Monthly Archives: January 2025

Legislative Update for the week of January 31st

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That’s a wrap for week three of session, and the pace in Olympia has not let up. Along with work sessions and public hearings, we are now seeing committees holding executive sessions in order to move legislation forward to respective fiscal and rules committees. A theme that is shared amongst both chambers is the need for increased school funding, in terms of behavioral health, special education, student transportation, staffing and materials.

Although this session is considered “long,” lawmakers only have 105 to make the most of the legislation that is brought before them. The first cut-off date of session is Friday, February 20, and looms large over the heads of policy committee members. In order to move forward in the legislative process, bills must be passed out of their respective policy committees and into either fiscal or rules committees within their house of origin. Bills that are not voted out of policy committees by that date are considered, “dead,” and will not move forward this session.

Both the Senate and the House Education Committees held work sessions this week focusing on graduation requirements and maximizing instructional hours. The State Board of Education (SBE) proposed their Future Ready Initiative, to the Senate-Ed committee members, touching on its three-phased approach which spans several years, “culminating in a major legislative proposal anticipated for the 2027 session.”

Education Committee Schedules for next week on tvw.org

House Education Committee:

  • Monday, February 3 @ 1:30pm
  • Tuesday, February 4 @ 4pm
  • Thursday, February 6 @ 8am 

Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee:

  • Tuesday, February 4 @ 8am
  • Wednesday, February 5 @ 10:30am
  • Thursday February 6 @ 10:30am

House Bills

New this week:

HB 1590:  which supports student success through instruction in self-resiliency skills.

HB 1618:  which would give access to college in the high school to private school students.

HB 1634: which would provide school districts and public schools with assistance to coordinate comprehensive behavioral health supports for students.

HB 1637: which concerns non firearm measures to increase school safety for students and staff.

HB 1651: which concerns teacher residency and apprenticeship programs. 

HB 1662: which removes the requirement for certain education agencies to reside in the OSPI for administrative purposes and by making other necessary changes to support independent administration of each agency.

HB 1663: which would enhance youth mental health and well-being through advanced training and expansion of the workforce in schools. 

HB 1699: which aims to defend equity in interscholastic sports.

HB 1722:  which reviews state restrictions affecting students participating in secondary career and technical education programs and other state-approved career pathways.

HB 1727: which concerns school library information and technology programs.

Bills we’re following:

HB 1051: which would permit the recording of individualized education program team meetings. Bill scheduled for Public Hearing on February 3 at 1:30pm

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.  

HB 1151: which would establish the ninth-grade success grant program. Referred to the House Appropriations Committee.

HB 1189: ​​which requires school districts to follow specific procedures when receiving and denying applications from students’ parents/legal custodians who are volunteering to have unsupervised access to minors or individuals with developmental disabilities and who have criminal convictions on their record checks (hearing time: 1:30:08). Testifying in support: several concerned citizens.

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. 

HB 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 was passed out of committee.

HB 1404: which would increase student access to free meals served at public schools. Referred to the House Appropriations Committee.

HB 1450: which directs OSPI to administer TTK programs in coordination with to work 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.

Senate Bills

New this week:

SB 5483: which aims to preserve history and heritage education.

SB 5517: which relates to determining state allocations for school staff salaries.

SB 5551: which concerns school library information and technology programs.

SB 5564: which would make modifications to the goals of basic education.

SB 5567: which would expand secondary training for careers in natural resources and conservation.

SB 5570: which aims to support public school instruction in tribal sovereignty and federally recognized Indian tribes.

SB 5574:  which would provide instruction on Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander history in public schools.

SB 5596: which would repeal the interstate teacher mobility compact.

Bills we’re following: 

SB 5003:  which would establish the school security and preparedness infrastructure grant program (hearing time: 11:59 and 21:21). Testifying in support: representatives from OSPI, the Conservative Ladies of WA, and a concerned citizen.

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 was passed out of committee and sent to the Senate Rules Committee.

