1. Our overriding goal this session is to maintain our place in basic education and to obtain full funding. Governor Gregoire was required by the Constitution to submit a budget proposal. Hearings are being held on it even though it is basically DOA. More budget proposals will be forthcoming from Governor Inslee and from the two houses.

Here is a direct quote from the testimony of Ramona Hattendorf of the state PTA regarding former Governor Gregoire’s budget proposal for the coming biennium.

“The legal obligation to Washington children, however, extends beyond early learning and the primary grades. The state laid out its intent to fully fund basic education with passage in 2009 of ESHB 2261. Yet four years later, this state still doesn’t pay for a basic six-period day, and our 24-credit career- and college-ready graduation requirements are on hold indefinitely. This affects every child in the state. Students aren’t reaching their academic potential because schools can’t consistently give them access to the education they need.

“Struggling readers continue to struggle in ineffective programs. Too many of our K-3 teachers and principals do not understand the science behind reading, do not recognize the indicators for dyslexia or other reading disabilities, do not understand the importance and relevance of phonological screening in the K-3 years. Middle-schoolers ready for algebra continue to be denied access, simply because there aren’t enough slots for them.

“Our schools are stressed.  State funding doesn’t cover the operational costs of what most community members assume is a standard six-period day that can offer a basic college prep program, career and technical classes, arts and physical education. All of our large, successful school districts have foundations, booster clubs and PTAs raising significant private funds to cover basics like curriculum and staffing. State funds to support school improvement plans are nonexistent.

“For this reason, Washington State PTA is concerned that the budget proposed by Gov. Gregoire doesn’t go far enough to address the McCleary court decision. The minimum components of basic education, as defined in law, are not being met and there is no schedule for full implementation.

“Minimum components of basic education, as described in RCW 28A.150.220, include:

▪   Instruction in the essential academic learning requirements and accompanying state assessment system (The new “Common Core” standards in math and English language arts fall under this category, along with other learning standards)

▪   Instruction that “provides students the opportunity to complete twenty-four credits for high school graduation, subject to a phased-in implementation of the twenty-four credits as established by the legislature.”

▪   Supplemental instruction and services for underachieving students through the learning assistance program

▪   Supplemental instruction and services for English Language Learner students through the transitional bilingual instruction program

▪   The opportunity for an appropriate education at public expense for all eligible students with disabilities

▪   Programs for highly capable students

“Education must be prioritized in the budget and legal commitments met. Fully implementing and funding 2009’s HB 2261 will get you there. This bill extends well beyond K-3 class size and full-day kindergarten and has significant components for grades 4 to 12 at all schools.”

We couldn’t have said it better ourselves! Our thanks to the PTA for their support.