This week lawmakers switched back into committee mode, holding public hearings on bills sent over from the opposite house. The House Education Committee hit the ground running, holding meetings beginning on Monday. Legislators will be expected to submit proposed amendments by next week, as time until the next cut-off is steadily ticking. April 2nd is the last day for bills to be amended and passed out of the opposite house.

On Tuesday, the highly anticipated March Revenue Forecast was released. Lawmakers have been waiting on the new set of state revenue estimates as they put their budget proposals together. Unfortunately, the figures that arrived were bleak. According to the Washington State Standard, the forecast, “further dimmed the financial outlook at a time when the state is already facing an operating budget shortfall estimated to be as much as $15 billion over the next four years.” This is not good news for legislators. As lawmakers prepare to negotiate a 2025-27 biennium budget, they will surely be debating whether to introduce new taxes or to deeply reduce spending to existing programs, or possibly both. 

Washington is expected to collect nearly $845 million less in revenue over the next four years than projected in November’s forecast, according to the Office of Financial Management. “Today’s revenue forecast shows a modest decline in projected revenue, which is what we expected,” state Sen. June Robinson, D-Everett, chair of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, said in a statement. “While it doesn’t change the broader fiscal challenges we face, it reinforces the need for a balanced and sustainable approach as we finalize the 2025-27 operating budget.” 

On Thursday, Senate Democrats unveiled their tax package. The proposals, “if enacted, could cover roughly half of a budget shortfall estimated between $12 billion and $16 billion over the next four-and-a-half fiscal years,” reported Jerry Cornfield of The Washington State Standard. Cornfield breaks down the details of the plan in his article.

Education Committee Schedules for next week on tvw.org

House Education Committee:

• Monday, March 24 @ 1:30pm
• Wednesday, March 26 @ 4pm
• Thursday, March 27 @ 8am

Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee:

• Tuesday, March 25 @ 8am
• Wednesday, March 26 @ 10:30am
• Thursday, March 27 @ 10:30am

House Bills 

SHB 1079: which allows school districts to provide all students enrolled in online school programs the option to take statewide standardized tests remotely, beginning in the 2027-28 school year. The bill is in the Senate Early Learning & K-12 Committee.

2SHB 1273: which directs ESDs to collaborate with specified entities to streamline regional efforts that support students’ dual credit access and directs the SBCTC to develop a plan for improving its online career and technical education (CTE) dual credit administrative data system. The bill is in the House Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee.

2HB 1285: which requires public school students, beginning with the graduating class of 2031, to meet the high school state financial education learning standards to graduate. The bill requires school districts, charter schools, and state-tribal education compact schools to provide all high school students with instruction in the state financial education learning standards, beginning in or before the 2027-28 school year. The bill is in the Senate Early Learning & K-12 Committee.

ESHB 1296: which would make changes to delineated rights of parents and legal guardians of public school children, establish a statement of student rights and associated duties for school districts, and would establish anti-retaliation protections for public school employees (Senate hearing time: 1:54). Testifying in support:representatives from Gender Diversity, WEA Chinook Council, Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates, SWEC, WSCA, Pro-Choice WA, Gender Justice League, The Washington Bus, Sexual Violence Law Center, WEA, OSPI,  and several concerned citizens. Testifying in opposition: representatives from the Eatonville SD, Reject 5599, Informed Choice WA, a Yakima County Commissioner and several concerned citizens. The bill is in the Senate Early Learning and K-12 Committee. From The Seattle Times: Washington Initiative Takes Aim at Parents’ Bill of Rights Changes.

HB 1393: which requires school districts, charter schools, and state-tribal education compact schools to permit students to wear one item or object of cultural significance at high school commencements and other official graduation ceremonies and events (Senate hearing time: 00:37). The bill was passed out of the Senate Early Learning & K-12 Committee and sent to the Senate Rules Committee.

ESHB 1414: which directs OSPI, in consultation with the Department of Labor, to establish a work group to recommend changes to state laws and practices affecting the training, certification, and employment of 16- and 17-year-olds enrolled in or who completed career and technical education programs (Senate hearing time: 26:29 and 1:18:58). Testifying in support: representatives from MIC, Tritech Skill Center, Northwest Maritime, WSSCA and a concerned citizen. The bill is in the Senate Early Learning & K-12 Committee.

ESHB 1651: which establishes teacher residency programs, describes a teacher apprenticeship program and establishes requirements for teacher apprenticeship programs (and number of hours) and requires the PESB to establish a process to approve these programs (Senate Hearing time: 2:44and 35:11). Testifying in support: representatives from the WEA. Testifying as “other:” representatives from PESB. The bill is in the Senate Early Learning & K-12 Committee. 

Senate Bills

ESSB 5004: which requires emergency response systems of school districts, charter schools, and state-tribal education compact schools to include specified technology and be developed in accordance with collaboration requirements (House hearing time: 5:04). Testifying in support: representatives from Make Our Schools Safe and several concerned citizens. Testifying with amendment suggestion: representatives from the Puget Sound School Coalition. The bill was passed out of the House Education Committee.

SSB 5025: which directs the PESB to establish full and limited certificates for deaf and deaf-blind educational interpreters and specifies that, by the beginning of the 2027-28 school year, educational interpreters employed by school districts must obtain a certificate; and provides that those without a certificate, but who demonstrate satisfactory efforts toward full certification, may provide educational interpreter services for up to 18 months after completing the assessment (House hearing time: 00:29). Testifying in support: representatives from the PESB and CDHY. The bill was passed out of the House Education Committee.

SSB 5123: which would add  protected classes to the nondiscrimination provisions that apply to Washington public schools: ethnicity, homelessness, immigration status, and neurodivergence (House hearing time: 1:42). Testifying in support: representatives from WSASP, PFLAG Skagit, several concerned citizens,  Testifying in opposition: representatives from WSYR, Lynden School District, FPIW Action, and several concerned citizens. The bill is in the House Education Committee.

SB 5177: which would require OSPI to specify that the professional development resources that are provided on certain topics must consider the experiences of historically marginalized and underrepresented groups (House hearing time: 39:02). Testifying in support:representatives from LYAC and the Attorney General’s Office.  Testifying in opposition: a concerned citizen. The bill is in the House Education Committee.

2SSB 5179: which directs OSPI to establish a process to investigate and address complaints alleging noncompliance with state laws concerning civil rights; harassment, intimidation, and bullying; certain curriculum requirements; the use of restraint or isolation on a student; and student discipline. The bill is in the House Education Committee.

