To meet the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) graduation pathway option, students must meet the minimum score on the Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) to be eligible to serve in a branch of the armed services at the time the student takes the test. The AFQT is a component of the ASVAB (not a separate test). Satisfying this graduation pathway option meets requirements in both English and math.
The current...
Educators
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SBE hosted a public forum in Bremerton on November 5 regarding the equity and adequacy of the new graduation pathway options. This was the second forum on pathways at that time.
The goal was to gather feedback from community members, parents, students and partners on new laws and their impact for students. ...
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Legislation passed in the 2019 session (HB 1599) established multiple graduation pathway options.
View the SBE one-pager on graduation pathway options and other changes from new graduation laws. See this and other communications tools on...
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If you are a student or family member of a student, see the Families and Students page. Students are assigned an expected graduation year at the time they enter ninth grade (WAC 180-51-035). They are held to the graduation requirements of that graduation year regardless of the...
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The High School and Beyond Plan is a graduation requirement for every student. It's a process for students, parents, and teachers to guide students through high school and think about their future. Plans are personalized and designed to help students set, visualize, and work to achieve goals. A High School and Beyond Plan is one of the three components, along with Credit and Subject Area Requirements, and Graduation Pathway Options, that...
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The Washington State High School Diploma is comprised of three parts: the High School and Beyond Plan, credit and subject area requirements, and new graduation pathway options. Use any of the developed graphics in this shared folder to communicate about it! Reach out...
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Student Board Members are valued voices on the State Board, and are able to participate in SBE's Student Voice Committee which explores ways students can have a more active role in education policy issues. Each year the Association of Washington Student Leaders (AWSL) selects a sophomore student to serve through their senior year on the AWSL Student Voice & Advocacy Board who will also represent Washington students on the State Board of...
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On February 25, beginning at 1:00 p.m., the State Board of Education (SBE) will host a special meeting where the Board will review and discuss a draft of emergency rules about the emergency graduation requirements waiver program. The draft is available to the public. The Board will receive public comment, scheduled for 2:00 p.m. SBE...
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SBE and the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) hosted a webinar last week featuring Linda Drake (SBE Director of Career- and College Readiness) and Jerry Price (OSPI Social Studies Program Supervisor) about new graduation requirements around social studies. Please find a video recording of the presentation here: Webinar Recording.
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Washington State Science Learning Standards: Resources for Teachers, Administrators, Parents, and Students
The Washington State 2013 K-12 Science Learning Standards (WSSLS) are the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). These standards describe what students should know and be able to do at each grade level. The State Board of...
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At the meeting of the Washington State Board of Education, September 13, 2017, the following resolution was proposed and approved unanimously:
WHEREAS, Washington State’s Constitution states that it is the “paramount duty of the state to educate all children residing within its borders…”, and,
WHEREAS, under the U.S. Supreme Court decision Plyler v. Doe, 457 U.S. 202 (1982), all children have an equivalent right to attend public...
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The Board appreciates the progress the 2019 Legislature made in increasing flexibility in high school graduation requirements. During the second year of this biennium, the Board is committed to continued collaboration with the legislature and our other K-12 partners to implement and refine current state policies to ensure all of Washington’s students graduate prepared for civic engagement, careers, postsecondary education, and lifelong...
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On Sine Die (Thursday, March 12) J. Lee Schultz, SBE Director of Advocacy and Engagement, gave an overview of how Legislative session had gone so far to Board Members via ZOOM. You can find her PowerPoint presentation and the video recap of the presentation online.
High-level 2020 session...
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2020 Teacher of the Year, Amy Campbell visited SBE during a lunch-time session at the November Board meeting and shared her expertise and experience teaching students in special education at Helen Baller Elementary School (Camas School District). Amy believes all children can learn, and to achieve her vision of academic success for all, she implements innovative strategies geared toward students' strengths. She develops ways, through...
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Date Place City January 13-14 Zoom Lacey (virtual meeting) February 25 Zoom Virtual meeting March 10-11 Zoom Olympia (virtual meeting) May 12-13 Zoom Seattle (virtual meeting) July 14-15 Zoom Yakima (virtual meeting...
