Media roundup for the Washington State Student Bill of Rights launch event
Posted on 30. Sep, 2009 by Mike.
Seattle School Board President Michael DeBell thanked the students for getting involved in strengthening our education system.
The Washington State Student Bill of Rights launch event at Seattle Center was a great success. Students, parents and community members turned out for the unveiling of the Student Bill of Rights. We also had media from KOMO, KING and the Seattle Times take video and photographs at the event.
This Associated Press story was picked up online by the Seattle Times, Seattle P-I, Olympian, Tri-City Herald, Skagit Valley Herald, MSNBC, KHQ TV and KNDU TV:
League of Education Voters launches bill of rights
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
SEATTLE — The League of Education Voters is introducing a Washington state student bill of rights.
The marketing campaign to promote school reform was introduced Wednesday with a kickoff at Seattle Center.
The student bill of rights is a list of eight things the league believes every student is entitled to. The organization says the bill of rights was written by students and they are doing their part to promote it.
First on the list is a call for equal quality education for all students, and a statement that students should have a say in their education. The bill of rights also demands safety, great teachers, modern textbooks and computers, preschool for everyone, and a meaningful diploma.
Students are asked to go to the bill or rights Web site and sign their name. The names are added the Web site as they come in.
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On the Web:
Student Bill of Rights: http://www.educationvoters.org/campaign/billofrights/
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Photos from the Washington State Student Bill of Rights Launch Event
Posted on 30. Sep, 2009 by Mike.
Students from The Center School in Seattle unveiled a mural of the Washington State Student Bill of Rights today at the Seattle Center. Here are some photos of the event. Thank you to Bobby McHugh from Guenthermedia.com who took the photos.
Maggie Wilkens, LEV's Youth Organizer, thanked students for their work on the Student Bill of Rights mural.
Devon, a student at The Center School, performed the spoken word.
- John, a student at Skyline High School, encouraged students to make their voices heard on education issues.
Tatianna, a student at The Center School, spoke about the importance of providing a quality education for every student.
Andy Bell, a teacher at The Center School, spoke about the role of arts education in preparing students for life. Students from his art class designed and painted the Student Bill of Rights mural.
Seattle School Board President Michael DeBell thanked the students for getting involved in strengthening our education system.
A student wearing the Student Bill of Rights t-shirt.
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Washington State Student Bill of Rights launches!
Posted on 30. Sep, 2009 by Mike.
Maggie Wilkens, youth organizer for the League of Education Voters, addresses students, parents and community members at the Washington State Student Bill of Rights launch event at the Seattle Center.
Local students took the podium today to speak out about their education at the unveiling of the Washington State Student Bill of Rights at the Seattle Center.
“The Washington State Student Bill of Rights is about empowering students to make our voices heard on education issues,” said John Gerlach, co-author of the Student Bill of Rights and a senior at Skyline High School in Sammamish.
Students from The Center School in Seattle unveiled a mural of the Student Bill of Rights that they created in Andy Bell’s art class, Creative Responses to Social Issues.
The Student Bill of Rights was written for students by students with support from the League of Education Voters this summer. It declares eight fundamental rights that every student is entitled to in his or her education. Students collected more than 1,000 signatures from students at community events and via social networks in support of the Student Bill of Rights.
“The response from students about the Washington State Student Bill of Rights has been terrific,” said Maggie Wilkens, youth organizer for the League of Education Voters. “We hope to bring students and the Student Bill of Rights to Olympia next year during the legislative session to remind legislators that students have a voice in improving our education system.”
Sign the Washington State Student Bill of Rights at http://www.educationvoters.org/campaign/billofrights/.
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LIVE BLOG: QEC, day 2
Posted on 30. Sep, 2009 by Heather.
LIVE BLOG: QEC, day 2
9:10am-10am
Professional Educator Standards Board Update - Jennifer Wallace
PowerPoint is here.
>>Sen. Eric Oemig asked a rhetorical question about National Board certification being the equivalent of the proposed master level certification, implying the proposed master certification is unnecessary.
>>Sen. Rosemary McAuliffe raised concerns over the cut scores for the WEST-B (assessment for entrance into teacher education program) and the impact on teacher diversity.
>>Mary Jean Ryan asked who evaluates the pre-service assessment. Jennifer Wallace answered trained educators will evaluate the assessments.
>>Dr. Bette Hyde asked if districts would be able to ask for assessment scores from candidates. Ms. Wallace was unsure if scores would be used to inform district hiring decisions.
>>Sen. McAuliffe asked if this assessment would assist with certification reciprocity. Ms. Wallace said yes, these states would have reciprocity.
>>Ms. Ryan asked if teachers would use WASL scores as evidence of student work on the ProTeach portfolio. Ms. Wallace said that may be one piece of data teachers could use, but student evidence is meant to be from the classroom.
>>Sen. Oemig asked if the ProCert portfolio is meant to filter out “gross incompetence” and/or drive professional development. Ms. Wallace said both, although she didn’t like the term. The idea is that ProCert is awarded to teachers who have demonstrated a certain level of teaching mastery, and if candidates cannot pass the ProTeach portfolio then they should transition out of the profession.
>>Ms. Ryan asked if tenure is tied to certification. Ms. Wallace said tenure is a contract issue and not tied to certification.