ESSB 5181: which modifies certain rights of parents and guardians of children enrolled in public school, removes rights related to notification requirements regarding medical services and treatment, lists ten additional rights of parents and guardians and includes cross references to existing state law for each. The bill adds that these rights do not create a private right of action. The bill is in the House Education Committee. From

SB 5189: which requires OSPI to adopt rules to authorize funding for students enrolled in competency-based education (CBE) programs and to create competencies aligned with state learning standards, as well as requires the SBE to develop a process to identify schools and school districts that are implementing CBE, and identify costs associated with this process (House hearing: 1:38:05). Testifying in support: representatives from the SBCTC, SBE, Issaquah SD (Gibson Ek HS) and the LaConner SD. Testifying in opposition: a concerned citizen. The bill has passed out of the House Education Committee.

ESSB 5192: which increases allocations for materials, supplies, and operating costs (MSOC) as well as provides that MSOC calculations must use a three-year rolling average for student enrollment and must be adjusted annually for inflation. The bill is in the House Appropriations Committee.

SSB 5193:  which allows school districts with online programs to provide students the ability to complete statewide assessments remotely beginning in the 2027-28 school year. The bill directs OSPI to develop assessment administration and security policies to support remote testing options by April 1, 2027 (House hearing time: 44:58). Testifying in support: representatives from K12 Stride, WA Digital Public School Alliance and a concerned citizen. The bill has passed out of the House Education Committee.

SSB 5240: which allows a school nurse or designated trained school personnel to use any available epinephrine on school property to respond to an anaphylactic reaction when certain requirements are met as well as provides liability protections when epinephrine is administered in substantial compliance with the written policies of the school district. Testifying as “other:” representatives from SNOW and WFIS. The bill is in the House Education Committee.

SSB 5253: which extends special education services to students with disabilities until the end of the school year in which the student turns 22 (House hearing time: 00:54).Testifying in support: representatives from OSPI,The Arc of WA and a concerned citizen. The bill has passed out of the House Education Committee.

E2SSB 5263: which would increase the special education funding multipliers to 1.6381 for Pre-K students and 1.5289 for K-12 students and would eliminate multiplier tiers that provide different levels of funding based on time spent in a general education setting. The bill is in the House Appropriations Committee.

SSB 5327: which directs the SBE to develop recommendations for students to have the opportunity to demonstrate competency of the high school computer science state learning standards, and consider how to incorporate the competencies into the framework of graduation requirements. (House hearing time: 1:15:02). Testifying in support: representatives from the SBE. The bill is in the House Education Committee.

2SSB 5358: which permits school districts to offer Career and Technical Education Program (CTE) courses to sixth graders in middle school, and requires middle and high school CTE courses to be treated as a single program for accounting purposes. The bill is in the House Appropriations Committee.

SSB 5418: which designates that charter schools must provide a program of basic education unless an exemption has been authorized pursuant to a charter contract. As well as provides that charter contracts may allow charter schools to seek exemptions to basic education requirements and directs a charter school authorizer to consult with the State Board of Education. The bill is in the House Education Committee.

SB 5570: which requires school districts to incorporate curricula about the nearest federally recognized Indian tribe or tribes into their social studies curricula no later than September 1, 2026, and requires districts to collaborate with neighboring tribes on coordinating curricula (House hearing: 1:17:26). Testifying in support: the Asst. Supt. of the Office of Native Education, representatives from the Highline PS, Bellingham SD and the WSNAEC. Testifying in opposition: a concerned citizen and a teacher from Ferndale HS. The bill has passed out of the House Education Committee.

SB 5637: which requires school districts that operate a high school provide a mandatory one-half credit stand-alone course in civics for each high school student. The bill is in the House Education Committee.

SB 5737: which reduces the annual bonuses for instructional staff with a National Board Certificate starting in the 2025-26 school year (hearing time: 1:57:32). Testifying in opposition: representatives from the Evergreen, Mount Baker, Walla Walla, Lake Washington SD and Vancouver School Districts, the WEA, WSSDA, Highline Education Association, WSCA and several concerned citizens. The bill is in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

Odds and Ends

“Offering the classes for free is a game changer for us.” From The Seattle Times, College in the Classroom Soars in Popularity Across the US and it’s Free.

“Alabama is the only state where 4th-grade math scores are higher now than they were in 2019, before the pandemic.” From NPR, How Alabama Students went from Last Place to Rising Stars in Math.

After last week’s exhausting end, week 8 of session struck a different tone. With only the House Education Committee meeting on Wednesday to hear two bills from the senate, nearly all of the attention was on the floor and on the respective Rules Committees of both chambers. It is the job of the Rules Committees to consider all bills reported from policy and fiscal committees and determine whether, and in what order, to schedule their consideration on the floor of the chamber. The Rules Committee also reviews, adopts and schedules consideration of floor resolutions. 

Last week, on the very last day of the fiscal deadline, many anxiously awaited the fate of several major bills. At the last minute, the House Appropriations Committee amended and passed SSB 1357, which will increase special education funding and support grant funding for pilot schools centered on inclusionary practices, as well as increase the special education excess cost multiplier for kindergarten through age 21.

 That being said, there were several major bills that did not share that outcome. HB 1404, which would have provided Washington public school students with free school meals, and HB 1795, which focused on the use of isolation and restraint in our public schools, both died in fiscal. The next deadline lawmakers will face occurs next Wednesday, March 12, and will be the last day for bills to be considered and passed out of their house of origin.

Education Committee Schedules for next week on tvw.org

House Education Committee:

• Thursday, March 13 @ 1030am

Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee:

• Thursday, March 13 @ 1030am

House Bills 

SHB 1079: which allows school districts to provide all students enrolled in online school programs the option to take statewide standardized tests remotely, beginning in the 2027-28 school year. The bill has passed the House Rules Committee.

SHB 1085: which expands the school-related crimes of Interference by Force or Violence and Intimidation by Threat of Force or Violence and increases the penalties. The bill requires the OSPI to develop a standard signage form notifying the public of the offenses of Interference by Force or Violence and Intimidation by Threat of Force or Violence and possible penalties and requires signage to be displayed at public school gymnasiums, auditoriums, and athletic fields. The bill is in the House Rules Committee.

HB 1273: which directs ESDs to collaborate with specified entities to streamline regional efforts that support students’ dual credit access and directs the SBCTC to develop a plan for improving its online career and technical education (CTE) dual credit administrative data system. The bill is in the House Rules Committee.

