Washington State PTA: Keep pushing to improve basic education

Delegates to Washington State PTA's 2012 Legislative Assembly, held October 19-20 in SeaTac, threw support behind reforms put in place in 2009 and 2010 that redefined basic education to better prepare all children for college and career, make school funding more transparent, and add accountability measures to how schools are run and students taught.

In all, 14 issues made the short-term platform. Also returning to the Top 5: Fund Education First. Closing the Opportunity Gaps moved up from "also supported" status in 2012. New Top 5 issues call for revenue and supports to nurture, attract and retain highly effective teachers.

WSPTA's priorities for the 2013 and 2014 legislative sessions:

1. Advance Basic Education Reforms
2. Fund Education First
3. Closing the Opportunities Gap
4. Revenue for Kids
5. Access to Highly Effective Teachers

A group of Shoreline School District PTA members submitted, presented and debated a proposal on Basic Education Reform that was voted in as the #1 Priority.

Issue submitted by: Alfred Frates, Jr., Shorecrest PTSA 6.12.95; John Stokes, Interlake HS PTSA 2.3.150; Wes Brandon, Shorewood PTSA 6.12.105; Kelly Stoecker, Brookside PTA 6.12.15; Nancy Chamberlain, Bear Creak PTA 6.10.6; Lisa Surowiec, Highland Terrace PTA 6.12.25; Sherry S. Marlin, Shorecrest HS PTSA 6.12.95; Kendahl Adjorlolo, Shorecrest HS PTSA 6.12.95

Also supported (listed alphabetically)

• Access, Opportunity and Equity for Special Education
• Access to Algebra in Middle School
• Access to Quality Early Learning
• Great Family Engagement in Every School
• Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports
• School Zone Signage
• Screening and Support for Struggling Readers
• Social Emotional Learning
• Training to Support Highly Capable Learners