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Statewide K-12 Accountability
The State Board of Education is responsible for implementing a standards-based accountability framework that creates a unified system of increasing levels of support for schools in order to improve student achievement (RCW 28A.305.130).
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Additional Resources
Date Title 2019 May 2Report from School Districts on Graduation Requirements District Comparison Spreadsheet for the Class of 2019 (Excel File)
2018 May 22Council of Presidents-...
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The State Board of Education is accepting applications for one open citizen position on the School Facilities Citizen Advisory Panel.
Purpose
The School Facilities Citizens Advisory Panel (CAP) was formed in July 2006. The purpose of this committee is to maintain citizen oversight on issues pertaining to school facilities and funding for school construction and to advise and make recommendations to the OSPI regarding:
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The State Board of Education (SBE) collects compliance information annually online (through igrants, form package 600) from each school district in Washington. See the message sent to district superintendents in August of 2021 about the process for the 2021-22 school year: Basic Education Compliance Memo.
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The following is courtesy of the Washington State Department of Health. Schools can share the following resources with their families and educators to help them identify and understand behavioral health impacts during the COVID-19 pandemic and to give them strategies and resources for reducing those impacts.
Toolbox for Families
The... -
Starting in 2015, the State Board of Education, with the support of a National Association of State Boards of Education Deeper Learning Stipend, has explored and discussed career readiness within the context of Washington’s high school diploma. The SBE has held joint meeting with Washington’s Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board and has met with and discussed career readiness with agency partners, parents, students, community...
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Please visit the OSPI Civics web page for more information.
Additional Resources
Legislature—Civic Education (http://leg.wa.gov/civiced/Pages/default.aspx)
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SBE held its Board meeting December 3, and discussed basic education reporting and approvals, indicators of education system health, the annual assessment report, and more. You can find documents from the meeting on SBE’s Simbli page. Find a recording of the meeting on...
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Statewide Indicators of Educational System Health
Our 2020 report shows that while Washington is improving on some key education performance indicators, the rate of improvement is not enough to achieve the long term goals the state has set for its students. It is appropriate to acknowledge the incremental improvement in Washington’s educational outcomes, but also important to retain a sense of urgency about the size and scope of our...
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As of May, 2021, the State Board of Education has adopted emergency rule to establish this waiver program for students graduating in the 2020-21 school year. The waiver application has launched as iGrants Form Package 956 in the...
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Equity Statement
The Washington State Board of Education centers equity as a guiding principle in fulfilling its statutory charge, strategic planning, and policymaking.
The Board believes that the state’s school system exists to empower each student and ensure they are caring, contributing, and civically engaged community members.
The Board is committed to academic attainment for every student. This will require...
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The State Board of Education has heard from students across the state demanding that diverse perspectives be incorporated in all subjects and grades and that courses be devoted to exploring ethnic studies in a deep way. The Board has adopted a resolution...
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Fife Public Schools has had their High School and Beyond Plan (HSBP) process in place for over 15 years, though the process has evolved and expanded over time. The... -
The Washington State Board of Education (SBE) approved emergency rules Wednesday, April 8 that allow flexibility and local-approval following extensive school building closures due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
At a special Board Meeting April 8, the State Board of Education adopted emergency rules that allow school districts to apply for greater flexibility in awarding a diploma to high school seniors impacted by closures.
The...
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Governor-appointed former Board Member, Connie Fletcher, is recognized nationally for comitment to closing achievement gaps and support for students, educators
OLYMPIA, WA -- The National Association of State Boards of Education (NASBE) announced Tuesday... -
**SBE will hold a Public Forum in Bremerton on November 5 regarding the equity and adequacy of the new graduation pathway options enacted by legislation.
- Register online
- Share the invite on Twitter or...
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The Board typically meets bimonthly.
2021 Meetings:
Date Place City November 3-4 Zoom Virtual December 2 Zoom Virtual2022 Meetings:
Date Place City January 19-20 TBD Olympia March 9-10 Zoom Virtual May 11-12 TBD Okanogan July 13-14 TBD Spokane September 13-15 TBD... -
Following the passage of HB 1599 (2019) SBE began the rulemaking process to address changes to the graduation requirements outlined in the bill. The proposed rules address changes based on three other... -
Click on your year to see the state graduation requirements. Students are assigned an expected graduation year at the time they enter ninth grade (WAC 180-51-035). They are held to the graduation requirements of that graduation year regardless of the year they actually complete high school. [Back to Graduation...