2HB 1285: which requires public school students, beginning with the graduating class of 2031, to meet the high school state financial education learning standards to graduate. The bill requires school districts, charter schools, and state-tribal education compact schools to provide all high school students with instruction in the state financial education learning standards, beginning in or before the 2027-28 school year. The bill has passed the House Rules Committee. From The Seattle Times, WA Could Reform High School Graduation Requirements.

SHB 1296: which would make changes to delineated rights of parents and legal guardians of public school children, establish a statement of student rights and associated duties for school districts, and would establish anti-retaliation protections for public school employees. The bill is in the House Rules Committee.

HB 1338: which increases per pupil amounts for several materials, supplies, and operating costs (MSOC) categories in state prototypical school funding formulas, lowers class sizes for skill centers from 19 to 16.67 and requires a review and rebase of MSOC every four years beginning the 2029-30 school year. The bill is in the House Rules Committee.

HB 1357:  which increases special education excess cost multipliers for kindergarten through age 21 to 1.18 for students who spend at least 80 percent of the school day in a general education setting, and 1.09 for those who spend less than 80 percent. The bill also establishes grants for pilot schools to establish school-wide centers of excellence for inclusionary practices. The bill is in the House Rules Committee.

HB 1393: which requires school districts, charter schools, and state-tribal education compact schools to permit students to wear one item or object of cultural significance at high school commencements and other official graduation ceremonies and events. The bill is in the House Rules Committee.

HB 1414: which directs OSPI, in consultation with the Department of Labor, to establish a work group to recommend changes to state laws and practices affecting the training, certification, and employment of 16- and 17-year-olds enrolled in or who completed career and technical education programs. The bill is in the House Rules Committee.

SHB 1651: which establishes teacher residency programs, describes a teacher apprenticeship program and establishes requirements for teacher apprenticeship programs (and number of hours) and requires the PESB to establish a process to approve these programs. The bill is in the House Rules Committee.

HB 1817:  directs OSPI to post staff training materials on trauma-informed, survivor-centered responses to disclosures of sexual abuse, misconduct, and assault and to develop a student and family guide on laws, policies, and procedures related to this topic and mandatory reporting as well as requires mandatory reporter training for school employees. The bill is in the House Rules Committee.

Senate Bills

ESSB 5004: which requires emergency response systems of school districts, charter schools, and state-tribal education compact schools to include specified technology and be developed in accordance with collaboration requirements (House hearing time: 5:04). Testifying in support: representatives from Make Our Schools Safe and several concerned citizens. Testifying with amendment suggestion: representatives from the Puget Sound School Coalition. The bill is in the House Education Committee.

SSB 5025: which directs the PESB to establish full and limited certificates for deaf and deaf-blind educational interpreters and specifies that, by the beginning of the 2027-28 school year, educational interpreters employed by school districts must obtain a certificate; and provides that those without a certificate, but who demonstrate satisfactory efforts toward full certification, may provide educational interpreter services for up to 18 months after completing the assessment (House hearing time: 00:29). Testifying in support: representatives from the PESB and CDHY. The bill is in the House Education Committee.

SSB 5123: which would add protected classes to the nondiscrimination provisions that apply to Washington public schools: ethnicity, homelessness, immigration status, and neurodivergence. The bill is in the Senate Rules Committee.

SB 5177: which would require OSPI to specify that the professional development resources that are provided on certain topics must consider the experiences of historically marginalized and underrepresented groups. The bill is in the Senate Rules Committee.

SB 5179: which directs OSPI to establish a process to investigate and address complaints alleging noncompliance with state laws concerning civil rights; harassment, intimidation, and bullying; certain curriculum requirements; the use of restraint or isolation on a student; and student discipline. The bill is in the Senate Rules Committee.

ESSB 5181: which modifies certain rights of parents and guardians of children enrolled in public school, removes rights related to notification requirements regarding medical services and treatment, lists ten additional rights of parents and guardians and includes cross references to existing state law for each. The bill adds that these rights do not create a private right of action. The bill is in the House Education Committee. From The Seattle Times, New Initiative Aims to Shield WA Parents’ Bill of Rights from Revision.

SB 5189: which requires OSPI to adopt rules to authorize funding for students enrolled in competency-based education (CBE) programs and to create competencies aligned with state learning standards, as well as requires the SBE to develop a process to identify schools and school districts that are implementing CBE, and identify costs associated with this process. The bill has passed the Senate Rules Committee.

SB 5192: which increases allocations for materials, supplies, and operating costs (MSOC) as well as provides that MSOC calculations must use a three-year rolling average for student enrollment and must be adjusted annually for inflation. The bill is in the Senate Rules Committee.

SB 5193:  which allows school districts with online programs to provide students the ability to complete statewide assessments remotely beginning in the 2027-28 school year. The bill directs OSPI to develop assessment administration and security policies to support remote testing options by April 1, 2027. The bill is in the Senate Rules Committee.

SB 5240: which allows a school nurse or designated trained school personnel to use any available epinephrine on school property to respond to an anaphylactic reaction when certain requirements are met as well as provides liability protections when epinephrine is administered in substantial compliance with the written policies of the school district. Testifying as “other:” representatives from SNOW and WFIS. The bill is in the Senate Rules Committee.

SB 5253: which extends special education services to students with disabilities until the end of the school year in which the student turns 22. The bill is in the Senate Rules Committee.

SSB 5263: which would increase the special education funding multipliers to 1.6381 for Pre-K students and 1.5289 for K-12 students and would eliminate multiplier tiers that provide different levels of funding based on time spent in a general education setting. The bill is in the Senate Rules Committee.

SB 5272: which expands the school-related crimes of Interference by Force or Violence and Intimidation by Threat of Force or Violence and increases the penalties for Interference by Force or Violence. The bill also requires standard signage notifying the public of these offenses and possible penalties to be displayed at public school gymnasiums, auditoriums, and public school athletic fields. The bill is in the Senate Rules Committee.

SSB 5327: which directs the SBE to develop recommendations for students to have the opportunity to demonstrate competency of the high school computer science state learning standards and consider how to incorporate the competencies into the framework of graduation requirements. The bill has passed the Senate Rules Committee.

SB 5358: which provides prototypical school funding for 6th grade Career and Technical Education Program (CTE) courses offered in a middle school. The bill is in the Senate Rules Committee.

SB 5369: which amends the statutory definition of school social worker and grants authority for ESDs to coordinate with local mental health agencies to arrange for in-school placements of licensed social worker associates and Master of Social Work candidates. The bill is in the Senate Rules Committee.

