1. Following up on Education Reform Efforts (HB 2261, HB2776, SB 6696)
The Washington State PTA shall initiate and/or support legislation or policies that advance implementation of and/or provided funding for the realization of the basic education reform bills passed in 2009 and 2010, which describe our state's plan for developing and phasing in system improvements to meet the educational needs of students in the 21st century.
Specifically, HB 2261 is very broad legislation that requires a ground-up reevaluation and revision of how education is funded, conducted and assessed in Washington State. As with most legislation, it's the small details that will determine it's success. Though HB 2261 was passed in 2009, the work to actually determine the changes to be implemented takes place in committees and subcommittees during subsequent years. How effect the revisions are will depend on how the bill is implemented. This PTA resolution makes our first priority following up on all the detailed decisions to ensure the final implementation of the bill meets the PTA's goals for our children's education.
2. Improving Math and Science education. Resolution includes initiating and supporting legislation or policies that strengthen math and science education, such as teacher training and recruitment, and implementing standards.
3. Literacy instruction. Resolution to initiate and/or support legislation that improves literacy, specifically through adoption of early phonological awareness screening and state-wide implementation of sound literacy instruction.
4. Teacher reduction in force. Resolution to support efforts to ensure that when teachers are laid off or staff reductions take place, that the decision includes factors beyond just seniority.
5. Fund education first. Resolution to initiate and/or support legislation or policies that fund education first, before other items in the state budget.
6. New model for teacher compensation. Resolution to initiate and/or support legislation and policies that lead to a new research-based state teacher compensation model that rewards teacher effectiveness in improving student learning.
SUPPORTED ISSUES
7. School breakfast and lunch programs. Resolution to initiate and/or support legislation and policies that improve the quality and nutritional content of school breakfast and lunch programs.
8. Physical education and health: Resolution to initiate and/or support legislation and policies that strengthen physical education and health, such as designating PE and health as core subjects.