SB 5007: which requires each ESD to develop and offer training for staff to address excessive absenteeism and truancy. Secondly, the bill adds supporting students who are chronically absent to the Building Bridges Program (hearing time: 12:09 and 1:08:19). Testifying in support: representatives from OSPI, CISWA, WAESD, Big Brothers Big Sisters, SBCTC, a concerned citizen, and the Supt. of Kiona-Benton City SD. Testifying in opposition: representatives from the Conservative Ladies of WA.

SB 5008: which requires OSPI to establish a temporary grant program to support the use of assessment, diagnostic, and learning tools for K-12 students in math and English language arts, subject to appropriations. (hearing time: 1:04).

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.

SB 5080: which directs the Financial Education Public-Private Partnership (FEPPP) to create a statewide financial education graduation requirement implementation plan, informed by data from school districts (hearing time: 3:47 and 31:54). Testifying in support: representatives from FEPPP, Canopy Credit Union, WBA, WSYR, Westbanks Financial, WBBA and SBE. Testifying in opposition: representatives from the Conservative Ladies of WA.

SB 5120: which would expand the Learning Assistance Program (LAP) allocations for high poverty schools from 1.1 to 1.6 hours per week (hearing time: 46:06). Testifying in support: representatives from Seattle PS, Tukwila SD, WEA, LEV, WSASP, OSPI and the Foundation for Tacoma Students.

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.

SB 5126: which would direct the OSPI to provide direction and state-level coordination to help schools better identify and connect students to behavioral health supports. The bill establishes a regional school-based mental and behavioral health student assistance program through the educational service districts (hearing time: 16:52). Testifying in support: representatives from the Port Angeles SD, the UW School of Medicine, CISWA, WSPTA, AESD, WSASP, NAMI WA, NAMI WA Youth, WCAAP and the Washington Youth Alliance. Testifying in opposition: representatives from CCHR and a concerned citizen.

SB 5134: which would require public schools to commemorate the contributions of Chinese Americans and Americans of Chinese descent and requires school districts to incorporate instruction about the Chinese Exclusion Act (hearing time: 1:03:20). Testifying in support: Pierce County Council District 6 Rep. Jani Hitchen, several concerned citizens and a representative from the CRPF of Tacoma. Testifying as “other:” a representative from the Washington State Historical Society and the WEA.

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.

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.

SB 5180: which specifies certain components that must be included in a model policy and procedure relating to gender inclusive schools, as well as protects school employees from retaliation if they supported a student who exercised certain rights, or used curriculum or instructional materials that address subject matter related to sexual orientation, gender expression, or gender identity (hearing time: 33:42). Testifying in support: representatives from SCPTSA, the Shoreline SD, WA State LGBT Commission, PFLAG Skagit, the Queer Power Alliance, and several concerned citizens. Testifying in opposition: several concerned citizens. Testifying as “other:” representatives from the Lavender Rights Project.

SSB 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 is in the Senate Rules Committee.

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, LaConnor 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.

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 (hearing time: 1:29:07). Testifying in support: representatives from the WEA, the Supt of Bellevue SD, Supt of Tukwila SD, CFO of Federal Way PS, Supt of Highline PS, Supt of Richland SD, Supt of Kennewick SD, Supt of Seattle PS, Supt of ESD 105, Supt of Lake Stevens SD, Supt of Issaquah SD and the Supt of Deer Park SD. Testifying as “other:” representatives from the Chehalis SD. The bill passed out of committee and was sent to 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 was passed out of committee and sent to 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.

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.

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. 

SB 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 (hearing time: 2:14). Testifying in support: representatives from WSSDA, WASA, WSPTA, WEA, Supt of University Place, Supt of Franklin-Pierce SD, Supt of Peninsula SD, Supt of Cheney PS, Lake Stevens SD, Supt of Issaquah, Supt of Richland SD, Supt of Kennewick SD, School Alliance, SCPTSA and OSPI. The bill was passed out of committee and sent to the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

SB 5270: which requires school districts receiving funding for the Beginning Educator Support Team Program to provide a mentor to any novice school nurse employed by the district (hearing time: 49:03). Testifying in support: representatives of SNOW and OSPI. Testifying as “other:” representatives of AWSP and the WEA.

