.
We would also better position Washington State to receive federal stimulus dollars and other funds tied to President Obama’s call for innovation in our public schools.
Thank you for speaking up on behalf of children and schools.
