Statutory Charge | Survey | Round II Listening Sessions | Round I Listening Sessions
The State Board of Education has been directed by the Legislature to submit recommendations about aligning...
It should not take events like what happened in Uvalde to get us to see that our students deserve better. It is not enough to offer condolences. We need to focus on what we can do. As a Board, that’s what we will do.
The first priority in our strategic plan is that “All students feel safe at school and have the supports necessary to thrive.” In this moment in history, it is a goal that feels out of reach. It isn’t. We believe that...
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...
On August 16 and 17, the Board gathered to certify schools for Basic Education, consider equity, approve private schools, and more. Day one saw Senator Lisa Wellman discussing computer science with the Board and Kitsap Strong's Youth...
The Washington State Board of Education and the Association of Washington Student Leaders is proud to announce the future addition of Castulo Gonzalez as Western Washington Student Representative on the Board. Castulo is currently a sophomore at W.F. West High School in Chehalis.
“We’re looking...
On December 7, the Board met to discuss and adopt rules on graduation pathways, discuss a draft of the annual charter schools report, and approve the draft strategic plan (outlining Board work moving forward through 2028). The Board also welcomed a panel to discuss the need to extend the emergency waiver for certain graduation requirements.
It was the final meeting for member and Eastern Washington representative, MJ Bolt....
On December 1, the Board met to discuss reports on educational system health and graduation requirements. The Board also considered approving proposed rules for high school graduation requirements, to address recent legislation on the role of computer science courses in meeting graduation requirements.
At the...
The most meaningful learning experiences are relevant, engaging, and hands-on. These experiences should prepare students for graduation and their next steps. For some students, a new, performance-based graduation pathway option can align with post-high school goals, inspire greatness, and recognize real-world experiences. To make this new pathway the most meaningful it can be, we need your help designing rules for it....
Five Board positions are filled through elections by members of Washington state public school boards of directors. Two elected members must be from eastern Washington and three from western Washington.
Elections are administered by the Washington State School Directors' Association (WSSDA) on their website:...
At the March meeting, the State Board discussed whether the emergency waiver program (...
Please find below procedures for private schools in Washington State to report their student enrollment data for the 2024-2025 school year to the Washington State Board of Education (SBE).
Overview:
The Board met on February 14 and 15 to swear-in a new member, Ron Mabry (from Kennewick), discuss learning standards review, the current legislative session, and to adopt rules about private schools and charter public schools.
Find the agenda, supporting materials, and links to TVW’s...
In the realm of community impact, few names shine as brightly as Lisa Keohokalole Schauer. As the founder of PointNorth, Lisa has dedicated her career to fostering positive change and empowerment within local communities. Drawing on her formative experiences, including her time in high school with the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and under the mentorship of Mr. Stern, Lisa's journey has been one of dedication, learning, and...
The following is a piece by SBE Student Communicator and intern, Indiana Hilmes.
I almost always jump at the chance to visit high schools in other cities. I’m from a small town in Eastern Washington called Selah, so when I visit larger cities, at first it’s the strangest...
The following is a guest piece from SBE Communicator, Indiana Hilmes.
One of my favorite parts of being a Student Communicator is connecting with people I otherwise would’ve never met. Olivia Ross, a University of Washington graduate student and MoPop (Museum of Popular Culture) guest curator is a prime example of this.
I interviewed Olivia on a cloudy...
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. ...
Legislation passed in the 2019 session (HB 1599) established multiple graduation pathway options. In 2023, HB 1308 passed establishing the performance-based pathway.
New data has been collected (survey and focus groups) for the second year of a three-year project that will inform the State Board’s understanding of district perceptions regarding the new high school diploma graduation pathway...
At the upcoming March 9-10 meeting, the State Board of Education will consider rules on graduation requirement emergency waivers for upcoming graduating classes, specifically focused on (but not limited to) the Class of 2023. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, similar emergency waiver rules have been adopted to help students struggling to graduate. The waiver was created as the pandemic impacted students’ ability to finish high...
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...
Board members and staff are excited to celebrate the success of senior, out-going student Board member, Pavan Venkatakrishnan. Pavan joined the Board as a junior in 2021 and quickly became a knowledgeable voice. A fervent...
Celebrating 1 year of travels and tales about education in Washington State!
Adopted on behalf of the Board in summer 2022 with 100 percent donated funds, the State Board’s seal, Snorkels, is an educational interactive symbol for SBE. Snorkels has their own Instagram account (...
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...
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...
New Voices: SBE began 2022 by adding three new voices. Dr. Angela Griffin (Seattle) was elected by members of the Washington State School Directors’ Association. Brooke Brown (Tacoma) was recommended by the Washington Education Association (educators state-wide) and appointed by Governor J. Inslee. Dr. Dana Riley Black (Seattle) was also appointed by the Governor. Learn more about them on our...