>>Sen. King asked if ProCert has a expiration date. Ms. Wallace said ProCert is good for five years, and then needs to be renewed, which teachers can do through clock hours. The PESB needs to figure out what to do for renewal under the new system going forward (once the ProTeach portfolio is in place).
>> Dr. Hyde asked about giving clock hours for completing the ProTeach portfolio. Ms. Wallace said that is an option, but they would prefer teachers earn a pay bump for earning ProCert, but it’s not cheap. They calculated that a $1,500 pay bump for ProCert would cost the state $18 million.
>>Rep. Pat Sullivan mentioned that in ESHB 2261 the compensation work group starting in 2011 will look at the disconnect between certification and compensation. Ms. Ryan said they should be thinking about this now. Ms. Wallace agrees.
>>Rep. Sullivan said this was a big issue during the Basic Education Finance Task Force, and former Superintendent of Public Instruction Terry Bergeson was a big advocate for at least awarding teachers a one-time payout for completing ProCert, because of the cost to complete. Sen. McAuliffe said there is more an incentive to pursue National Board certification because of the ongoing pay bump.
>>Rep. Marcie Maxwell asked if the e-cert system is part of the early data work. Ms. Wallace was uncertain if e-cert was going to be online early on, and thought the CEDARS system was more of a priority.
>>Rep. Sullivan asked if the PESB is going to make a budget request for a ProCer pay bump. Ms. Wallace said they are having conversations with different bodies, but don’t plan on making a specific budget request.
>>Dr. Jane Gutting asked if the PESB has looked at the e-cert systems used by ESDs. Ms. Wallace said the e-cert office in OSPI may have.<<
10am-10:50am
Pupil Transportation Implementation Plan: OSPI Update - Allan Jones and Mike Kenney
Proposal is here. PowerPoint is here.
>>Sen. McAuliffe asked if they are looking at different start times for elementary and secondary, to increase efficiency. Mike Kenney said that will be part of their recommendation to districts, that they look at bell times and the like, but much of that depends on the geographic size of the district.
>>Sen. Oemig asked if every district provides transportation to students. Allan Jones said all districts do, either through their own system, or through contracting with a neighboring district. Mr. Jones added that school boards have the authority to decide if student transportation is necessary. Mr. Kenney said transportation is a part of basic education, and transportation cannot be a barrier to a student’s education. Sen. Oemig was concerned about districts being penalized (in funding) for making their transportation systems more efficient. Dr. Hyde asked if walking programs could be better used to combat child obesity and save transportation funds.
>>Sen. Joseph Zarelli said this may not be the final answer yet, and it may make more sense to allocate transportation on a FTE basis. We need to move to a system that encourages “out of the box” thinking on getting students to school.
>>Rep. Bruce Dammeier asked if they have a cost estimate for the new model using the road mile instead of the aerial mile. Mr. Jones said they didn’t have a concrete cost estimate. Rep. Dammeier asked if the state could save money by purchasing one routing program and give access to all districts, rather than purchase 295 copies. Mr. Jones said they plan to do that for small districts.
>>Sen. McAuliffe asked if there were incentives in the plan to get students out of cars and into school buses. Mr. Kenney said adequate funding will help. Mr. Jones said they didn’t want to get into the high school students in cars issue.
>>Dr. Gutting asked about state statistics on student injury and deaths due to transportation. Mr. Jones said the state has data on incidents related to school buses, but not to private transportation.
>>Stephen Rushing said incentives for more efficient transportation systems would be better, and systems should include funding for safe walking routes (supervisors, etc). Mr. Rushing also pointed out that high school students’ days start the earliest, but that doesn’t work best for teenagers’ biological clocks. But athletics and other activities conflict with that, so some rules may need to change.
>>Superintendent of Public Instruction Randy Dorn asked how long the study has been going on (answer: 5 years) and if the entire transportation community has been involved (answer: yes) and districts will be held harmless (answer: yes). Superintendent Dorn mentioned that most districts are cutting back on transportation system (eliminating stops, etc.). Then Superintendent Dorn asked how much is needed from the Legislature. Mr. Jones said they need $670,000 for development of the technology infrastructure. Dr. Hyde wondered if any federal funds could be used to fund the IT part of this.<<
11:05am-11:50am
Race to the Top Updates - Superintendent Randy Dorn and Mary Jean Ryan
-Began with reading a letter from the governor to the superintendent. In it, Gov. Gregoire said the plan is to submit a Race to the Top application in the first round, and if unsuccessful submit a second application in round two.
-Other states are changing laws in attempts to make themselves more competitive (Rhode Island, California, Colorado).
-SBE will be proposing language to the Legislature improving the SBE’s ability to work with low-performing schools.
>>Sen. Zarelli asked if Washington has to do all of the corrective actions under NCLB, or if we can pick and choose. He would prefer that we use outside teams to assess what is happening in struggling schools where everything has the potential to be on the chopping block. Ms. Ryan said that is part of the SBE proposed accountability plan.
>>Rep. Sullivan expressed concern over the state taking over struggling schools; the state knows what it needs to do, we just need to commit resources. Sen. McAuliffe asked what metrics would be used to determine which schools are “struggling.” Ms. Ryan said they are still working on that, and the SBE is trying to meld the proposed state system with the federal system.
