The Legislature hasn’t addressed the definition of “basic education” in 30 years. In the interim, PTA members have argued for tougher graduation requirements, better diagnostic assessment, stronger math and science curriculum, and more funding for facilities. The PTA position is we need to make schools better for all students. We need to re-evaluate the state’s definition of “basic.”
The Basic Education Finance Task Force proposal opens the door to reform, but whether any happens is far from certain.
Many ideas in the preliminary proposals tie in with Washington PTA’s advocacy platform: 1) Redefine and fully fund basic education. 2) Strengthen math and science education. 3) Improve the Washington State Assessment System. 4) Support CORE 24 (more rigorous graduation standards). 5) Support rational approaches to teacher compensation.
How to get involved
· Send comments on the proposals to: bef@wsipp.wa.gov
· Contact your legislator: http://capwiz.com/npta2/wa/home/
· Read a summary of proposals: http://www.wastatepta.org/leg/FUNDING_COMMITTEE/BEF_proposal_sum.pdf
· Read the full proposals or get background info: http://www.leg.wa.gov/joint/committees/bef/
· Review WSPTA testimony: http://www.wastatepta.org/leg/BEF_July_2008.pdf