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Click on your year to see the state graduation requirements. Students are assigned an expected graduation year at the time they enter ninth grade (WAC 180-51-035). They are held to the graduation requirements of that graduation year regardless of the year they actually complete high school. [Back to Graduation...
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NOTICE: New legislation was passed in the 2017 legislative session that affects assessment graduation requirements. We are working to update these webpages. For more information, click here.
Click on your year to see the state graduation requirements. Students are assigned an expected graduation year at the time they enter ninth grade (...
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NOTICE: New legislation was passed in the 2017 legislative session that affects assessment graduation requirements. We are working to update these webpages. For more information, click here.
Click on your year to see the state graduation requirements. Students are assigned an expected graduation year at the time they enter ninth grade (...
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Click on your year to see the state graduation requirements. Students are assigned an expected graduation year at the time they enter ninth grade (WAC 180-51-035). They are held to the graduation requirements of that graduation year regardless of the year they actually complete high school. [Back to Graduation...
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Graduation pathway options have replaced the explicit link between the state assessment and graduation. The Washington State Board of Education (SBE) today adopted rules regarding graduation requirements at a public meeting in Bremerton. In addition, the rules update the High School and Beyond Plan, and clarify and update credit graduation requirements to align with...
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SBE staff hosted a webinar on August 6 to describe the proposed changes to graduation requirements rules and answered questions from the field. You can find the recording, PowerPoint, and materials linked in the post-webinar email that was sent to registrants. Find also the timeline for adoption of these rules. Staff...
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As a state, we are experiencing great uncertainty with the recent COVID-19 outbreak. There is little left without impact. Like many of you, we have had to consider alternative and digital options in order to continue working to serve our students and the education community. That’s why, today, April 1 (National Census Day) is good opportunity to remind you of the completely digital or mail-in options for this...
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The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) was first administered in 1969, and is the largest continuing and nationally representative assessment of what the nation’s students know and can do in mathematics, reading, and other subjects. Standard administration practices are used to provide a common measure of student achievement. NAEP is given to a representative sample of students across the country. Results are reported for...
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The January Board Meeting was broadcasted live via ZOOM. Find highlights and links to the videos in the post-meeting highlight message. Follow SBE on Facebook or Twitter for updates.
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SBE will host its January Board Meeting at ESD 113 in Tumwater January 15 and 16. The following post highlights items from the agenda. Find the full packet and agenda on the SBE Meetings page.
ED Report
Executive Director, Randy Spaulding's update for January will include information on Board membership and staffing, a brief... -
SBE held its Board meeting January 13 and 14, and discussed rulemaking, basic education reporting, the upcoming legislative session, mastery-based learning, graduation pathway options, and more. You can find documents from the meeting on SBE’s Simbli page. Find links to recordings (streamed by TVW) on...
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SBE held its Board meeting July 14-15, and discussed emergency waiver program and instructional hours rules, graduation pathway options research, legislative priorities, basic education, a student panel with the Root of our Youth, and more. You can find documents from the meeting on SBE’s Simbli page, and links to recordings (streamed by TVW)...
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The following is a brief summary of the July Board Meeting held this past week:
McKenna Roberts, new student member. During the July meeting, junior McKenna Roberts (Okanogan) was sworn-in as the east-side student representative.
Legislative panel. Senator Lisa Wellman, Representative Sharon Tomiko Santos,...
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On June 17, 2020, the State Board of Education held a work session to discuss the long-term impacts of COVID-19 school building closures, related disruptions to learning, and the challenges with reopening schools during the ongoing public health crisis. Board members discussed policy options to support schools in reopening and to facilitate serving students in a more equitable and effective way. The discussion helped identify the top priority...
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New Board Chair, Bill Kallappa and Vice Chair, Harium Martin-Morris were elected on the State Board of Education (SBE) this week. The Board’s...
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More...