>>Dr. Gutting asked about the steps of “academic watch” in the SBE plan. Ms. Ryan said the SBE would rather work with school boards, and does not want to take over schools.
>>Sen. McAuliffe wondered if voluntary focused assistance is successful (for OSPI’s program, yes), and if the state was providing enough funding (no).
>>Rep. Dammeier is excited about the SBE’s accountability work and think it gets to the heart of ESHB 2261.<<
11:50am-12:40pm
Public Comment
Jim Kainber, Stand for Children - hearing positive feedback from legislators re: education; encourage QEC to adopt a prototype model, will help direct work for Funding Formula Technical Working Group; induction piece is important in phase-in, easy early investment to make in teacher quality
Rick Allen, United Way of Pierce County - stressing importance of early learning
>>Sen. Zarelli made a statement that educating parents may be a better investment. Mr. Allen said he didn’t disagree, and envisioned an early learning system that included various providers, parents and state agencies to meet community needs.
Joel Ryan, Washington Head Start/ECEAP - would like early learning to be part of basic education; believe in universal preschool starting with at-risk children; Head Start and ECEAP focus on children and parents
>>Sen. McAuliffe made the comment that the ideal early learning system would serve children from birth to 5-year-olds.
Heidi Bennett, Seattle PTA parent - encourages QEC to adopt Superintendent Dorn’s proposed prototype model; increasing instructional hours is a priority; advocating for gifted/talented programs
Allen Jones, Tumwater School District - concerns over proposed funding for high-poverty schools, 50 percent poverty threshold creates unintended incentive, extended school day/year does not include transportation which is a big barrier for students, formulas show no connection to student achievement; proposing allocations be block grants based on student demographics, with successful districts receiving more flexibility and the struggling districts held to higher accountability; need to provide additional funding for struggling schools through the accountability system
Lucinda Young, WEA - clarified licensure, it is a document allowing an educator or administrator to apply for a job; concerns over ProTeach portfolio, calling it “high stakes:” prefer National Board certification; need to expand and fund teacher induction and mentoring program; hope any Race to the Top funds will enhance efforts already underway in Washington; state takeover and turnaround of schools has not been found to be effective
>>Sen. Oemig asked about the WEA’s position on certification renewal. Ms. Young said the renewal process has to be worth educators’ time and not be “arbitrary or capricious;” would like rigorous evaluation of the ProTeach portfolio.
Kim Howard, Washington State PTA - parents are tracking the work of the QEC; appreciate Superintendent Dorn’s proposed prototype; use findings from Washington Learns and the Basic Education Finance Task Force; sense of urgency for reform
1:30pm-1:35pm
Public Comment, continued
Doug Nelson, Public School Employees - supports Superintendent Dorn’s proposed prototype model; need training and professional development for classified employees; child nutrition should be addressed somewhere
1:35pm-2:45pm
Review of QEC Responsibilities - Jennifer Priddy
-Recommend a schedule for a phased-in implementation plan (section 114)
-Set the beginning and end values of the prototype model
-Funding Formula Technical Working Group to recommend to QEC an implementation plan; and focus on the technical issues around implementing a new funding model, not make policy decisions
>>Mr. Rushing asked if there is a list of questions from the FFTWG to the QEC. Ms. Priddy said the FFTWG needs to know the end point for 2018 in order to recommend a phase-in plan. Amy Skei from OFM said the FFTWG needs to know what class sizes to work with.
>>Rep. Skip Priest said the FFTWG got started late, and wondered what needs to be done to support them get work done at a faster pace. Ms. Skei said some of the FFTWG work depends on policy direction from the QEC.
>>Rep. Sullivan is also concerned about the late start of the FFTWG and QEC. During the Basic Education Finance Task Force there was concern that stakeholders were not given enough time to comment on proposals. And since not everyone on the QEC was on the BEFTF, it is too soon to adopt prototype values.
>>Rep. Dammeier asked if the QEC should adopt the prototype values before receiving information from the Achievement Gap Accountability and Oversight Committee, on implementing CORE 24, and other items.
>>Sen. McAuliffe asked if staff could set benchmark deadlines for all of the responsibilities of the QEC. Ms. Priddy said the law calls for several products, and those products are related. Staff has been trying to sequence things to match the timelines in the bill.
>>Sen. Oemig said he interpreted the bill to direct the QEC to recommend formulae and a prototype model without values, and program goals for 2018.
>>Rep. Maxwell said she believed there should be more of a partnership between the QEC and the FFTWG, and the FFTWG could benefit from the QEC at least forwarding them a framework.
>>Dr. Gutting said the sooner a prototype model with values can be pushed out to the public, the more feedback the QEC can receive. She felt there were more values in Superintendent Dorn’s proposal than the law calls for and asked those be separated out.
>>Ms. Ryan asked if the final values needed to be set in order to work on phasing in the new model. She also sees value in setting expectations for any 2018 values in the prototype. More debate needs to be done around instructional items, like smaller class sizes in high-poverty schools.
>>Sen. Curtis King agreed that they need to put current funding levels into the prototypical model, but aren’t ready to put in 2018 values.