SB 5386: which directs YLAC ​​to lead a discussion about the requirements for mandatory reporting of child abuse or neglect and directs OSPI to post staff training materials on trauma-informed, survivor-centered responses to disclosures of sexual abuse, including best practices for working with local community experts, and to develop a student and family guide on laws/policies related to this topic by November 1, 2026. The bill is in the Senate Rules Committee.

SSB 5418: which designates that charter schools must provide a program of basic education unless an exemption has been authorized pursuant to a charter contract. As well as provides that charter contracts may allow charter schools to seek exemptions to basic education requirements and directs a charter school authorizer to consult with the State Board of Education. The bill is in the Senate Rules Committee.

SB 5570: which requires school districts to incorporate curricula about the nearest federally recognized Indian tribe or tribes into their social studies curricula no later than September 1, 2026, and requires districts to collaborate with neighboring tribes on coordinating curricula. The bill is in the Senate Rules Committee.

SB 5596: which states that every  person employed by a school district in a teaching or other nonsupervisory certificated position shall be subject to nonrenewal of employment contract during the first three years of employment by such district, unless, the employee has previously completed at least two years of certificated employment in another school district in the state of Washington. The bill is in the Senate Rules Committee.

SB 5637: which requires school districts that operate a high school provide a mandatory one-half credit stand-alone course in civics for each high school student. The bill is in the Senate Rules Committee.

SB 5769: which renames “Transitional Kindergarten,” to “Transition to Kindergarten,” classes, as well as requests OSPI to administer the TTK Program and determine allocation of state funding for, and minimum standards and requirements for the TTK Program. The bill is in the Senate Rules Committee.

Odds and Ends

“Can is a mix of knowledge and self-efficacy, that has been nurtured through experience.” From teachthought.com, Establishing a Culture of Can in Your Classroom.

In the world of higher-ed, Students Press WA Lawmakers for Campus Sexual Assault Policy Reform. 

As we say goodbye to February and come to an epic close of week 7 of session, it is hard to wrap one’s brain around how many bills met their end in today’s fiscal cut-off. Since last Saturday, the House Appropriations Committee and the Senate Ways & Means Committee have been meeting daily for marathon stretches; hearing and exec’ing hundreds of bills. Bills that were not scheduled for executive session by 5pm today will not move forward. 

There’s hardly any doubt that the large budget deficit played a role in the decision making process of the fiscal committees, as it did in policy committees. On Monday, House Democrats launched a new website entitled, “WA Budget Cuts.” This first blog highlighted the, “all cuts, no revenue budget,” former Governor Jay Inslee was required to prepare, called the “Book 1” Budget. “These cuts would be devastating for our higher education system, our funding for human services, our funding for many, many health care services, for public health services, and for long term care,” said Speaker of the House Laurie Jinkins (D-Tacoma).  Weekly updates are expected to be posted weekly.

On Thursday, Governor Bob Ferguson proposed a plan to cut another approximately $4 billion. “Our state faces a historic budget shortfall,” Ferguson said. “This challenge demands thoughtful leadership and a commitment to fiscal responsibility. My team and I have scoured state spending for savings and efficiencies. We must prioritize while protecting the core needs of Washingtonians.” Important to note, that his proposal plans to maintain all K-12 education investments, and adopt all of Governor Jay Inslee’s proposed investments, a total of more than $15 billion annually. Ferguson’s proposal increases the percentage of the budget devoted to K-12 however seems to maintain the  suspension of the bonuses for National Board Certified Teachers. 

What’s next? Policy Committees will begin to hear legislation that has been sent to them from the opposite house. Lawmakers will have their chance to propose and pass amendments on these bills before they are sent to the floor for debate. The next cut-off date will be the “House of Origin,” cut-off on Wednesday, March 12. This will be the last day for bills still sitting in respective Rules Committees to be passed on to the opposite house.

Education Committee Schedules for next week on tvw.org

House Education Committee:

• Monday, March 5 @ 8am

House Bills 

HB 1079: which would allow school districts to provide all students enrolled in online school programs the option to take statewide standardized tests remotely, beginning in the 2026-27 school year (hearing time: 1:49:59). Testifying in support: several concerned citizens. Testifying as “other:” representatives from OSPI. The bill is in the House Rules Committee.

SHB 1085: which expands the school-related crimes of Interference by Force or Violence and Intimidation by Threat of Force or Violence, and increases the penalties. The bill requires the OSPI to develop a standard signage form notifying the public of the offenses of Interference by Force or Violence and Intimidation by Threat of Force or Violence and possible penalties, and requires signage to be displayed at public school gymnasiums, auditoriums, and athletic fields (Appropriations hearing time: 00:31). The bill has passed out of committee.

HB 1273: which directs ESDs to collaborate with specified entities to streamline regional efforts that support students’ dual credit access and directs the SBCTC to develop a plan for improving its online career and technical education (CTE) dual credit administrative data system (Appropriations hearing time: 2:28:46). The bill is in the House Appropriations Committee and scheduled for executive session on Friday, February 28 at 9am.

HB 1285: which would make financial education instruction a graduation requirement in public schools and requires public school students, beginning with the graduating class of 2031, to meet the high school state financial education learning standards to graduate (Appropriations hearing time: 3:39:45).  The bill is in the House Appropriations Committee and scheduled for executive session on Friday, February 28, at 9am.

SHB 1296: which would make changes to delineated rights of parents and legal guardians of public school children, establish a statement of student rights and associated duties for school districts, and would establish anti-retaliation protections for public school employees (hearing time: 1:12:20). Testifying in support: representatives from the SCPTSA, Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates and several concerned citizens. Testifying in opposition: representatives from Eatonville School Board and Reject 5599. The bill is in the House Rules Committee.

HB 1338: which increases per pupil amounts for several materials, supplies, and operating costs (MSOC) categories in state prototypical school funding formulas, lowers class sizes for skill centers from 19 to 16.67 and requires a review and rebase of MSOC every four years beginning the 2029-30 school year. The bill was passed out of committee.

HB 1393: which requires school districts, charter schools, and state-tribal education compact schools to permit students to wear one item or object of cultural significance at high school commencements and other official graduation ceremonies and events (hearing time: 1:07).  The bill is in the House Rules Committee.

HB 1414: which directs OSPI, in consultation with the Department of Labor, to establish a work group to recommend changes to state laws and practices affecting the training, certification, and employment of 16- and 17-year-olds enrolled in or who completed career and technical education programs (hearing time: 1:55). The bill is in the House Rules Committee.

