Heather Cope's blog

Yesterday, Rep. Deb Wallace (Vancouver) hosted an online discussion on issues surrounding teachers and their success. Topics ranged from training programs to mentoring to shortage areas to data systems.

There is a whole lot of moving, shaking and contemplating going on in Washington's K-12 community. In addition to the Basic Education Finance Task Force looking at our K-12 finance system, the State Board of Education is tackling math and science standards (along with OSPI), accountability and high school graduation requirements.

Two interesting reports were released this week: One on high school graduation rates for urban districts (including Seattle) and the other on state writing exam scores.

As I sat in the back of the Washington State Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) meeting yesterday (agenda here) listening to testimony and discussion, I couldn't help but wonder-where are all of the other stakeholders?

The preliminary results from Tuesday’s elections are out, and come as another pat on the back for 4204 (Simple Majority) supporters.  Most of the 47 levies are passing—more than a third thanks to simple majority—while the 13 bonds are faring less well.