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See the latest blog post re: 2020 Legislative session.This past week has been jam packed with the release of budget proposals and the house policy cutoff. The big agenda item in the House Education committee was the...
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On November 4, the State Board is excited to host 2020 Washington State Teacher of the Year, Amy Campbell. At 12:15 p.m., Amy will present to the Board and take questions about her expertise in education.
After earning her Master in Teaching, Amy Campbell realized her deep passion for...
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ZOOM Recording Day 1 (part 1)
Agenda items include: Board Norms, Washington School Improvement Framework, School RecognitionZOOM Recording Day 1 (part 2)
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SBE has convened a mastery-based (also known as competency-based) learning work group. The group, established in law, identifies barriers to mastery-based learning and explores ways to increase student access to relevant and robust academic pathways that are aligned to personal career and postsecondary goals. SBE's latest report provides the work group’s...
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The legislatively-mandated Mastery-based Learning Work Group has released its 2020 report showcasing recommendations for implementing mastery-based education in Washington classrooms. The following is an introductory message from the Work Group....
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The Washington State Mastery-based Learning Collaborative (MBLC) will identify best practices for implementing Mastery-based Learning (MBL), identify sample tools for educators using a MBL approach, and offer professional learning to in-service educators, including teachers, principals, and counselors. The project’s overarching goal is to inform future policy by helping decision makers better understand what quality MBL looks like, how long...
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Student Board Member, Margarita Amezcua, presented to the State Board of Education last week on her experience with migrant and bilingual education in Washington. You can view/listen to her whole presentation on YouTube. Margarita highlighted a group at her school dedicated to supporting students called ...
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The State Board of Education hosted a student voice panel on August 24 from 12:30-2:00 p.m. facilitated by Margarita Amezcua (SBE's west-side student Board member). The session was entitled "Modern Day Racism in Education."
The goal of this panel was to give policymakers a better understanding of the problems that students of color face in the education system and the broader world, so that...
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Recently, SBE hosted leaders in Native education for an in-depth panel discussion on compact schools, inclusivity, partnerships, and more. The panel was facilitated by Bill Kallappa (SBE Board member) and Makah tribal member.
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The Washington State high school diploma was developed to be flexible, meaningful, and achievable. All students deserve a meaningful education that helps them achieve their academic and life goals. Whether deciding to pursue a career as a doctor or a machinist, serve in the military or enter the technology sector, Washington State students have numerous career choices post-high school. Washington state’s high school diploma provides...
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Sign up for email updates on other topics of your choice.
2021
Date/Issue Tuesday, November 2 - November Board meeting, student voice: high school and beyond... -
Read the November Board Meeting recap: November in Bremerton.
You can also review meeting and additional materials online and watch ...
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SBE held its Board meeting November 4 and 5, and discussed ethnic studies and culturally responsive education, legislative priorities, private schools, and more. You can find documents from the meeting on SBE’s Simbli page, as well as links to approved/adopted items. TVW streamed this meeting. Find recordings from...
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The Board held its meeting November 3-4, and discussed private school rules, the SBE legislative platform, ethnic studies, elementary science equity, graduation requirements, and more. Special guests included:
- Dr. Verónica Vélez, Associate Professor, Secondary Education and Education & Social Justice at WWU
- ...
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New graduation requirements in Washington have sparked important conversations since rules were adopted in November. SBE hosted its third forum on new graduation pathway options for students (required for the Class of 2020 and beyond) in Tumwater...
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The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) will conduct elections this fall to fill positions on the State Board of Education and board positions on the state’s nine educational service districts (ESD). State Board of Education candidates... -
"Profile of a Graduate" -- a guiding vision for our K-12 education system, developed with local input, that identifies the skills, knowledge, attributes, and competencies necessary for a successful transition to life after high school. The Washington State Profile of a Graduate will also be used to review state education policy, including graduation requirements. The State Board contracted with the Athena Group to collect additional student...
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During a Board meeting this fall, Dr. Linda Darling-Hammond, President of the California State Board of Education, and CEO of the Learning Policy Institute visited the SBE and presented about the ideas in a recent article “Restarting and Reinventing School Learning in the Time of COVID and Beyond.” She was able to touch on many points, but one of the most engaging was her...