SHB 1651: which establishes teacher residency programs, describes a teacher apprenticeship program and establishes requirements for teacher apprenticeship programs (and number of hours) and requires the PESB to establish a process to approve these programs (Appropriations hearing time: 2:43:51). The bill has passed out of committee.

HB 1817:  directs OSPI to post staff training materials on trauma-informed, survivor-centered responses to disclosures of sexual abuse, misconduct, and assault and to develop a student and family guide on laws, policies, and procedures related to this topic and mandatory reporting as well as requires mandatory reporter training for school employees (hearing time: 24:02). The bill is in the House Rules Committee.

Senate Bills

SB 5004: which would update emergency response systems in public schools including panic or alert buttons (hearing time: 16:58 and 28.50). The bill is in the Senate Rules Committee.

SSB 5025: which directs the PESB to adopt separate standards for deaf and deaf-blind educational interpreters and creates a two-tiered certificate system for educational interpreters (hearing time: 00:33 and 1:24:44). The bill is in the House Education Committee.

SSB 5123: which would add  protected classes to the nondiscrimination provisions that apply to Washington public schools: ethnicity, homelessness, immigration status, and neurodivergence (Ways & Means hearing time: 1:09:51). The bill was passed out of committee.

SB 5177: which would require OSPI to specify that the professional development resources that are provided on certain topics must consider the experiences of historically marginalized and underrepresented groups (hearing time: 1:03:44). The bill is in the Senate Rules Committee.

SB 5179: which directs OSPI to establish a process to investigate and address complaints alleging noncompliance with state laws concerning civil rights; harassment, intimidation, and bullying; certain curriculum requirements; the use of restraint or isolation on a student; and student discipline (hearing time: 1:32:51). The bill is in the Senate Ways & Means Committee and scheduled for executive session on Friday, February 28 at 1:30pm.

ESSB 5181: which modifies certain rights of parents and guardians of children enrolled in public school and removes rights related to notification requirements regarding medical services and treatment (hearing time: 2:29). The bill is in the House Education Committee. 

SB 5189: which requires OSPI to adopt rules to authorize funding for students enrolled in competency-based education (CBE) programs and to create competencies aligned with state learning standards, as well as requires the SBE to develop a process to identify schools and school districts that are implementing CBE, and identify costs associated with this process (hearing time: 1:11:45). The bill was passed out of committee.

SB 5192: which increases allocations for materials, supplies, and operating costs (MSOC) as well as provides that MSOC calculations must use a three-year rolling average for student enrollment and must be adjusted annually for inflation (Ways & Means hearing time: 11:15). The bill was passed out of committee.

SB 5193:  which allows school districts with online programs to provide students the ability to complete statewide assessments remotely beginning in the 2027-28 school year. The bill directs OSPI to develop assessment administration and security policies to support remote testing options by April 1, 2027 (hearing time: 51:16). The bill is in the Senate Rules Committee.

SB 5240: which allows a school nurse or designated trained school personnel to use any available epinephrine on school property to respond to an anaphylactic reaction when certain requirements are met as well as provides liability protections when epinephrine is administered in substantial compliance with the written policies of the school district  (hearing time: 1:00:00). Testifying as “other:” representatives from SNOW and WFIS. The bill is in the Senate Rules Committee.

SB 5253: which extends special education services to students with disabilities until the end of the school year in which the student turns 22 (hearing time: 32:03). The bill was passed out of committee.

SSB 5263: which would increase the special education funding multipliers to 1.6381 for Pre-K students and 1.5289 for K-12 students and would eliminate multiplier tiers that provide different levels of funding based on time spent in a general education setting (Ways & Means hearing time: 42:54). The bill was passed out of committee.

SB 5272: which expands the school-related crimes of Interference by Force or Violence and Intimidation by Threat of Force or Violence, and increases the penalties for Interference by Force or Violence. The bill also requires standard signage notifying the public of these offenses and possible penalties to be displayed at public school gymnasiums, auditoriums, and public school athletic fields (hearing time: 5:16). The bill is in the Senate Rules Committee.

SSB 5327: which directs the SBE to develop recommendations for students to have the opportunity to demonstrate competency of the high school computer science state learning standards, and consider how to incorporate the competencies into the framework of graduation requirements (Ways & Means hearing time: 1:14:39). The bill was passed out of committee.

SB 5358: which provides prototypical school funding for 6th grade Career and Technical Education Program (CTE) courses offered in a middle school (hearing time: 00:28). The bill is in the Senate Ways & Means Committee and scheduled for executive session on Friday, February 28 at 1:30pm.

SB 5369: which amends the statutory definition of school social worker and grants authority for ESDs to coordinate with local mental health agencies to arrange for in-school placements of licensed social worker associates and masters of social work candidates (hearing time: 1:35 and 1:07:45). The bill is in the Senate Rules Committee.

SB 5386: which directs YLAC ​​to lead a discussion about the requirements for mandatory reporting of child abuse or neglect and directs OSPI to post staff training materials on trauma-informed, survivor-centered responses to disclosures of sexual abuse, including best practices for working with local community experts, and to develop a student and family guide on laws/policies related to this topic by November 1, 2026 (hearing time: 8:21). The bill is in the Senate Rules Committee.

SB 5418: which allows charter school contracts to include exemptions to one or more of the basic education requirements (hearing time: 53:41). Testifying in support: a concerned citizen, and representatives from the WA State Charter School Commission. The bill is in the Senate Rules Committee.

SB 5570: which requires school districts to incorporate curricula about the nearest federally recognized Indian tribe or tribes into their social studies curricula no later than September 1, 2026, and requires districts to collaborate with neighboring tribes on coordinating curricula (Ways & Means hearing time: 1:21:20). The bill was passed out of committee.

SB 5596: which states that every  person employed by a school district in a teaching or other nonsupervisory certificated position shall be subject to nonrenewal of employment contract during the first three years of employment by such district, unless, the employee has previously completed at least two years of certificated employment in another school district in the state of Washington (hearing time: 55:24). The bill is in the Senate Rules Committee.

SB 5637: which requires school districts that operate a high school provide a mandatory one-half credit stand-alone course in civics for each high school student hearing time: 1:28). The bill is in the Senate Rules Committee.

SB 5769: which renames “Transitional Kindergarten,” to “Transition to Kindergarten,” classes, as well as requests OSPI to administer the TTK Program and determine allocation of state funding for, and minimum standards and requirements for the TTK Program. The bill is in the Senate Ways & Means Committee and scheduled for executive session on Friday, February 28 at 1:30pm.

