Legislative Session |
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The current State of Washington Legislative session began on January 14, 2008 and goes until March 13, 2008. |
On October 5-6, 2007, the Washington State PTA (WSPTA) Legislative Assembly was held. Representatives from PTAs all over the state of
Washington gathered to debate and decide the Washington State PTA priorities for this 2008 Legislative session. The top five priorities are:
- K-12 Education Funding - The Washington State PTA shall initiate and/or support legislation and/or policies that establish an
updated definition of basic education and a basic education funding formula that reflects current education practices and requirements. The
redefinition and funding formula must fulfill the State’s obligation to fully fund education as its paramount duty by providing ample
opportunities for all students to achieve higher learning levels consistent with standards-based education reform. The funding system must
ensure accountability by generating consistent and transparent accounting processes.
- Math & Science Education - The Washington State PTA shall initiate and/or support legislation and/or policies that strengthen
science and math education in Washington State including but not limited to 1) enhanced pre-K through college education in mathematics and
the sciences through a balanced instructional program to support students including but not limited to basic computational and procedural
skills, algorithms, formulas and definitions, conceptual understanding, problem solving and scientific method; 2) advanced professional
development and ongoing assistance for math and science teachers; 3) support of community involvement in the selection of math and science
curricula; and 4) encouragement of family collaboration in teaching math and science.
- Quality Teaching - The Washington State PTA shall initiate and/or support legislation and/or policies that support quality
teaching through 1) enhanced professional development for teachers; 2) ample resources for the retention and recruitment of the most
proficient teachers; 3) assistance and collaboration through family and community involvement; and 4) reasonable and respectful evaluation
and support strategies for teachers.
- Student Support Services - The Washington State PTA shall initiate and/or support legislation and/or policies that support
student success in school by adequately funding K-12 school counselors, school librarians and school nurses.
- Special Education Funding - The Washington State PTA shall initiate and/or support legislation and/or policies that provide for
full funding of the actual cost for all of the required services for special education services, as defined by individual education plans
required under federal law.
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Upcoming Events |
There are no formal legislation-related activities planned at this time.
However, you can always contact your legislator to let him/her know what you think! Go to the
Washington State Legislature contact webpage.
Also, check the Washington State PTA website for current State PTA legislative happenings.
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Current Legislative News |
| The following articles have been provided by the Issaquah PTSA Council Legislation Co-Chairs |
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Simple Majority for Levies Only Passed
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November 2007
Voters have passed the "Simple majority for levies" issue! What does simple majority for levies mean? School levies will now pass with a
50% plus 1 "yes" vote instead of the 60% "yes" vote that was previously required.
Thank you to all who made phone calls and campaigned for this issue!
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