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Every child reads by third grade.
Learning begins at birth. Research demonstrates high-quality early care and education programs promote positive outcomes for children in school and in life. Starting earlier has also proven to have a significant return on investment, delivering at least $3 for every $1 invested. Investing in early care and education programs means investing in the success of each child, and also in the future of our communities.
Unfortunately, our state does not have an early care and education system that assists parents or supports educators. The result: less than half of children in Washington arrive at kindergarten ready to succeed.
1. Every child reads by third grade, with a focus on early care and education.
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Excellent teachers in every classroom.
Teachers matter. Improving teacher quality is the single most effective way to improve student outcomes. Washington’s existing salary structure—like most across the country—relies almost exclusively on teachers’ tenure and education levels. To ensure an excellent teacher in every classroom, we need a new compensation system that rewards improvements in teaching skills and increased levels of responsibility. And we need to pay professional-level salaries that attract and keep the best teachers in our schools. Success in the classroom requires all of us—principals, teachers, parents and citizens—doing our part to support our students.
2. Excellent teachers in every classroom with high standards and training.
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Diplomas that get kids ready.
Earning a high school diploma should mean students are prepared for life after graduation, whether they choose a college or university, career or technical school or work. As a society we can no longer afford a system that leaves many students behind with a poor or mediocre education. Rigorous graduation standards, a strong foundation in math and science and quality career and technical education opportunities, taken together, will ensure every student graduates ready for life. To maximize opportunities for all, our state must increase access to both college and career or technical education programs.
3. Diplomas that get kids ready for college, work and life.
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Math and science that help kids lead the way.
Our economy demands higher levels of knowledge and skills than ever before. Yet, 45 percent of recent high school graduates who enrolled at community and technical colleges were required to take remedial math courses.
Our State Board of Education is on the right track by raising math and science graduation requirements. Now, the Legislature needs to fund new math and science curricula, additional classroom periods and the qualified teachers that will be required. Our state must continue to expand higher education enrollments in math and science degrees to fuel the growth of our increasingly technology-driven economy.
4. Math and science that help kids lead the way in a changing economy.
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More investment in our kids education.
Washington’s future depends on citizens, educators and policymakers demanding the excellent schools our children deserve. Our state continues to run schools based on outdated expectations with below average resources.
Washington ranks 37th in the nation in per-pupil funding, and significant improvements in student achievement will be impossible without additional resources and significant reform. Equally important, Washington needs adequate data collection systems to measure return on investment and changes in student achievement over time.
5. More investment in our kids education. And more accountability.