>>Speaker Frank Chopp asked if Sen. McAuliffe was making a motion that a work plan be created. Sen. McAuliffe said she supposed she was, so she made a motion, seconded by Speaker Chopp. Superintendent Dorn said Cal Brodie from OSPI made a presentation on the timeline of work related to ESHB 2261. Sen. Oemig said he more interpreted Mr. Brodie’s presentation to be about deliverables of the bill, and would like to see a work plan for the deliverables of the QEC.
>>Rep. Sullivan said the QEC needs a work plan for now until January 1 - he sent out a memo with a proposed plan with Rep. Priest. The QEC also needs to recommend a prioritized phase-in plan as well, and they need the 2018 values to do that. He recommends they set the 2018 values and then ask for public comment on those values.
[Confusion over a supposed motion from Sen. McAuliffe, leading Superintendent Dorn to say he didn't want to be perceived as "dissing" Sen. McAuliffe by not addressing the motion.]
>>Rep. Dammeier supported having a work plan, and said they should meet more if that’s what is necessary to get the work done.
>>Rep. Priest said they need to remember that the crosswalk is important, putting current values into the new model. Districts need time to adapt to new reporting criteria. He asked if the QEC needed to set ending values for the work to keep moving forward. Ms. Priddy said current funding into the new model (the crosswalk) needs to be adopted by the Legislature in the 2010 session so the formula can be implemented beginning September 2011.
[Lots of confusion over what a crosswalk is, how complete the crosswalk is, and how non basic education funds fit in.]
>>Sen. McAuliffe asked is the crosswalk sets the baseline for the new model. Ms. Priddy said that was her understanding.
>>Sen. Oemig clarified that not all funds driven out through the prototype are basic education dollars, but they do need to be able to be driven out through the prototype (e.g. 728, K-4 enhancements). He agreed that the QEC needs to set the baseline, but they are also waiting for reports back from other groups.
>>Ms. Ryan proffered that the QEC needs to get updates sooner from all of its working groups. The QEC also needs to put forward revenue options for additions to the prototype. Dr. Gutting asked if that was a task for the Legislature, or the QEC. Ms. Ryan said the FFTWG is supposed to make recommendations, and it is implied to the QEC, depending on how one reads the bill.
>>Sen. McAuliffe said they also need to consider capacity of districts to implement any increases to the prototype. Rep. Sullivan said system capacity is a report due from OSPI to the QEC.
[Back to the motion that turned out to be a real motion...]
>>Sen. McAuliffe motioned that the QEC develop a work plan for now until January 1. Superintendent Dorn appointed Sen. McAuliffe, Rep. Dammeier, Sen. King and Rep. Sullivan to an ad hoc committee to create the work plan.
[Break!]
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3:05pm-3:50pm
Discussion, continued
Motion #1: Adoption of a work plan
The QEC shall adopt a work plan to address the work products and processes to be undertaken between October 1 and January 1, 2010. The work plan shall specifically provide for the public input on the Dorn-proposed and Basic Education Finance Task Force 2018 funding values. Further, the work plan shall identify when the QEC will adopt a crosswalk of the current Basic Education funding (28A.150.160), operating budget level funding into the new prototype funding structure.
>>Sen. McAuliffe said she would like meeting dates to be part of the work plan. Upcoming meeting dates are November 2nd and 3rd, and November 30th and December 1st. Dr. Gutting suggested any work groups submit reports a few days before the early November meeting so they don’t have to spend so much time hearing reports and can instead get straight to work. Sen. King said Nov. 3-Dec. 1 doesn’t work for him; Superintendent Dorn said he could send an alternate.
>>Ms. Ryan asked the work plan go beyond January 1, 2010 to January 1, 2011. Rep. Priest said they only have so much staff and can’t ask them to do much more than they are already doing. He agrees with Ms. Ryan but doesn’t want to ask staff to focus beyond 2010 right now.
Original motion passed
>>Mr. Rushing said he would like to hear from Council members on what numbers in Superintendent Dorn’s proposal Council members do or don’t like. Speaker Chopp said he would like to hear from stakeholders first before wading through all of the values.
>>Superintendent Dorn asked members to provide feedback for the FFTWG.
>>Ms. Ryan said she has questions about reducing class size down to 15 for all K-3 classrooms, instead of just in high-poverty schools. She would like input on whether poverty enhancements go to districts or schools.
>>Sen. King asked about the 10 LIDs recommendation, as he isn’t clear that more than one LID should be part of basic education.
>>Sen. Oemig asked about phasing in transportation, and would like local effort assistance to be part of the prototype, as well as 728 funds. He would like to see more of those pieces in the prototype, in addition to categorical programs.
>>Mr. Rushing shared that data collection takes a lot of staff resources and time. He echoed Ms. Ryan and asked about smaller class sizes in lower grades and if it should be uniform rather than targeted. He also wondered if social workers and counselors are interchangeable, or if they are separate job descriptions. Superintendent Dorn clarified the scope of work of counselors (students) and social workers (community, families). Mr. Rushing then asked if it made more sense to separate social workers and nurses into two staff categories.
>>Superintendent Dorn reiterated that the prototype is meant for allocation purposes only, so districts can staff as they see best meeting students’ needs. Speaker Chopp said the social worker-nurse question is exactly why he would like public comment.
