A Learning Agenda for Washington's Children

Shared Fiscal and Policy Priorities for 2003

2003 is the ten-year anniversary of education reform in Washington . We now have common achievement standards, high accountability, clear expectations, and good systems for assessing academic performance. The result is more effective learning, improving test scores and, overall, an education system more focused on students and student achievement. And the public continues to show its support for our public schools through passage of local school levies and statewide education initiatives. Even with our significant budget shortfalls, we must remain focused on continuing this success.

Today's Challenge

• We have set high expectations for students and must keep our financial commitment to help our students meet these expectations.
  
• Public school enrollment growth-up 12 percent since 1992 (OSPI).
  
• Washington now ranks 43rd in the nation in school spending per $1,000 of per capita income (OSPI) .
  
• When adjusted for inflation, state reimbursement per student has remained flat since 1993 (OSPI) .
  
• The State's share of total school district funds has dropped, as has the percentage of funds spent on K-12 education (Realities of Education Funding in Washington State prepared for the League of Education Voters by Glenn Pascall, October 2002).
  
• The weak economy highlights the importance of having a well-educated labor force to attract employers and keep jobs in the state.

The Learning First Agenda

• Don't cut education funding We know the Legislature is in a very difficult position; however, as stated in Washington 's Constitution, providing public education for all children in Washington is the state's "paramount duty"-an essential government service.

  •  Keep I-728 in the form passed by the voters When I-728 passed with 72 percent of the vote, the message from voters was clear: reduce class sizes, improve instruction, and provide additional learning opportunities for children.

  •  Don't amend I-732 Continued cost-of-living allowances for school employees are essential if we are to retain quality teachers and keep our schools strong. We must develop long-term solutions to the problem of inadequate teacher and school employee pay.

• Maintain Education Reform We are making great strides in improving the quality and effectiveness of our public education system. We've made a critical monetary and human investment. Let's not stop now. The stakes are too high for our state's future.
  
• Begin looking for new sources of revenue We agree with the emerging consensus that Washington State simply cannot provide the level of service we need to sustain our economy, educate our children, provide adequate transportation, protect our environment, and keep our communities safe and healthy without additional sources of revenue.

We look forward to working with you to address these important issues. Please don't hesitate to contact any members of the Alliance if we can help you during the Legislative session.

Our Commitment

The Washington State Learning First Alliance (WSLFA) is an alliance of major state educational organizations dedicated to strengthening environments for teaching and learning. The member organizations of the WSLFA are committed to improve student achievement by:

• Recognizing the interdependency of all alliance organizations and coming to work together.
• Effectively communicating and collaborating to;
  
  • Focus on state learning goals and the Essential Academic Learning Requirements.
    
  • Share responsibility and advocacy for all children's learning. Advocate for supportive learning communities which are culturally inclusive and equitable for all students.
    
  • Expand the capacity of educational systems.
    
• Promoting safe and supportive places of learning for all students.
  
• Mutually affecting the development of a fair and meaningful accountability system.

The WSLFA is part of the national Learning First Alliance( www.learningfirst.org ), a partnership of 12 leading education associations that have come together to improve student learning in America's elementary and secondary schools.