One of the five goals of the 2011-2014 SBE Strategic Plan (pdf) is to promote an effective state education leadership structure.

Two objectives, and their related strategies, support this work:

A. Catalyze educational governance reform in Washington

1. Define the issues around governance
• Create a synopsis of literature on governance reform
• Provide systems map to demonstrate the current Washington's K-12 governance structure
• Examine other governance models for system reorganization and reform
• Produce three illustrative case studies that demonstrate governance dilemmas and potential
  solutions
2. Engage stakeholders (e.g., educators, businesses, community groups, and others) via study group in discussion of the state's educational governance system and make recommendations for a process to review governance and streamline the system, making it more effective while clarifying roles and responsibilities
3. Create a public awareness campaign around governance issues
4. Support process identified to examine and make governance recommendations

B. Use the State Education Plan to foster stronger relationships among education agencies

1. Collaborate with the Quality Education Council (QEC), Governor, OSPI, and PESB, and other state agencies and education stakeholders to strengthen and finalize the State Education Plan
2. Share the State Education Plan and solicit input from education stakeholders
3. Collaborate with state agencies on a work plan for the State Education Plan's implementation, delineating clear roles and responsibilities
4. Advocate to the QEC and the Legislature for a phased funding plan to support Education
   Plan priorities

One of the five goals of the 2011-2014 SBE Strategic Plan (pdf) is to promote effective strategies to ensure all children receive an excellent and equitable education.

Two objectives, and their related strategies, support this work:

A. Focus on joint strategies to close the achievement gap for students of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, students in poverty, and English language learners

1. Assist in oversight of State Education Plan by monitoring the progress on performance measures as related to the achievement gap
2. Together with OSPI, implement the Required Action process for lowest achieving schools
3. Create recognition awards for schools that close the achievement gap and showcase best practices using the SBE Accountability Index
4. Work with stakeholders to assess the school improvement planning rules
5. Use student achievement data to monitor how Required Action and the Merit school process are working in closing the achievement gap, and identify improvements needed
6. Reflect upon constructive alignment, allocated, and supplemental opportunities to learn in a school calendar year that is efficient, effective, and equitable

B. Advocate for high quality early learning experiences for all children

1. Advocate to the Legislature for state funding of all-day Kindergarten and reduced class sizes grade educational continuum
2. Promote early prevention and intervention for K-3rd grade students at risk for academic difficulties

Middle School Survey

In the spring of 2011, SBE staff conducted a survey on middle school administrators and staff efforts to provide advanced study opportunities for their students, to ease transitions to and from middle school, and also to foster an environment that celebrates career and college readiness. The questions and responses to that survey are available now (excel).

If you have answered the survey, please check your data (via the link below) for accuracy. Errors can be easily addressed with quick email. Schools not on the list that would like to be included can access the survey of practice here.

Strategic Plan

One of the five goals of the 2011-2014 SBE Strategic Plan (pdf) is to promote effective strategies to ensure high school and careers/colleges are ready for success.

Four objectives, and their related strategies, are outlined in the 2011-2014 strategic plan, and are in various stages of completion.

A. Provide leadership for state-prescribed graduation requirements that prepare students for post-secondary education, the 21st Century world of work, and
citizenship

1. Revise the Core 24 graduation requirements framework based on input received, create a phased plan, and advocate for funding to implement the new graduation requirements.
2. Advocate for system funding investments, including comprehensive guidance and counseling beginning in middle school to increase the high school and beyond plan; increased instructional time; support for struggling students; and curriculum and materials.

B. Create a statewide advocacy strategy to increase post-secondary attainment

1. In partnership with stakeholders, assess current state strategies, and develop others if needed, to improve students' participation and success in postsecondary education through coordinated college- and career-readiness strategies.
2. Collaborate with the HECB to examine the impact of college incentive programs on student course taking and participation in higher education.

C. Provide policy leadership to examine the role of middle school preparation as it relates to high school success

1. Advocate for resources that will support the comprehensive counseling and guidance system needed to initiate a High School and Beyond planning process in middle school.
2. Convene an advisory group to study and make policy recommendations for ways to increase the number of middle school students who are prepared for high school.
   

D. Assist in oversight of online learning programs and Washington State diploma-granting institutions

1. Examine policy issues related to the oversight of online learning for high school credits.
2. Determine role of SBE in approval of online private schools, and work with OSPI to make the rule changes needed to clarify the role and develop appropriate criteria.
   

 

One of the five goals of the 2011-2014 SBE Strategic Plan (pdf) is to promote effective strategies to make Washington’s students nationally and internationally competitive in math and science.

Two objectives, and their related strategies, support this work:

A. Provide system oversight for math and science achievement

1. Advocate for meeting the State Education Plan goals for improved math and science achievement.
2. Research and communicate effective policy strategies within Washington and in other states that have seen improvements in math and science achievement.
3. Monitor and report trends in Washington students' math and science performance relative to other states and countries.
4. Establish performance improvement goals in science and mathematics on the state assessments
   

B. Strengthen science high school graduation requirements

1. Increase high school science graduation requirements from two to three science credits.
2. Work with the HECB in requiring three science credits for four-year college admissions requirements.
3. Consult with OSPI on the development of state science end-of-course assessments.

 

One of the five goals of the 2011-2014 SBE Strategic Plan (pdf) is to promote effective strategies to develop a premiere education workforce.

Two objectives, and their related strategies, support this work:

A. Review state and local efforts to improve quality teaching and educational leadership for all students.

1. Provide a forum for reporting on teacher and principal evaluation pilot programs.
2. Support the QEC and legislative action to restore and increase Learning Improvement Days (LID) funding for five professional days.
   

B. Promote policies and incentives for teacher and leader quality in areas of mutual interest, in improving district policies on effective and quality teaching.

1. Examine issues and develop recommendations on state policies related to:
   • Effective models of teacher compensation
   • Equitable distribution of highly effective teachers, including those from diverse backgrounds
   • Effective new teacher induction systems
   • Effective evaluation systems
   • Reduction in out-of-endorsement teaching
   • Effective math and science teachers