>>Sen. McAuliffe asked if Superintendent Dorn’s proposed number of guidance counselors made sense, especially in larger high schools — do high schools of 1,800 really need 10.5 guidance counselors. Superintendent Dorn said the work load of counseling departments has grown drastically, and students could benefit from better access to counselors.
>>Rep. Sullivan said he would like the QEC to ask the Achievement Gap Committee specifically for feedback about how ELL programs should be funded.
>>Rep. Dammeier would like feedback from the FFTWG and others about levies, as well as feedback from stakeholders about early learning and where smart investments can be made.
>>Sen. King would like the QEC to have a discussion about how the state runs ELL programs, whether immersion is better, etc.<<
Click here for coverage day one.
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Congratulations to the 2010 Washington State Teachers of the Year!
Posted on 29. Sep, 2009 by Maggie.
Yesterday afternoon at the Experience Music Project’s Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame, families, friends and education supporters gathered to recognize and celebrate the work of Washington’s best teachers. With over 60,000 teachers in the state of Washington, it was a tremendous honor for the nine educators that were nominated. League of Education Voters would like to recognize and thank the 2010 Regional Teachers of the Year:
James Loucks, West Valley High School
Madeline Dunn, Garfield Elementary School
Kenneth Roberts, Fort Vancouver High School
Heather Rader, North Thurston Public Schools
Danyell Laughlin, Klahowya Secondary School
Michelle Kelly, Kent Elementary School
Aimee Simington-Pearce, McLoughlin Middle School
Thomas Robinson, Chelan High School
Special congratulations to Washington’s 2010 Teacher of the Year:
James Yoos, Bellingham High School
Thank you teachers!
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LIVE BLOG: QEC
Posted on 29. Sep, 2009 by Heather.
9:05am-9:55am
Funding Formula Technical Working Group Update and Crosswalk Progress - Julie Salvi and Jennifer Priddy
See the PowerPoint here.
>>Sen. Joseph Zarelli asked if the current class size in the crosswalk is based on teachers the state is funding or the number districts actually hire. Jennifer Priddy answered that these number are based on the number of teachers districts hire with the state allocation. Mary Jean Ryan pointed out that these numbers do not reflect staff funded through other funding sources, including local levies, 728, etc.; this information would be helpful moving forward.
>>Ms. Ryan asked about funding assumptions for principal salaries, since most local districts augment administrator salaries. QEC needs to think about that in the bigger picture moving forward, that administrator costs are higher than what the state is funding. Sen. Zarelli would like to see that data. Superintendent of Public Instruction Randy Dorn clarified that these numbers reflect what districts are actually buying, on average, with state allocations. Sen. Zarelli followed up that regional cost differentials are part of this, and doesn’t want to leave districts hanging later on because of regional differentials.
>>Stephen Rushing asked about administrator funding. Ms. Priddy answered that the state funds four administrators per 1,000 students at rates determined in the 1970s. Some districts receive $57,000/administrator from the state while others receive $85,000/administrator. Most administrators earn more than the baseline, leaving the difference to be picked up by districts.
>>Sen. Eric Oemig asked about the state’s ability to track supplemental salary for teachers (data system isn’t set up to collect this). Ms. Priddy said that is mostly correct, and some of the supplemental salaries are for coaches, National Board certified teachers, and the like.
>>Rep. Bruce Dammeier highlighted how helpful the crosswalk will be in phasing in the new funding model and setting phase-in priorities. Dr. Bette Hyde asked about 6th grade in middle schools and if that is reflected in the crosswalk. Ms. Priddy said that only 6th grade in elementary schools was included in the crosswalk.
>>Ms. Ryan asked about other basic education costs not in RCW. Ms. Priddy responded that in addition to staff allocations, NERCs and transportation are also considered basic education.
>>Sen. Zarelli asked about certificated staff allocations, and if the state provides specific funding for non-classroom staff (educational staff associates). Ms. Priddy said that ESAs are included in the certificated staff ratio and districts decide how many ESAs to hire. Sen. Cutis King asked about the library enhancement previously funded in the budget. Ms. Priddy said districts could use that allocation to either hire librarians and/or buy library materials; any FTEs purchased with that allocation are not reflected in ESA crosswalk. Sen. Zarelli indicated he would like to see how many teachers the state would fund in the prototype, not just the funded class size.<<
9:55am-10:20am
Early Learning Work Group Update - Dr. Bette Hyde and Superintendent Randy Dorn
One page update is here.
-Dr. Hyde clarified that this plan will be for Washington State as a whole, it won’t be just a Department of Early Learning Program - OSPI and DSHS will also have pieces of it.
>>Sen. Rosemary McAuliffe asked if any other states include early learning for at-risk children in basic education. Dr. Hyde said other states do provide universal preschool or preschool for at-risk children, but not part of basic education. Rep. Sullivan asked for more information about what other states are doing, in regard to state preschool programs.
>>Rep. Skip Priest brought up that investing in early learning programs can save money down the road. That information may be useful for this group, especially for those members interested in cost efficiency. Ms. Ryan asserted that the QEC needs to look at possibly return on investment in all areas, not just early learning.<<
10:20am-11:15am
Date Governance Update - Bob Butts, Debbie Spaulding and Allan Miedema
PowerPoint is available here.
