Yesterday, Rep. Deb Wallace (Vancouver) hosted an online discussion [1] on issues surrounding teachers and their success. Topics ranged from training programs to mentoring to shortage areas to data systems.

While the web dialogues shied away from proposing solutions to many of the issues presented, they provided an engaging forum to talk about many of the issues facing our teachers, schools and, by extension, the students they serve. One of the largest takeaways from the day-long conversations was the need for K-12 and higher education to work together when attempting to tackle many of the issues facing our schools.

We know teachers play a HUGE role in student achievement, and we also know teachers need support to ensure student success. I couldn't help but silently cheer when strong mentoring and induction programs were highlighted as an area Washington can and should work on to improve teacher practice and reduce teacher attrition. A UW study [2] found that the attrition rate for new Washington teachers in the first five years is 26.5 percent, just over one in four. It would be great if more K-12 districts partnered with institutions of higher education to create mentoring and induction programs.

This dialogue comes at an important time for education in our state. The State Board of Education and OSPI are working on new math and science standards, and the SBE is looking to raise high school graduation requirements, which may include Algebra II. As Kati Haycock, president of The Education Trust, said at our town hall meeting [3] Monday, raising standards is a good thing and leads to higher success rates among students.

Ready to take action? Join us at DidYouKnowCampaign.com [4] and become involved in making our schools No. 1.