Monday, October 27, 2014

Washington State Parent Teacher Association Sets Legislative Agenda

The Washington State Parent Teacher Association held its’ 36th Annual Legislative Assembly this weekend, in Vancouver, Washington.  There, delegates met to set a new platform of legislative priorities for the 2015 -2016 legislative session in support of the organizational vision of “Making every child’s potential a reality.”    The legislative platform supports the delivery of our mission:
  • PTA is a powerful voice for all children.
  • PTA is a relevant resource for families, schools and communities.
  • PTA is a strong advocate for the well-being and education of every child.

In all, 13 issues made the short-term platform.  As a whole child advocacy association, our priority issues represent health, well-being and educational needs of the children of Washington State.
WSPTA’s priorities for the 2015 and 2016 legislative sessions:
  1. Funding McCleary
  2. Create Positive School Climates Through Social Emotional Learning
  3. Increasing Capital Funding
  4. Increased Access to Higher Education
  5. Breakfast After the Bell

Also supported (listed alphabetically):

If you have any questions or request a media availability with our Legislative Director, Sherry Krainick, or our President, Heather Gillette, please contact us at legconsultant@wastatepta.org or by phone at (253) 292-3318. 
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About Washington State PTA: Founded in 1905, the association is a powerful voice for the well-being and education of all children and a resource for parents. It provides leadership training and support to more than 900 local PTAs across the state. With over 132,000 members, the WSPTA is the largest advocacy and volunteer organization in the state. Learn more at www.wastatepta.org.

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

More Washington Students Take SAT, PSAT and AP

Participation rates increase across all racial subgroups

More Washington students than ever are enrolling in college-level courses and taking college entrance exams, according to results released today by the College Board. Every racial subgroup saw increased SAT, PSAT and AP test-taking rates in 2014.

The state’s student performance remained relatively strong. SAT and PSAT saw a slight downturn in overall scores, but the number of AP scores of at least “3” — the score needed to earn college credit — increased 5.7 percent.

“I am proud of our student performance,” State Superintendent Randy Dorn said. “And the fact that so many students are taking steps to prepare themselves for college is encouraging. I hope this trend continues.” 

Full story, including state-level participation rates and links to school- and district-level results: http://www.k12.wa.us/Communications/PressReleases2014/CollegeEntranceExams.aspx

Monday, October 13, 2014

Community and technical colleges and public four-year universities join forces on Smarter Balanced Assessment

OLYMPIA – Washington 11th graders who score at a college-ready level on new assessments this spring will automatically place into college-level math and English language classes when they enroll in college, thanks to a statewide agreement announced today by Washington’s community and technical colleges and public four-year universities.

The agreement applies to students who score at the top two levels – levels four and three – on the new “Smarter Balanced Assessments” that will be given to all Washington 11th-graders this spring. Those students will be able to skip the standard placement tests – such as Accuplacer – that are typically given when students enroll in college.

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

2014 Legislative Assembly - Outside Speakers

The Legislative Assembly and Advocacy Training event provides opportunities for PTA leadership training, advocacy training and is the venue for voting delegates to examine issues submitted by members. Voting delegates will debate and vote on the issues that will make up our 2015-2016 legislative priorities. 
  • Click here for more information on the WSPTA Legislative Assembly.
  • Click here to download the 2014 Issue Guide

  • Keynote Presentations

    • Friday Luncheon Lecture:  Department of Education Region X Director Linda Pauley and Dr. Kareen Borders  “Shoot for the Stars:  Family Involvement in STEM Education”     
                      
    • Saturday Morning Continental Breakfast:  Mario Villanueva, Regional Director USDA - Discussion on Federal Agriculture issues that affect children                               

    Program Discussions on Closing the Opportunity Gap

    • Defining the Opportunity Gap and Mining the Data:  Rep. Chad Magendanz; Melissa Beard, OFM -A discussion on state and federal data policy.  This class will review data trends, discuss ethics issues, and the ever changing role of testing in education.  This class will also address current State and National Legislation devoted to this issue. 
    • A View Outside the Classroom - Learning Readiness:  Nick Federici; David Scott Beard, Schools Out WA - Exploring the challenges facing children who are in the gap and how these challenges affect their ability to go to school "learning ready."  Discussion will range from poverty,  developmental, health, and social challenges.