-Bob Butts thinks enough money has been allocated to get the job done.
>>Rep. Priest asked if he just meant OSPI and the Date Governance Group, and not local districts. Mr. Butts said there is enough money to do what was called for in ESHB 2261. Rep. Priest asked if the group will determine what this new system will cost districts. Mr. Butts said that information will be collected during the gap analysis.
>>Sen. McAuliffe asked if the group will also look at unnecessary reports and perhaps reduce the data reporting burden on districts. Mr. Butts said Sen. King sponsored a bill in the previous session that directs that type of analysis to be done (identify duplicate and/or unnecessary reports).
>>Sen. Oemig asked about the ability to link student and teacher data. Mr. Butts said the group will look at that. Sen. Oemig asked when these reports would be available (per ESHB 2261). Ms. Priddy answered the question, saying he is asking about reports in subsection five of ESHB 2261, and OSPI does intend to produce those reports, but needs more staff.
>>Dr. Hyde asked about progress toward becoming a P-20 data system. Debbie Spaulding said they anticipate other data systems to tack onto the CEDARS Data Warehouse.
>>Sen. McAuliffe asked if online schools will be included in the data system. Allan Miedema said it is the hope that they would have reciprocity with online schools.
>>Rep. Priest said it sounds like much of the system is punitive, and asked about student mobility. Will teachers be able to use data to inform instruction, or for schools to be able to understand how to best help students who transfer to a new building? Mr. Butts indicated that the intent is for the system to help educators, schools and districts effectively teach students. Ms. Spaulding said that just yesterday these data can now be linked, and users indicated the need for a teacher portal to access the data.
>>Sen. Oemig said that in the bill it called for a “data improvement system,” with the intent that data be used to improve instruction, better match professional development opportunities with teachers, better identify student needs, etc.
>>Rep. Sullivan asked about implementing the expanded data system, and how that would be phased in. Mr. Butts said he didn’t know if the group would be able to do that.
>>Dr. Jane Gutting brought up that in the health care industry, practitioners enter data and are responsible for accuracy. In education, secretaries enter most of the data. How do we want to do data entry in the future? Mr. Miedema said that is a key part moving forward, and staff who enter data need training because they may have been moved from another role/position and don’t have data entry experience.
>>Superintendent Dorn asked if this new system would require every teacher to have access to a computer. Ms. Spaulding said that every teacher has access to a computer and the internet, many of whom have it in the classroom. Superintendent Dorn highlighted the need for teachers to have computers in the classroom.<<
11:35am-11:50am
Meeting Dates and Planning - Superintendent Dorn
-Recommend that the December meeting be two days
>>Dr. Hyde asked if the November meeting should also be two days.
>>Ms. Ryan suggested having a meeting later in December to better digest the recommendations of the Funding Formula Technical Working Group. Ms. Priddy said the legislation limits the QEC to only four meetings per year. Sen. McAuliffe said it was intentionally written that way. Ms. Ryan said it seemed the intent of ESHB 2261 was that the QEC could meet more than four times in 2009 because of startup needs, and then meet only four times in 2010 and beyond. Rep. Sullivan said he believed the intent of the legislation was the QEC could meet more than four times in 2009.<<
-Ms. Priddy presented how current ESA staffing in the prototype model translates to a per 1,000 students ratio (the information Sen. Zarelli was asking for).
11:50am-12:15pm
2018 Funding Values: SPI Proposal - Jennifer Priddy
Proposal is here. PowerPoint is here.
>>Sen. Zarelli asked what the range in class size is nationally. Ms. Priddy said Vermont has the smallest with 10.8, the U.S. average is 15.5, Washington has 19.1 and Utah has the largest with 22.1.
>>Sen. King asked if they looked at the research indicating smaller class sizes do have a positive impact in the early grades, but don’t necessarily in the other grades (citing a WSIPP study). Ms. Priddy answered that they are considering research, and that there is national research indicating smaller class sizes make a difference in high-poverty schools, and workload is an issue for secondary teachers.
>>Superintendent Dorn spoke to teacher workload and the benefits of reducing teacher workload. Sen. Zarelli responded that reducing teaching workload and lowering class size are two separate issues, and teacher workload can be reduced through other methods. Superintendent Dorn did not disagree. Rep. Priest jumped in saying the Basic Education Finance Task Force was a little arbitrary in selecting class sizes for the prototype and settled on many of the numbers because they were round (e.g. 25 instead of 26), and some of the small class sizes were meant to enable smaller schools and districts to offer more specialized programs like AP and CTE (otherwise they wouldn’t have enough students in the program to support it).
More on this after lunch…
1:05pm-3:05pm
2018 Funding Values: SPI Proposal, continued - Jennifer Priddy
>>Sen. Oemig questioned the use of national rankings since we don’t know what other supports all other states are providing.
>>Ms. Ryan would like some data disaggregated to help answer questions, e.g. is lowering class size in the early grades more effective for certain students? What about teacher compensation?
>>Sen. Zarelli said he doesn’t want to take just take the current funding model and increase spending; he would rather funding increases be targeted to effective investments. He would also like allocations be given to districts in block amounts to allow more flexibility. QEC needs to determine priorities for funding.
