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Coalition Releases A+ Washington: A Plan to Improve Education
On the heels of Gov. Chris Gregoire signing the historic educator evaluation system legislation (Senate Bill 5895) last week, the Excellent Schools Now coalition launched an ambitious campaign Tuesday called A+ Washington to increase student learning and close the achievement gap to help prepare every student for success in work and life. See the press release.
"A+ Washington: A Way Forward for All Students" is available at www.apluswa.org. It's a comprehensive plan with five core ideas:
- Quality pre-kindergarten for every child.
- Excellent teachers for all students.
- Preparing all students for work and college.
- Flexibility to transform schools.
- Accurate measurements and data so schools and teachers can be held accountable for their students' performance.
"By the end of this decade, two-third of jobs in our state will require a post-secondary degree or training," said Jana Carlisle, Executive Director of the Partnership for Learning. "We want to see our students compete for and fill the thousands of quality jobs available in our state, and that starts by providing them with outstanding teachers and schools."
In January, ESN conducted an extensive survey of 500 Washington registered voters and 500 teachers to gauge opinions on A+ Washington priorities. A majority of teachers and voters agreed on most issues.
TELE-TOWN HALL ON FRIDAY
Excellent Schools Now has scheduled a tele-town hall for Friday to discuss SB 5895. State Rep. Eric Pettigrew, a co-sponsor of the bill, is one of the panelists:
- What: Tele-Town Hall on SB 5895
- When: Friday, March 16, noon to 1 p.m.
- Participate: Call (888) 886-6603, ext. 18634#
Partnership, Teachers United WA Leads Tour of Denver Public Charter Schools
The Partnership and Teachers United Washington led a diverse group of educators and business and community leaders on a two-day fact-finding trip of public charter schools in Denver in late February.
The group toured four charter school sites to learn how the schools are positively impacting Denver's education system. Partnership Communications Manager Chris Barron chronicled the two-day trip and some of the group's observations about charters before and after the tour.
The Partnership supports additional options for families and students in the state's education system and believes charters can provide one solution to the state's achievement gap issues.
Read the full story on our Website.
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