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Date Media 2018 February Washington High School Achievement: A Matched Pairs Examination of Three- and Four-Year High Schools January Impacts of a Narrowed Curriculum... -
2013 Anti-Bullying Resolution
Supporting Inclusion of Students in Anti-Bullying Policymaking
Adopted on November 15, 2013
WHEREAS the State Board of Education affirms its commitment to strongly support the inclusion of students in the development of anti-bullying policies...
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Resolution to Approve Washington State Graduation Requirement Framework: Career and College Ready
Adopted on January 9, 2014
WHEREAS, Our children are our state’s future and our education system must prepare them now for the continuing challenges of the 21st century; and
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2014 Resolution on the McCleary School Funding Decision and school funding proposals entertained during the 2015 Legislative Session
Adopted on September 10, 2014
WHEREAS the Washington State Constitution establishes, as the paramount duty of the state, to make ample provision...
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2014 Resolution to Raise Awareness of School Discipline Concerns and Best Practices
Adopted on March 6, 2014
WHEREAS the State Board of Education affirms its commitment to improving school discipline practices in Washington by collaborating with districts and communities, to promote best...
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State Board of Education Resolutions
2021 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2010 | 2009 | 1993
2021 Resolutions
March 11, 2021 ...
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The legislatively-mandated Mastery-based Learning Work Group has released its 2020 report showcasing recommendations for mastery-based education in Washington. The following is an introductory letter from 2018 National Teacher of the Year, Mandy Manning...
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Current rulemaking activity | General rulemaking FAQ | Feedback
The State Board of Education has the authority to creates rules for public and approved private schools in Washington state. Rules developed by SBE can be found in Title 180 WAC.Sign up for...
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At the November Board meeting, SBE adopted its 2021 legislative platform. The COVID-19 public health crisis has shed light on long-standing...
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Composition of the Board will include 16 members:
- 5 members elected by public school directors - 2 in eastern Washington, 3 in western Washington
- 1 member at-large elected by private schools
- The superintendent of public instruction
- 7 members appointed by the governor
- 2 student members selected by the Association of Washington Student Leaders Student Steering Committee
All...
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SBE shared this graphic timeline of the rulemaking process in the September Board Meeting materials. It shows what has...
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The Washington State Board of Education (SBE) recently hosted it's annual Board retreat in Yakima September 10-12. One of the days featured a presentation about the upcoming release of SBE's annual report (...
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In about one week, on Thursday, September 17 from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m., SBE Board Members will host leaders in native education for a panel... -
Educators, families, community members, the State Board of Education wants to hear from you about graduation and how students show they are prepared with the skills needed to thrive in life after high school. Learn more about this work and... -
School Spirit and Student-focused Support at the Yakama Nation Tribal SchoolTradition starts here. That’s the signage that greets students, teachers, and during this past week’s SBE annual...
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The State Board of Education (SBE) welcomes Mary Fertakis, M.Ed., and Jan Brown to the Board following this past fall’s election. Mary will represent Western Washington (region 3), and Jan will be the Board’s new Private Schools representative. MJ Bolt (SBE Vice Chair) ran uncontested and will continue to represent Eastern Washington (region 1).
“The Board is excited to welcome two new perspectives from Mary and Jan, and to... -
OLYMPIA, WA - The State Board of Education (SBE) welcomes returning member, Patty Wood (Kelso), following an election by school board members for Western Region for Position 4*. Wood will begin her second four-year term on January 11, 2021....
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Read highlights from this meeting.
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Visit SBE's Simbli site to access the latest meeting materials, as well as board minutes and the September business meeting agenda. Simply click on the agenda item within the "Meetings" section and you should see supporting materials. If you need assistance, please reach out to us. Find the recap for this meeting...
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SBE held its annual retreat and Board meeting September 15-17 and discussed graduation requirements rules, legislative priorities, private schools, and more. You can find a recording of the retreat and meeting on SBE’s meetings page, as well as links to approved/adopted items. Find also a link to SBE’s new document management system (...
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*** Find the latest entry in March here: Session Update (March 2020).