>>Dr. Gutting suggested members of the QEC sit down with the finance manager for their local districts to see what decisions districts are making and try to identify where the “fat” is.
>>Dr. Hyde said that the intent of the BEFTF’s recommendation was to hold districts accountable for results, and let districts decide how to spend funds. Rep. Sullivan agreed, citing differences between districts.
>>Sen. McAuliffe brought up different learning styles and the needs of today’s students.
>>Dr. Gutting said that they need to “get the most bang for their buck” with new investments but the state isn’t providing enough funding to “keep the doors open.”<<
>>Rep. Dammeier asked if the intent is that guidance counselors could be decreased down the road once dropout rates decrease. Superintendent Dorn spoke to the workload of guidance counselors and the benefit of having more counselors in schools. Rep. Dammeier asked for background on the BEFTF guidance counselor recommendation. Dr. Hyde said it was based on recommendations Picus and Odden made during Washington Learns.
>>Sen. Oemig asked if the intent was still that this model is for allocation purposes only and districts can choose to spend funds differently. Superintendent Dorn said yes, however, districts will probably follow it because districts will worry they will be held more accountable for deviating from the model. Rep. Dammeier asked if the model could include broader staffing categories (e.g. non-teaching staff) so districts can have more flexibility. Rep. Priest said the intent was for the model to lay out specific staffing ratios, citing librarians as an example of the import.<<
>>Sen. King asked how the state will hold districts accountable. If districts have the flexibility to spend funds as they see fit, and then don’t achieve to the desired level, what happens? QEC members pointed to Ms. Ryan for a response. Ms. Ryan said the State Board of Education is working on the accountability system, including improvement plans for low-performing schools and districts. Sen. Zarelli said we can do two things, 1) not promote students that don’t pass the grade, putting pressure on parents, and 2) not give anyone in the building raises if performance targets aren’t met - this way everyone will work together to improve achievement. Sen. King again said something about expectation of results.
>>Rep. Priest shared some background on the BEFTF, including members thinking on recommendations. He said, basically, the BEFTF didn’t want to get too bogged down and focused on those areas with the most impact on student learning (early learning, lower class sizes in early grades, etc.). Dr. Hyde followed up saying the big ideas behind the model were transparency and accountability.<<
>>Mr. Rushing asked about instructional aides, as no one he works with uses that term; does this include paraeducators? Ms. Priddy said it may include paraeducators, although these positions are often funded through special education, or pullout tutors.<<
>>Re maintenance, Sen. Zarelli asked if it made more sense to allocate on a square footage basis. Superintendent Dorn said schools have more going on in the evenings now than in the past, with sports, evening classes, community meetings, etc. which requires additional facilities maintenance. Sen. Zarelli said he understood but was wondering if a different method to determine funding made sense. Rep. Priest said that idea makes sense, and is worth exploring. Ms. Priddy said they have tried to run those numbers, but we don’t have accurate data on the square footage of the entire system. There are national studies that indicate the level of funding necessary to maintain facilities. Sen. Zarelli said the state does have the square footage for every school in the state. Ms. Priddy said they just haven’t collected the data at the state level and JLARC is working on that.
>>Sen. King proffered that state funds should not be used to maintain facilities built with local funds. Superintendent Dorn agreed but said levy funds are not just used for extras anymore. Sen. King agreed.
>>Sen. McAuliffe asked about the maintenance supplies per student allocation from Washington Learns; it seems low. Ms. Priddy needs to double check it.<<
>>Mr. Rushing asked if the extended day tutoring in the Learning Assistance Program would occur outside of the school day. Ms. Priddy said it wasn’t prescriptive. Mr. Rushing then asked about transportation for such a program. Ms. Priddy said that could be built into the new transportation formula.<<
>>Sen. Zarelli asked if the ELL program is based on research, because research he’s seen would point in another direction — especially with the growing ELL population. Ms. Ryan mentioned the work being done with ELL students in Spokane, and the strong results they are seeing. Sen. Zarelli again stressed not just putting more money into the system, but spending wisely. Ms. Ryan agreed with him, and cited the need for these programs. Sen. Zarelli added that he just wants Washington to look at best practices from other states and within the state. Dr. Gutting said she would also like to see the research on effective programs for ELL students. Rep. Priest agreed, but added that some districts have greater needs in this area (i.e. more languages spoken at home) and may need greater funding.
>>Sen. McAuliffe said this reminds her of 1209, where the state said it would set the standards then provide the funding to get there.<<
>>Sen. King asked why the state would fund 10 learning improvement days. Ms. Priddy said Picus and Odden recommend 10 LIDs, and WSIPP found research that said increasing LIDs can increase student achievement. Mr. Rushing added that LIDs are in addition to the 180 instructional days. Ms. Ryan brought up that the SBE spends too much time processing waiver requests from districts asking to reduce student instructional days to offer one or two staff professional development days, so if the state pays for 10 LIDs then districts should not be able to apply for those waivers. Ms. Ryan added that any professional development needs to be effective, and curriculum needs to support our academic standards, diagnostic and formative assessments should also be invested in.