Odds and Ends

Banking between classes? Students at one Washington High School are doing it. From the Spokesman Review; Student-Run Gesa Credit Union Branch Opens at Ridgeline High School, ‘We’re Teaching Them How to be Independent.’

Standing Up for Black History Month. This week from KQED’s MindShift, Rollback of Diversity Efforts Leaves Teachers Wondering about Effects on Black History Month.

That’s a wrap on week 5 of the legislative session. Action on the hill was everywhere and legislators continue to advocate for their bills in order to get them scheduled for executive session; which is not an easy task. The steady drip of new bills has slowed way down and attention turns to next week and the first cut-off of this 2025 session. Bills must be passed out of their policy committee by the end of day next Friday, February 21. This becomes a pressure situation, with committee chairs doing their best to schedule and “exec” the bills that are ready and have the votes. Bills that have not been passed out of policy committees by next Friday are considered, “dead,” and will not move forward.

On Tuesday, the Senate Ways & Means Committee heard testimony on the first few education bills that were referred from the Senate Early Learning & K-12 Committee: SB 5192, regarding funding for school materials and SB 5263, regarding special education funding, both received long public hearings. After next week, expect the agendas of both the House Appropriations and the Senate Ways & Means Committees to be full.

Education Committee Schedules for next week on tvw.org

House Education Committee:

• Monday, February 17 @ 1:30pm
• Tuesday, February 18 @ 4pm
• Thursday, February 20 @ 8am 

Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee:

• Tuesday, February 18 @ 8am
• Wednesday, February 19 @ 10:30 am
• Thursday February 20 @ 10:30 am

House Bills

Bills we’re following:

HB 1051: which gives parents and guardians of students with qualifying disabilities the right to audio record their student’s individualized education program team meetings (hearing time: 1:27 and 26:29). Testifying in support: several  concerned citizens, representatives from Washington Autism Alliance and the SCPTSA. Testifying in opposition: representatives from the WEA, the Mead SD and the Issaquah Education Assoc. Testifying as “other:” representatives from OSPI. Scheduled for executive session on February 20 at 8am.

HB 1079: which would allow school districts to provide all students enrolled in online school programs the option to take statewide standardized tests remotely, beginning in the 2026-27 school year (hearing time: 1:49:59). Testifying in support: several concerned citizens. Testifying as “other:” representatives from OSPI. Scheduled for executive session on February 20 at 8am.

HB 1257: which requires that special education and related services for students with disabilities be provided to the end of the school year in which a student turns age 22, or high school graduation, whichever occurs first (hearing time: 31:19). Testifying in support: representatives from OSPI, CISWA and several concerned citizens. Scheduled for executive session on February 20 at 8am.

HB 1273: which directs ESDs to collaborate with specified entities to streamline regional efforts that support students’ dual credit access and directs the SBCTC to develop a plan for improving its online career and technical education (CTE) dual credit administrative data system (hearing time: 7:50). Testifying in support: representatives from UW Bothell, WA STEM, Career Connect NW and ESD 112. Testifying as “other:” representatives from WACTE and the SBCTC. Scheduled for executive session on February 20 at 8am.

HB 1285: which would make financial education instruction a graduation requirement in public schools and requires public school students, beginning with the graduating class of 2031, to meet the high school state financial education learning standards to graduate (hearing time: 2:35). Testifying in support: Representatives from FEPPP, WASA, WABankers, NAIFA, several concerned citizens and the SBE. Testifying as “other:” representatives from WSPTA. Scheduled for executive session on February 20 at 8am.

SHB 1296: which would make changes to delineated rights of parents and legal guardians of public school children, establish a statement of student rights and associated duties for school districts, and would establish anti-retaliation protections for public school employees (hearing time: 1:12:20). Testifying in support: representatives from the SCPTSA, Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates and several concerned citizens. Testifying in opposition: representatives from Eatonville School Board and Reject 5599. The bill is in the House Rules Committee.

HB 1393: which requires school districts, charter schools, and state-tribal education compact schools to permit students to wear one item or object of cultural significance at high school commencements and other official graduation ceremonies and events (hearing time: 1:07). Testifying in support: several concerned citizens, representatives from WSCA and the AWSP.  Scheduled for executive session on February 20 at 8am

HB 1404: which would require public schools, beginning with the 2026-27 school year, to provide free breakfast and lunch each school day to any requesting students, and at no charge to the students. The bill extends eligibility provisions for LAP and National Board Certification funding for school districts, subject to the meal provision requirements through the 2029-30 school year. The bill is in the House Appropriations Committee.

HB 1414: which directs OSPI, in consultation with the Department of Labor, to establish a work group to recommend changes to state laws and practices affecting the training, certification, and employment of 16- and 17-year-olds enrolled in or who completed career and technical education programs (hearing time: 1:55). Testifying in support: representatives from the Tri-Tech Skills Center, several concerned citizens, Washington Skill Centers and Northwest Maritime. Scheduled for executive session on February 20 at 8am.

HB 1450: which directs OSPI to administer TTK programs in coordination with the Department of Children, Youth, and Families to authorize programs, approve sites, and set enrollment caps. The bill also limits early entry to kindergarten to children who are likely to be successful in kindergarten as well as aligns TTK and ECEAP standards  (hearing time: 54:33). Testifying in support: representatives from WACHILD. Testifying in opposition: representatives from the WEA, the Rural Ed Center, several concerned citizens. Testifying as “other:” representatives from Start Early WA, Meridian SD, WACHARTERS, FYSB, OSPI, WSA Head Start & ECEAP and several concerned citizens. Scheduled for executive session on February 20 at 8am.

HB 1634: which would establish a network of statewide and regional partners to provide school districts with the technical assistance, resources, and training necessary to coordinate comprehensive student supports relating to behavioral health (hearing time: 2:20). Testifying in support: representatives from the AESD, OSPI, CISWA, Medical Lake SD and several concerned citizens.  Testifying in opposition: several concerned citizens. Scheduled for executive session on February 20 at 8am.

HB 1651: which establishes teacher residency programs, describes a teacher apprenticeship program and establishes requirements for teacher apprenticeship programs (and number of hours) and requires the PESB to establish a process to approve these programs (hearing time: 1:15:51). Testifying in support: representatives from PESB and a concerned citizen. Testifying in opposition: representatives from the WEA. Scheduled for executive session on February 20 at 8am.