Of the more than 4,600 bills on the docket (including those automatically reintroduced from last session), fewer than 600 remain "alive" after Wednesday's... -
Find the latest blog post re: 2020 Legislative Session on the SBE blog.
The flurry of activity continues up on the hill, with over 2,900 bills already in play! This includes over 1,200 bills introduced since the start of session, plus about 1,700 reintroduced from last year (not counting about 500 that were adopted into law). The first policy cutoff deadline is on Friday, February 7. This...
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The State Board of Education (SBE) held a special meeting on Thursday, February 25 at 1:00 p.m. to discuss draft emergency rules for the Emergency Waiver Program (waiver of certain graduation requirements, for the Class of 2021).
Find supporting links below:
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Summary: Governor J. Inslee has appointed Kevin Wang, former educator and Microsoft engineer to the Washington State Board of Education.Educator, engineer, and social entrepreneur, Kevin Wang of Bellevue was appointed to the State Board of Education and sworn-in during a virtual...
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Summary: At a special Board meeting, the Washington State Board of Education (SBE) reviewed the process for creating an emergency waiver program that would give districts more flexibility in certain graduation requirements following extensive school closures due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
At the special Board Meeting on Thursday, March 26, SBE reviewed the process for creating an emergency waiver program that will provide...
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SBE and the Institute for Systems Biology (ISB) co-hosted an event this past week to take a deeper look into STEM education. The goal of the evening was to take a deeper look at the work that ISB Education is doing to help engage students more deeply with STEM in the K-12 system. Attendees completed a... -
The Washington State Board of Education (SBE) envisions an education system where students are engaged in personalized education pathways that prepare them for civic engagement, careers, postsecondary education, and lifelong...
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Last week, student Board Member, Autymn Wilde (Spokane Valley), gave her final presentation to the State Board of Education virtually. As a junior member last year, and this year, as mentor and senior, Autymn brought a passion for student support and advocacy for student well-being to the Board. In her...
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Thien Nguyen, Senior at Mariner High School, conducted a research project in regard to opportunity gaps in advanced-course taking. He utilized the Washington State Improvement Framework Winter 2020 Edition, the most recent of its kind, for his examination. You can read the...
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The following is an open letter to the Washington State education community
Dear Partners in Education,The State Board of Education would like to recognize our state’s students, teachers, administrators, educational staff associates, educational support professionals, parents, and caregivers for facing one of the most trying times of our generation—and for doing it with flexibility, creativity, and innovation. We also...
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After last year's Legislative session, the High School Diploma in Washington contains three parts:- The High School and Beyond Plan (that students begin in middle school is a blueprint for a student's long-term goals).
- Credit and subject-...
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Two new Board Members were sworn in at the State Board of Education Meeting in January (both photographed with Chair Peter Maier).
Western Washington Region 3: Mary Fertakis, M.Ed.
Mary Fertakis, M. Ed. is one of the five elected members and represents Western Washington... -
COVID-19 information:
As of May 2021, the State Board of Education has adopted emergency rule to establish this waiver program for students graduating in the 2020-21 school year. Find more information and resources on the Emergency Waiver Program page. Find more information...
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Several schools in Washington embody some of the characteristics of the Mastery-based Learning Work Group’s vision for MBL.
Delta High School (Pasco) and Avanti High School (Olympia) are both small choice schools that students opt into based on interest in a different education experience than is provided at the local comprehensive high school. Because of...
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Waivers Rules
- Waivers for Restructuring Purposes WAC 180-18
180-Day Waivers
Waivers from basic education program requirements (RCW 28A.150.200 through ...
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What skills should go in Washington State's Profile of a Graduate? How do Washington students show they are prepared with the skills needed to thrive in life after high school? The Legislature has instructed the Mastery-based Learning Work Group to explore what skills would be highlighted in Washington State's vision for high school graduates. Your feedback could inform how the Board...
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What is Mastery-Based Learning (MBL)?
The state defined mastery-based learning (MBL) in E2SHB (Senate House Bill) 1599 Sec. 301:- Students advance upon demonstrated mastery of content;
- Competencies include explicit, measurable, transferable learning objectives...
View the graphic on mobile