In the heart of Southwest Washington, a trailblazing high school program is shaping the heroic careers of young individuals destined for firefighting. Captain Ellis, a dedicated and passionate instructor, leads this fire sciences course, imparting essential firefighting skills and fostering life abilities through hands-on experiences. Beyond technical expertise, graduates emerge with deep responsibility, confidence, and community dedication...
It was standing-room only while the State Board's Communicators (interns), Star and Indy, presented about their experience at this year's Association of Washington Student Leaders Fall Conference in Tacoma. Students...
SBE held its latest Board meeting January 19-20, and discussed private schools, graduation requirements, charter schools, legislative session, and more. The Board also welcomed new members (photographed left to right) ...
On June 27-29, the Board met to continue on their strategic planning journey and to approve private schools, waivers, basic education compliance, and more. The first day, the Board welcomed students and partners to engage in discussion and relationship-building. The second day...
As a west-coast state, educators can incorporate a lot of hands-on learning into lessons about the sea. Many Washington students may not know that these lessons in school can translate to meaningful careers—careers like the ones at SeaLife Response, Rehabilitation, and Research (SR3) located in Des Moines.
...
Quick links: List of Grantees | Definitions | Resources
This page provides information about the state’s Mastery-based Learning Collaborative (MBLC) project. For background on Washington mastery-based learning work, visit the MBL page.
The Washington State Mastery-based Learning...
Washington State Board of Education Announces Second Cohort of Grantee Schools for Mastery-Based Learning Collaborative
In a pioneering effort by the state legislature and the Washington State Board of Education (SBE) in promoting mastery-based learning, the Board is excited to offer new funding and support for 20 schools across the state. The awarded schools are now part of Cohort 2 of the Mastery-based Learning Collaborative (MBLC...
SBE held its first hybrid Board meeting in two years on May 11-12 in Chelan, and discussed student voting authority on the Board, institutional education, interim planning, private school approvals, graduation pathways research, and more. Find...
The State Board of Education is excited to announce the addition of Donalda Brantley as new student Board member, and east-side student representative. Donalda is a current sophomore at...
The State Board of Education (SBE) welcomes new members Dr. Angela Griffin, Brooke Brown, and Dr. Dana Riley Black. Dr. Susana Reyes was reappointed,...
On October 11 and 12, the Washington State Board of Education came together to discuss school recognition, the Board’s legislative platform, proposed rules on graduation pathways, and the strategic plan (outlining Board work moving forward through 2028). It was the final in-person meeting for...
Resources
SBE is a 16-member board, including two student members. Under current law, all the board members can vote except for the student members. In 2019, the Board changed its bylaws to allow students to make an advisory vote, but a statutory change is needed to allow student votes to count. The State Board’s request legislation would extend voting authority to the student members on the Board, allowing them to vote in the same manner as other...
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...
After a runoff election administered by the Washington State School Directors’ Association, the Washington State Board of Education (SBE) will welcome new member, Ronnie (Ron) Mabry, this coming January. He was elected by school board members to serve as Eastern Washington Position 1, a position held by MJ Bolt...
SBE will host an informational webinar on Wednesday, September 13 from 1-2 p.m. for schools interested in applying to become a member of the Mastery-based Learning Collaborative - a group of schools funded to implement mastery-based learning. Schools will learn about culturally responsive mastery-based learning, hear about the experience of joining this community...
On September 7, the Board hosted an online meeting to approve proposed rules on graduation pathways, talk about legislative requests, and to discuss the Board’s upcoming strategic plan (outlining work moving forward through 2028).
Find the agenda, supporting materials, and links to TVW’s video footage of the meeting on...
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.
...
Has your district adopted standards-based grading? If so, please let us know. You could be featured in future state-wide SBE outreach! Standards-based grading is used in mastery-based education. See the table below from the Aurora Institute.
...OLYMPIA, WA — The Washington State Board of Education seeks a current sophomore ready to step up and make a mark on education. The student must be passionate and driven to serve as the Student Representative for the 2024-2026 term, and live anywhere in Washington.
Applicants must:
Options for feedback:
The Board has received several public comments about a potential “vote on ethnic studies” over the past few days. This is not accurate. Please read on to find out what will actually be discussed at this week’s meeting.
Will the Board vote on an ethnic studies graduation requirement this week?
No. The Board will review draft recommendations on...
As advocates for quality education and positive change, your insights and perspectives are invaluable to shaping the future of education in our state. During two listening sessions, the Board collected input from community members and education partners to help inform the Board’s 2024-2028 strategic plan. We will host more sessions this fall! The plan will identify what work the Board will take on within its areas of authority to improve the...
**November 14 update:
View the Jam Board where people can leave ideas and comments (from the November 14 session) or view the November 8 recording until December 9.
