Gauging school success

State effort will look at growth gaps and ability to meet the needs of all subgroups

The State Board of Education and the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction are developing a new accountability and achievement system that will incorporate student growth and establish a unified system for evaluating school and district performance. The agencies are doing so in collaboration with state and local policy makers, educators, parents and citizens.

Washington State PTA advocates for necessary funding, policies and practices to ensure all children are able to graduate ready for college or career. The association is participating in an accountability workgroup established by the state board and schools superintendent, and President Novella Fraser has nominated Sebrena Burr to represent the association. Ms. Burr is a local and council PTSA leader in Seattle and is active in efforts to increase access to quality early education and close the state’s pervasive achievement gaps.

The state currently has separate achievement and accountability systems; they are used to recognize excellence as well as identify challenged schools and districts. The accountability system is used to determine compliance with the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, also known as No Child Left Behind.

Resource:

Education Accountability in Washington State (prepared by legislative staff)

Washington State PTA’s mission is to make every child’s potential a reality. We work to ensure all students recieve instruction of sufficient quality and quantity to prepare them to graduate with a meaningful diploma that prepares them for postsecondary education, gainful employment, and citizenship.

Purpose of the Achievement and Accountability Project:

1. Revise the current Achievement Index to enable a unified system of support for challenged schools that aligns with basic education, increases the level of support based upon the magnitude of need, and uses data for decisions. This Index will identify high-performing schools for recognition and low-performing schools for support and intervention.
2. A statewide accountability framework designed to ensure students are career and college ready by improving student achievement and closing achievement/opportunity gaps.

Achievement and accountability charter (OSPI and SBE)
Accountability System Resolution (OSPI and SBE)