>>Sen. Zarelli said he would like to see these built into the academic year, rather than be add-ons. Sen. McAuliffe agreed with Sen. Zarelli, and thought we may not want to think of them just as days, but imbedded in the school year. Mr. Rushing said the funds could instead pay for release time for teachers, and the substitutes that would also be needed, to allow teachers to meet during the school day, or observe other teachers.
>>Ms. Ryan asked about the difference between LIDs and the professional development MSOC allocation. Ms. Priddy said the LID allocation would pay the teacher salary for that professional development, and the MSOC allocation would cover contracted costs (trainer, travel, materials) and costs for professional development for all staff (classified, etc.).<<
>>Questions about the amount of funding local levies provide, including funding for supplemental salaries and transportation. Ms. Ryan mentioned the COLA.
>>Members asked for a break down of QEC responsibilities beyond the prototype, will help inform priorities going forward.
>>Rep. Dammeier asked if increasing state funding to the national average (along with accountability) will push student achievement higher (since Washington’s student achievement is above average with below average spending). Ms. Priddy said research supports a “yes” answer.
>>Mr. Rushing asked what would happen to funds like 728 when the state transitions to the new model. Ms. Priddy said she doesn’t recall what happens specifically to 728, but that is a policy question to consider, probably just roll 728 into the general fund.<<
3:15pm-3:50pm
Public Comment
Laura Kohn, The New School Foundation - success of The New School, emphasizing investments in the early years
John Bancroft, White Center Early Learning Initiative - stressing the importance of early learning programs, ECEAP/Head Start not adequately funded
George Scarola, League of Education Voters - QEC needs to do three things: 1) develop program for early learning, specifically preschool for 4-year-olds, 2) adopt the prototype model, and 3) create a phase-in plan
Sarah Francis, MomsRising - parents need access to early learning opportunities
Allen Jones, director of finance, Tumwater School District - use the current accountability system, give districts flexibility
Hilary Ryan, parent - early childhood education is very important
3:50pm-4:05pm
Looking to tomorrow
>>Sen. King is unsure of whether LIDs are meant to be included in basic education.
>>Sen. Oemig thinks the QEC should adopt the categories for the prototype, and is less concerned with setting the 2018 amounts right now.
>>Sen. Zarelli said local funding fits into this, and it needs to be considered.
>>Rep. Priest asked for clarification of the tasks before the QEC and the Funding Formula Technical Working Group - who fills in the prototype? Can we direct the FFTWG to vet the numbers in Superintendent Dorn’s proposal? Rep. Marcie Maxwell agreed that things need to move forward.
>>Sen. McAuliffe said the FFTWG is working, and it’s too early for the QEC to make a recommendation, and the QEC should wait for the FFTWG’s recommendations.
>>Mr. Rushing said he would like more time for discussion. Dr. Gutting said she doesn’t want to pre-decide if the QEC can make a decision tomorrow, but think about things tonight and come prepared for good discussion tomorrow.
>>Rep. Dammeier suggested everyone think about this proposal tonight, come prepared to discuss tomorrow and at least set some priorities tomorrow. Ms. Ryan asked about the importance of setting ending values.<<
Click here for coverage of day 2.
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Join us this Wednesday for the unveiling of the Student Bill of Rights at Seattle Center
Posted on 28. Sep, 2009 by Maggie.
We’re excited to be launching the Washington State Student Bill of Rights at Fisher Pavilion rooftop in Seattle Center beginning at 9:30 AM this Wednesday, September 30th.
Will you be able to join students from The Center School, parents and members of the community as we unveil a life-size mural of the Washington State Student Bill of Rights?
Let us know if you can attend the event by:
The Washington State Student Bill of Rights was created by a group of high school and college students with support from the League of Education Voters. The goal of the Student Bill of Rights is to empower students to be the most important voice in changing our schools so every child graduates Ready for Life.
The Washington State Student Bill of Rights launch event will feature:
- Local students speaking out about why we need a Student Bill of Rights;
- Seattle School Board President Michael DeBell talking to students about the power of student activism; and
- The unveiling of a life-size mural of the Washington State Student Bill of Rights created by students from The Center School.
Let us know if you can attend the event by:
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Legislative committee days Oct. 1-2
Posted on 28. Sep, 2009 by Heather.
Legislative committee days are October 1-2 in Olympia. A lot is going on, and you can see the full calendar of meetings here. TVW will be broadcasting everything, online or on live TV.
Here is the schedule for the education-related committees:
Thursday, October 1
- 1:30 p.m. - House Education Appropriations
- 3:30 p.m. - Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education
Friday, October 2
- 8 a.m. - House Education
- 8 a.m. - House Higher Education
- 8 a.m. - Senate Higher Education & Workforce Development
- 1:30 p.m. - House Early Learning
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QEC to meet Sept. 29-30
Posted on 28. Sep, 2009 by Heather.
The Quality Education Council is holding its second meeting at the New Market Skills Center in Tumwater. The agenda is available here. It is unclear whether TVW will do a live webcast, check the website for updates. And check back here for live updates throughout both days.
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Education news for September 28
Posted on 28. Sep, 2009 by Heather.
Whoop: 13 South Sound schools get nod for reading, math improvements
$omething to build on: 4 local districts get stimulus school bonds
Bye bye summer? Obama would curtail summer vacation
Lighten up: Management guru says ’student load’ key to achievement