HB 1676: which establishes a state maximum of 24 charter schools that may operate at any one time and authorizes the Washington State Charter School Commission to reassign and authorize a charter contract that has been surrendered, revoked, or not renewed  (hearing time: 132:02). Testifying in support: representatives from WA Charters and BESRWA. Testifying in opposition: representatives from the WEA, Puget Sound Skill Center, OSPI and OLYEA. Scheduled for executive session on February 17 at 1:30pm.

HB 1795: which would place restrictions on the restraint and isolation techniques used on students, and specifically would ban chemical and mechanical restraint. As well as modifies notification requirements and would provide staff training requirements (hearing time: 1:20:18). Testifying in support: the representatives from the Arc of King CO, several concerned citizens and several concerned citizens.Testifying as “other:” representatives from the WEA, AWSP, PSE, Pullman SD, Lakewood SD and several concerned citizens. Scheduled for executive session on February 20 at 8am.

HB 1817:  directs OSPI to post staff training materials on trauma-informed, survivor-centered responses to disclosures of sexual abuse, misconduct, and assault and to develop a student and family guide on laws, policies, and procedures related to this topic and mandatory reporting as we as requires mandatory reporter training for school employees (hearing time: 24:02). Testifying in support: representatives from OSPI and several concerned citizens. Testifying in opposition: several concerned citizens. Scheduled for executive session on February 20 at 8am.

HB 1832: which would provide funding for students not meeting ELA or math standards, provides funding for schools that meet a specified assessment growth threshold, and repeals National Board Certificate Bonuses (hearing time: 101:45). Testifying in support: representatives from the Washington Policy Center and several concerned citizens. Testifying in opposition: representatives from OSPI, WEA and a concerned citizen. Scheduled for executive session on February 20 at 8am.

Senate Bills

New this week:

SB 5724: which would improve student access to dual credit programs, including career and technical education dual credit programs.

Bills we’re following: 

SB 5004: which would update emergency response systems in public schools including panic or alert buttons (hearing time: 16:58 and 28.50). Testifying in support: representatives from Make Our Girls Safe, Yakima SD, and the Conservative Ladies of WA. The bill is in the Senate Rules Committee.

SB 5025: which directs the PESB to adopt separate standards for deaf and deaf-blind educational interpreters and creates a two-tiered certificate system for educational interpreters (hearing time: 00:33 and 1:24:44). Testifying in support: representatives from SCPTSA and several concerned citizens. The bill is in the Senate Rules Committee.

SB 5123: which would add  protected classes to the nondiscrimination provisions that apply to Washington public schools: ethnicity, homelessness, immigration status, and neurodivergence (hearing time: 1:07:49). Testifying in support: representatives from LYAC, WSASP, several concerned citizens  Testifying in opposition: representatives from Reject 5599, several concerned citizens and the Lynden SB. The bill is in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

SB 5177: which would require OSPI to specify that the professional development resources that are provided on certain topics must consider the experiences of historically marginalized and underrepresented groups (hearing time: 1:03:44). Testifying in support: representatives from The Arc of King County, SCPTSA and LYAC. Testifying in opposition: representatives from the Conservative Ladies of WA, and a concerned citizen. The bill is in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

SB 5179: which directs OSPI to establish a process to investigate and address complaints alleging noncompliance with state laws concerning civil rights; harassment, intimidation, and bullying; certain curriculum requirements; the use of restraint or isolation on a student; and student discipline (hearing time: 1:32:51). Testifying in support: The Arc of King County, OSPI, WSASP. Testifying in opposition: representatives from WSSDA, and several concerned citizens. The bill is in the Senate Ways & Means Committee and scheduled for public hearing on February 17 at 4pm.

ESSB 5181: which modifies certain rights of parents and guardians of children enrolled in public school and removes rights related to notification requirements regarding medical services and treatment (hearing time: 2:29). Testifying in support: representatives from OSPI, Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates, Sexual Violence Law Center, WSPTA, Gender Justice League, Northwest Progressive Institute and the WEA. Testifying in opposition: representatives from the WSCC, Lynden School Board, Eatonville SB and several concerned citizens. The bill has been referred to the House Education Committee. From the Washington State Standard, WA Senate Democrats Approve Changes to Parents, “Bill of Rights.”

SB 5189: which supports the implementation of competency-based education (hearing time: 1:11:45). Testifying in support: representatives from the SBE, Dishman Hills High School, La Conner School District, SBCTC, Highline Public Schools and the WEA. Testifying in opposition: representatives from the Conservative Ladies of WA and several concerned citizens. Testifying as “other:” representatives from OSPI. The bill is in the Senate Ways & Means Committee and is scheduled for public hearing on February 17 at 4:00 PM

SB 5192: which increases allocations for materials, supplies, and operating costs (MSOC) as well as provides that MSOC calculations must use a three-year rolling average for student enrollment and must be adjusted annually for inflation (Ways & Means hearing time: 11:15). The bill is in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

SB 5193:  which supports remote testing options for students enrolled in online school programs (hearing time: 51:16).  Testifying in support: representatives from Stride K/12, Digital Public Schools Alliance, OSPI, Insight WA, River Homelink, and a concerned citizen. The bill is in the Senate Rules Committee.

SB 5210: which would establish the ninth-grade success grant program (hearing time: 00:38 and 34:53). Testifying in support: representatives from the Center for High School Success, Tacoma Public Schools, Stand for Children, University of Washington, Prosser High School and Graham Kapowsin High School. The bill is in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

SB 5240: which allows a school nurse or designated trained school personnel to use any available epinephrine on school property to respond to an anaphylactic reaction when certain requirements are met as well as provides liability protections when epinephrine is administered in substantial compliance with the written policies of the school district  (hearing time: 1:00:00). Testifying as “other:” representatives from SNOW and WFIS. The bill is in the Senate Rules Committee.

SB 5253: which extends special education services to students with disabilities until the end of the school year in which the student turns 22 (hearing time: 32:03).Testifying in support: representatives from OSPI, CISWA, WSASP, Sherwood Community Services and several concerned citizens. The bill is in the Senate Ways & Means Committee. 