Miss the session? Send us your...
As part of our work on the alignment of graduation requirements with the Washington Profile of a Graduate, SBE staff attended the Association of Washington Student Leaders (AWSL) student voice meeting on April 11, the Washington State School Directors Association (WSSDA) Student Representative Network meeting on April 18, and held a student listening session facilitated by SBE student members Pavan Venkatakrishnan and McKenna Roberts on May 3...
SBE recently posted a coloring sheet activity to pair with a naming contest that is going on now. The sheet asked two questions in addition to a name submission for the SBE Seal. Here is a brief summary from the nearly 200 students who participated. Find the gallery of coloring sheets on SBE’s Flikr page. Also, check out the...
It's the end of the school year, let's reflect. Graduation pathway options went into effect for the Class of 2020, but the last two years have been anything but typical. How, after more than two years in a pandemic, do we see our students' pathways to graduation and life after high school? What can our system set as the standard requirements for achieving the Washington...
The State Board of Education will say farewell to one of its most influential student Board members at the upcoming May Board meeting: McKenna Roberts. McKenna was selected by the Association of Washington Student Leaders as a sophomore and served on the Board during her junior and senior years. She is passionate about representing students in rural settings (she will graduate from Okanogan High School this May), comprehensive sexual health...
We asked elementary school students all over Washington to submit name ideas for Snorkels. We received close to 200 submissions! Many of them are thoughtful, funny, and creative - like our kids. Check out the...
After three years of research, and with support from communities across Washington, lawmakers in the State House passed ...
This month, SBE welcomes Indiana Hilmes (Selah) and Star Mendoza (Puyallup) as student interns - the first SBE Communicators to join the team! Both are juniors, passionate communicators, and storytellers.
Indiana Hilmes (Selah High School, Selah)
One of Indiana's...
Our students are capable of exceeding standards—and showing us how they do it. We see this in learning environments like Gibson Ek in Issaquah. Gibson Ek requires students to document their learning in a “portfolio” that shows their best, most impactful work, and their journey to get there. Students shadow and intern with real companies or organizations, develop problem-solving solutions for their community, and meet standards in all subjects...
The Basic Education Report is a review of Washington state school districts and their compliance with basic...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
If you wish to give public comment at any meeting, you may sign up at the meeting (either in-person or on Zoom).
Date Agenda + Materials Place City January 19-20 New members, private schools, legislative...The Board typically meets bimonthly. Find materials and agendas on SBE's meetings site. If you wish to give public comment at any meeting, you may sign up at the meeting (either in-person or on Zoom). Written comment is accepted at sbe@k12.wa.us.
Date/Agenda items Place (all meetings have a Zoom component)...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).
The Washington State Board of Education...
Report from School Districts on Graduation Requirements District Comparison Spreadsheet for the Class of 2019 (Excel File)
2018 May 22Council of Presidents-...
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:
...On April 12 and 13, the Board met to discuss charter schools, community engagement and communications, strategic planning, waivers, and more. During the first day, 2023 Washington State Teacher of the Year, Dana Miles (photo) spoke on her experience in the classroom and as Teacher of the Year. Dana is an educator at the Washington State School for the Deaf in Vancouver. The Board was also joined by partners from the Washington...
SBE is responsible for ensuring Washington State public school district compliance with the Program of Basic Education, and annually conducts a survey that allows school districts to affirm compliance with the basic education law.
The 2024-25 Minimum Basic Education Requirement Compliance and District Survey has been launched! Please, contact Viktoria Bobyleva...
In our state, SBE is responsible for certifying that school district are in compliance with the program requirements of Basic Education (WAC 180-16-195, WAC 180-16-200, and RCW 28A.150.220(7)) each year. This gives the Board an opportunity to work with districts, and to get important data about school district programming. See the graph below as an example of the kind of data collected (from last year). We hope to share more data and...
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...
Please visit the OSPI Civics web page for more information.
Legislature—Civic Education (http://leg.wa.gov/civiced/Pages/default.aspx)
...
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...
SBE held its latest Board meeting December 2, and discussed ethnic studies, private school rules, legislative updates, and more. Find documents from the meeting and links to TVW’s live stream on SBE’s Simbli page.
...In December 2022, the Board submitted the sixth report on the Indicators of Educational System Health to the Governor’s Office and the Educational Committees of the Legislature. The authorizing statute (RCW 28A.150.550) means SBE, in collaboration with...
In 2021, the legislature authorized the State Board of Education to establish an emergency waiver program to allow school districts to waive certain high school graduation requirements in the wake of COVID-19. The waiver was designed to be used on an individual student basis after the district makes a good faith effort to help the student meet the requirements. The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) has shared data on...
As the Board and staff try to improve their professional development in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, we have recently released a Request for Proposals asking for training services. Download the PDF RFP for more details. Letters of intent are due April 15 by 5:00 p.m.
