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Understand the consequences of underfunded K-12 students |
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Washington Learns & Basic Education Finance Joint Task Force |
Washington Learns:The Big Vision· To learn more, go to the WA Learns webpage · Listing and recaps of the WL Hearing Materials Description of WA Learns The 2005 Legislature passed SB 5441, creating the Washington Learns Steering Committee, which was co-chaired by Governor Gregoire, and advisory committees in early learning, K-12 and higher education. After over a year of intensive study, the advisory committees and the steering committee developed a final report with comprehensive, long-term recommendations for creating a world-class, learner-focused, seamless education system for Washington. The principles and strategies of Washington Learns are designed to transform our entire education system. It is a long-term goal, and it will require sustained participation by state and local governments, by parents, caregivers, teachers and community members, by business and private enterprise, by every level of educational institution, and by students themselves. Our commitment is to a new education system that will excite learners, invigorate teachers and impress employers. Please see the legislation link for more information on our legislative successes, or click here for more information on how Governor Gregoire is working to improve education for all Washingtonians. What is Washington Learns?Washington Learns, created and led by Governor Chris Gregoire, conducted a top to bottom, 18-month review of Washington’s entire education system, its structure and funding. The recommendations developed by Washington Learns will fundamentally change educational expectations, delivery and results. To ensure a broad cross-section of ideas and expertise, Governor Gregoire assembled a diverse group of business, community, education, government and minority leaders from all across Washington to create this roadmap for building a world–class education system that prepares all Washington students to succeed in today’s global economy. Preparing all students to succeed in today’s global economy· Fully integrate our early learning, K–12 and post-secondary education systems so that the transition from one step to the next is seamless. · Ensure all children thrive early in life and are prepared to enter school. · Ensure all students master the skills they need to participate thoughtfully and productively in their work and their communities. · Close the achievement gap that academically sidelines low-income and minority students. · Make higher education and workforce training opportunities relevant and affordable so our workforce can compete within a global economy. Our children hold OUR future in THEIR hands. We must invest in them today to prepare them for the future — and everyone benefits. The Road to SuccessWashington Learns’ 2005 Interim Report spurred significant gains for education in the 2006 legislative session, including: · Creation of a cabinet-level Department of Early Learning that consolidates more than a half-dozen childcare and early learning programs, giving real focus to helping our youngest learners thrive early in life. · Programs and funding to help high school students achieve graduation standards. · Mentor and apprenticeship programs that help middle and high school students prepare for life after graduation whether entering the workforce or college. Many of the recommendations from the 2006 Final Report were passed by the 2007 legislative session, including: · Expansion of all-day kindergarten. · Programs to ensure better math and science teaching and learning. · Scholarship programs and grants to give more people access to higher education.
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Funding Washington Schools |
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Basic Education Finance (BEF) Joint Task Force: The Many Details of Big Questions · To learn more, go to the BEF committee’s webpage. · All reports and docs per BEF Hearing · The issues on the table for discussion · Most current reports and submittals from education stakeholders Description of BEF The Basic Education Finance Task Force, a bipartisan group appointed by the Governor, is charged with redefining basic education and developing appropriate funding structures for education. The Task Force expects to release by Dec. 1st, 2008 its final report and recommendations . Indications are that the Task Force will recommend a significant increase in education funding and fiscal accountability that would likely be phased-in over a 6- to 10-year period. · Legal Description of BEF—Final Bill Report on Creating BEF 5627 (PDF): The mandates assigned to the committee — what it is to do. · Preliminary report—Summary of K-12 Studies to BEF (PDF): · Non-Legislative Organizations Assisting BEF (PDF): Who is advising or supporting the committee and members. 2008 BEF Public Hearings Remaining Sept. 15-16 (Columbia Room, Legislative Bldg) October 14-15 (Senate Conf. Rm. A-B-C, Cherberg Bldg) November 17-18 (Columbia Room, Legislative Bldg) December 8-9 (Senate Conf. Rm. A-B-C, Cherberg Bldg) The Creation of BEF — FINAL BILL REPORT E2SSB 5627 Brief Description: Requiring a review and development of basic education funding. Background: In 2005, the Legislature created a comprehensive education study steering committee (Washington Learns) comprised of legislators, the Governor, and others, and three sector advisory committees on which legislators and others served. The Washington Learns steering and advisory committees were directed to conduct a comprehensive study of early learning, K-12, and higher education; to develop recommendations on how the state can best provide stable funding for early learning, public schools, and public colleges and universities; and to develop recommendations on specified policy issues. The steering committee submitted an interim and a final report with recommendations to the Legislature. Summary: A joint task force is created to review the current basic education definition and funding formulas and develop a new definition and funding structure that aligns with the final report of the Washington Learns steering committee and the basic education provisions in current law. The joint task force consists of 14 members: eight legislators, the Superintendent of Public Instruction, a representative of the Governor's Office or the Office of Financial Management, and four members appointed by the Governor (a chair with experience in finance and knowledge of the K-12 funding formulas, and three members with significant experience with K-12 finance issues). Each of the caucuses may submit names to the Governor for appointment consideration. The Washington Institute for Public Policy (WSIPP) will provide research support and must consult with stakeholders and experts in the field. The WSIPP may request assistance from specified state agencies. WSIPP must provide an initial, second, and final report to the task force. The initial report must be provided by September 15, 2007, and must include a plan of action with timelines, reporting deadlines, and a timeline that does not exceed six years for implementation of a new funding system. The second report is due by December 1, 2007, and must provide at least two, but not more than four, options for allocating school employee compensation, with one option that is a redirection and prioritization within existing resources based on research proven education programs. Additionally, the second report must provide a finalized timeline and plan for addressing the remaining components of a new funding system. The final report is due by September 15, 2008, (ed: amended to be Dec 1st) and must include recommendations for at least two, but not more than four, options for revising the rest of the K-12 funding structure, with one option that is a redirection and prioritization within existing resources based on research-proven education programs. The final report must include a timeline for phasing in the new funding structure and a projection of the expected effect of the investment made under the new funding structure. The alternative funding models must consider specified priorities, should reflect the most effective instructional strategies and service delivery models, and be research-based with demonstrated cost benefits. The task force must consider several specified issues. Additionally, the recommendations should provide maximum transparency of the funding system and the structure should be linked to accountability for student outcomes and performance. |
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