Archive | January, 2010

What happened this week in Olympia?

Here’s a summary of what LEV was up to during “Education Reform Week” in Olympia.
On Monday, the Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee held a public hearing on Gov. Gregoire’s “Race to the Top bill” (Senate Bill 6696). The bill would make changes to help Washington win a Race to the Top grant.  George [...]

If you were hiding under a rock last night, you missed two great things.

1) Obama stated his commitment to making community colleges across the country more affordable
2) the Bus held Olympia in a Can (part 1 of 3)!
The first three weeks of the legislative session have been a whirlwind of topics: the budget, pre-kindergarten, the budget, race to the top, umm the budget, new revenue sources, and did [...]

Not Just Tea Leaves

For those out there who think Race to the Top is just a one-off, one-year, unfunded mandate, I invite scrutiny of the following excerpt of last night’s State of the Union Address:
“This year, we have broken through the stalemate on the right and left by launching a national competition to improve our schools….When we renew [...]

LEV board members testify in support of early learning

This morning, the Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee held a public hearing on Senate Bill 6759. The bill would begin work to include early learning in basic education.  Doing so would elevate Washington’s commitment to the preparation of young children for kindergarten.  Studies show that children who show up ready for kindergarten are [...]

Emma Margraf testimony in support of early learning in basic education

Good morning. For the record, my name is Emma Margraf and I am a new foster parent to a 14 year old here in Olympia.
I am here in support of SB 6759 and applaud you for your leadership on this issue. The time for action is now – all kids, especially children at-risk, need quality [...]

Janet Levinger testimony in support of early learning in basic education

Senate Early Learning and K-12 Committee
Wednesday, January 27th, 8 am
Senate Hearing Rm 1, Cherberg Building
Public hearing on SB 6759
Good afternoon. For the record, my name is Janet Levinger. I am here today as a community volunteer and child advocate. I currently serve on the boards of United Way of King County, Social Venture Partners, the [...]

Yaffa Maritz testimony in support of early learning in basic education

Senate Early Learning and K-12 Committee
Wednesday, January 27th, 8 am
Senate Hearing Rm 1, Cherberg Building
Public hearing on SB 6759
Good morning. For the record, my name is Yaffa Maritz. I am here today as a psychotherapist, a mother of 3 children, co-founder of Listening Mothers and Reflective Parenting Programs,, a board member of the League of [...]

Parent activists in Olympia and on TV

On day two of “Education Reform Week,” Kelly Munn, LEV’s state field director, helped organize a group of parent activists to testify in Olympia on behalf of kids and schools.  In the morning, they testified in support of House Bill 2776, which would begin implementation of the education reform bill passed in 2009.
They also weighed [...]

LEV testifies on Race to the Top bill

Yesterday, LEV co-founder Lisa Macfarlane testified on the Race to the Top bill (Senate Bill 6696).  Below are the talking points for the testimony she gave at the Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee.
LEV’s Jan. 25, 2010 testimony on SB 6696
Lisa Macfarlane, with the League of Education Voters and Excellent Schools Now Coalition, a [...]

Where’s the Student Voice?

it’s here. Check it out, it’s LEV’s blog for students. Its called the Soapbox!