Preamble
The State Board of Education (SBE) is committed...
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. In March 2021, the Board adopted a...
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...
Governor-appointed former Board Member, Connie Fletcher, is recognized nationally for comitment to closing achievement gaps and support for students, educators**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.
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...
**New in 2024: The Board adopted final rules modifying the graduation requirements emergency waiver for students graduating in the 2023-2024 school year (see announcement for more info).
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...
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...
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 (...
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 (...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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.
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...
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)...
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,...
Student Board members cast official votes for the first time in the SBE’s 145-year history as the Board passed a resolution honoring student voice. The meeting was July 13-14 (in Spokane and on Zoom). The Board also swore-in student representative Donalda Brantley and held a panel featuring former student members. The Board talked about...
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...
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...
At the October 2023 meeting, the Board adopted its...
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...
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...
ZOOM Recording Day 1 (part 1)
Agenda items include: Board Norms, Washington School Improvement Framework, School Recognition
ZOOM Recording Day 1 (part 2)
...
SBE held its latest Board meeting March 9-10, and discussed private schools rules, graduation data, emergency waivers, graduation requirements alignment, legislative session, and more. Find documents from the meeting and links to TVW’s live stream on SBE’s meeting page.
Private Schools Rules - The Board adopted permanent rules for...
Resources | Meeting Dates & Materials | Background | Email List | MBLC
The State Board of Education convened a mastery-based...
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...
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....
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 ...
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...
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.
...
Sign up for email updates on other topics of your choice.
Read the November Board Meeting recap: November in Bremerton.
You can also review meeting and additional materials online and watch ...
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...
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:
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...
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...
Learn more about how we're collecting feedback to align current graduation requirements to this Profile.
Developed by the Mastery-based Learning Work Group, with support from the Board and valuable input from community stakeholders, the Profile of a Graduate outlines the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities our students should develop over the course of their K-12...
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...
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...
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...
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
...Adopted on September 10, 2014
WHEREAS the Washington State Constitution establishes, as the paramount duty of the state, to make ample provision...
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...
During the first day of the July meeting, the State Board of Education honored past, present, and future student Board members by passing a resolution honoring student voice. The resolution comes after last session when the legislature passed SSB 5497, giving student members voting rights on the Board. Just before the resolution passed with full Board support, past members Autymn Wilde (now at Gonzaga), Joe Hofman (now at Georgetown), and...
2021 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2010 | 2009 | 1993
July 13, 2022...
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...
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. View the State Board's filings...
At the November Board meeting, SBE adopted its 2021 legislative platform. The COVID-19 public health crisis has shed light on long-standing...
SBE shared this graphic timeline of the rulemaking process in the September Board Meeting materials. It shows what has...
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 (...
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...
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....
Read highlights from this meeting.
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...
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 (...
It was another historic meeting this September as student member Pavan Venkatakrishnan was elected to the Board’s Executive Committee (it provides guidance on the Board’s agenda and oversight of the budget). The Executive Committee is now comprised of Mary Fertakis, Harium Martin-Morris,...
*** 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...
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:
SBE is excited to offer funding and support to eighteen schools across our state. These awards support mastery-based learning (MBL) - sometimes called competency-based education. SBE invited schools to apply to be part of the state’s new Mastery-based Learning Collaborative (MBLC). Schools were selected through a competitive process with the goal of fully implementing this learning model over the course of a few years. Grantees will also...
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...
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...
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 State Board of Education adopted the 2024-2028 Strategic Plan at the June 2024 Board meeting.
The plan prioritizes authentic engagement with partners as we embark on an ambitious agenda to address the diverse needs of our educational community, focusing specifically on what the Board can do within its...
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...
On March 1, the Washington State House of Representatives debated the bill that would give student members voting rights on the Board. The bill passed with 60 yeas and 38 nays. Both student representatives and several of their peers had testified in support of this legislation. Read the...
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...
This past week, students from different high schools in Washington...
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...
The Washington State Board must adopt a seal, and that seal shall be kept in the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (28A.305.130).
Adopted on behalf of the Board in summer 2022 with 100 percent donated funds, the State Board’s seal, Snorkels, is an educational interactive symbol for SBE...
The Superintendent's High School Art Show happens every year. It is co-hosted by OSPI and the Washington Art Education Association (WAEA). The State Board of Education (staff and Board members) select a piece for the State Board of Education Award and scholarship in support of young artists and arts education.
See past...
After last year's Legislative session, the High School Diploma in Washington contains three parts:
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...
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...
In our state, there are both required and encouraged educational offerings at each school district. The...
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...
What is Mastery-Based Learning (MBL)?
The state defined mastery-based learning (MBL) in E2SHB (Senate House Bill) 1599 Sec. 301:
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