SSB 5263: which would increase the special education funding multipliers to 1.6381 for Pre-K students and 1.5289 for K-12 students and would eliminate multiplier tiers that provide different levels of funding based on time spent in a general education setting (Ways & Means hearing time: 42:54). The bill is in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

SB 5272: which expands the school-related crimes of Interference by Force or Violence and Intimidation by Threat of Force or Violence, and increases the penalties for Interference by Force or Violence. The bill also requires standard signage notifying the public of these offenses and possible penalties to be displayed at public school gymnasiums, auditoriums, and public school athletic fields (hearing time: 5:16). Testifying in support: representatives from OSPI, WACTE, Spokane PS, WOA, TEAMCHILD, Latin Community Fund, a concerned citizen. Testifying as “other:” representatives from AWSP. The bill was passed out of committee.

SB 5307: which would increase the special education funding multipliers for Pre-K and K-12 students, remove the 16 percent special education enrollment funding cap, and would allow OSPI to reserve up to 0.005 of excess cost allocations to use for certain statewide special education activities (hearing time: 2:14). Testifying in support: representatives from WSSDA, WASA, WSPTA, WEA, Supt of Seattle Public Schools, The Arc of King Co, OSPI, Supt of Bellevue School District, Supt of Tukwila SD, Federal Way PS, Supt of Highline PS, Supt of Issaquah, School Alliance, SCPTSA and several concerned citizens.

SB 5327: which directs the SBE to develop recommendations for students to have the opportunity to demonstrate competency of the high school computer science state learning standards, and consider how to incorporate the competencies into the framework of graduation requirements (hearing time: 56:17).  Testifying in support: representatives from the SBE, CSTA WA and a concerned citizen. Testifying in opposition: representatives from the Conservative Ladies of WA and concerned citizen. The bill is in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

SB 5352: which requires all school districts, charter schools, and state-tribal education compact schools to provide breakfast and lunch at no charge to any requesting student, beginning with the 2026-27 school year (hearing time: 11:34). Testifying in support: representatives from Governor Ferguson’s Office, CISWA, AEA, Franklin-Pierce SD, Washington SNA, WEA, Food Life Line, Kent SD Board of Directors, WA Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics, Bethel SD and several concerned citizens.

SB 5358: which provides prototypical school funding for 6th grade Career and Technical Education Program (CTE) courses offered in a middle school (hearing time: 00:28). The bill is in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

SB 5369: which amends the statutory definition of school social worker and grants authority for ESDs to coordinate with local mental health agencies to arrange for in-school placements of licensed social worker associates and masters of social work candidates (hearing time: 1:35 and 1:07:45). Testifying in support: representatives from the UW Smart Center, WSCA, OSPI, NAMI WA, NAMI Youth, Communities in Schools of WA, Elevate with Purpose Initiative and several concerned citizens. Testifying in opposition: a concerned citizen. Testifying as “other:” representatives from WSASP, WASSW and the PESB. The bill was passed out of committee and sent to the Senate Rules Committee.

SB 5386: which directs YLAC ​​to lead a discussion about the requirements for mandatory reporting of child abuse or neglect and directs OSPI to to post staff training materials on trauma-informed, survivor-centered responses to disclosures of sexual abuse, including best practices for working with local community experts, and to develop a student and family guide on laws/policies related to this topic by November 1, 2026 (hearing time: 8:21). Testifying in support: representatives from OSPI and several concerned students. Testifying as “other:” a concerned school psychologist. The bill is in the Senate Rules Committee.

SB 5418: which allows charter school contracts to include exemptions to one or more of the basic education requirements (hearing time: 53:41). Testifying in support: a concerned citizen, and representatives from the WA State Charter School Commission. The bill has passed out of committee and sent to the Senate Rules Committee.

SB 5517: which increases the minimum state allocation for classified staff salaries over three school years, beginning in the 2025-26 school year and provides different minimum state allocations for classified administrative staff and other classified staff beginning in the 2027-28 (hearing time: 36:20). Testifying in support: representatives from the WEA, SEA, Foster High School, SEIU 925, several concerned citizens, PSE SEIU and WASBO. Testifying as “other:” Supt. of Deer Park SD.

SB 5551: which requires by September 1, 2026, each school district must adopt or amend: A policy that acknowledges the requirement for boards of  directors to provide every student with access to school library information and technology programs (hearing time: 29:58). Testifying in support: representatives from the WLA and several concerned citizens. Testifying in opposition: the Supt. of Deer Park SD and the Northshore SD. Testifying as “other:” representatives from the Mead SD.

SB 5570: which requires school districts to incorporate curricula about the nearest federally recognized Indian tribe or tribes into their social studies curricula no later than September 1, 2026, and requires districts to collaborate with neighboring tribes on coordinating curricula (hearing time: 1:35). Testifying in support: the Chairman of the Suquamish Tribe, representatives from the WSNAEAC, several concerned citizens, Marysville SD, Ferndale SD and Children of the Setting Sun Productions. The bill is in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

SB 5596: which states that every  person employed by a school district in a teaching or other nonsupervisory certificated position shall be subject to nonrenewal of employment contract during the first three years of employment by such district, unless, the employee has previously completed at least two years of certificated employment in another school district in the state of Washington (hearing time: 55:24). Testifying in support: representatives from the WEA. Testifying in opposition: representatives from the Dept. of Defense. Testifying as “other:” representatives from the PESB and CSG. Scheduled for executive session on February 18 at 8am.

SB 5637: which requires school districts that operate a high school provide a mandatory one-half credit stand-alone course in civics for each high school student hearing time: 1:28). Testifying in support: several high school students and representatives from LYAC. Scheduled for executive session on February 18 at 8am.

SB 5654: which prohibits certain interventions, including chemical and mechanical restraint, and prohibits the construction of isolation rooms. The bill allows physical restraint and isolation only when certain requirements are met and prohibits the isolation of students in prekindergarten through grade five beginning August 1, 2027 (hearing time 00:54). Testifying in support: representatives from OSPI, Disability of Rights WA, TEAMCHILD, True Measure Collaborative, Crisis Prevention Inst., ARC of King County, Pullman SD, SEAC, and several concerned citizens. Testifying as “other:” representatives from the LILAC Learning Center, SEIU 925 paraeducators, AWSP, WEA and PSE.

SB 5693: which describes a teacher residency, establishes requirements for Teacher Residency Programs, and directs the PESB to establish a process for approving the transition of an existing Teacher Preparation Program to a Teacher Residency Program (hearing time: 1:08:35).

Odds and Ends

There has been a lot of press regarding national scores in math and reading, but what can we do about it? From NPR, A Deep Dive on US Reading and Math Scores, and What to do About Them.

An interesting take on strictly following the curriculum. From, “The Conversation,” Why Being Forced to Precisely Follow a Curriculum Harms Teachers and Students.