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, Lation Community Fund, a concerned citizen. Testifying as “other:” representatives from AWSP

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.

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).

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, WASSW, 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 and the PESB.

Odds and Ends

What motivates the boys and girls in your classroom and how are those motivators different? From Education Week: Why School isn’t Working for Many Boys and What Could Help?

Looking for inspiration during the second semester? This week from KQED’s MindShift, Four Strategies for a Successful Second Semester.

Legislative Update: January 24, 2025

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Education Policy | , , , ,

Happy Friday! Lawmakers were hard at work this week, hearing testimony on a number of bills as well as still introducing new legislation to be considered by their peers. However, it’s hard to deny the role that the state’s Operating Budget is playing this session. With a projected $12 billion deficit and the short time in which lawmakers can address it, the budget remains top of mind and top of conversation. 

Fiscal committees held hearings last week, listening to public testimony on the operating budget bills in both the House, HB 1198, and in the Senate, SB 5167. Representatives from all areas of the education system showed up to voice their thoughts regarding additional funding needs for our K-12 education system. If the start of session is any indicator of what the remaining weeks will look like, we are in for some major debate and discussion about where and how much we can allocate to our public schools.

The House Education Committee held two lengthy work sessions this week. Tuesday’s meeting focused on the work that the legislature has done thus far to address student behavioral and mental health in our state. HB 1547, which would establish a statewide network for student mental and behavioral health, and is sponsored by the committee chair, Sharon Tomiko-Santos, is another example of this sustained effort over the last few cycles.

Over in the senate, the Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee, heard hours of testimony on topics focused on preventing discrimination, school inclusivity and two separate but similar bills: SB 5263 and SB 5307, focused on special education. Increasing funding for special education has been a focal point for Washington’s State Superintendent, Chris Reykdol. He told KUOW last week, regarding his request for an additional $3 billion in K-12 funding, “about a third of that increase would go toward special education.”

Education Committee Schedules for next week on tvw.org

House Education Committee:

  • Monday, January 27 @ 1:30pm
  • Tuesday, January 28 @ 4pm
  • Thursday, January 1/30 @ 8am 

Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee:

  • Tuesday, January 28 @ 8am
  • Wednesday, January 29 @ 10:30am
  • Thursday, January 30 @ 10:30am

House Bills

New this week:

HB 1393: which would provide public school students with opportunities for cultural expression at commencement ceremonies.

HB 1404: which would increase student access to free meals served at public schools. Referred to the House Appropriations Committee.

HB 1414: which would create a CTE work group to improve access to career opportunities for students. 

HB 1528: which would improve individualized education plans (IEPs) for special education.

HB 1547: which would establish a statewide network for student mental and behavioral health.

Bills we’re following:

​​HB 1020: which would increase the accessibility of academic re-engagement opportunities for eligible students.

HB 1021: which works to promote educational stability for children of military families.

HB 1031: which aims to mitigate the impact of rising school facility temperatures resulting from climate change.

HB 1051: which would permit the recording of individualized education program team meetings.

HB 1079: which supports remote testing options for students enrolled in online school programs.

HB 1085: which aims to improve school safety by extending penalties for interference by, or intimidation by threat of, force or violence at schools and extracurricular activities and requiring schools to notify the public of such penalties. Referred to the Community Safety Committee.

HB 1122 or SB 5346: which would determine restrictions on mobile device usage by public school students. From The Seattle Times, Banning Cell Phones in Schools Gains Popularity in Red and Blue States.

HB 1134: which would promote resource conservation practices in public schools.

HB 1151: which would establish the ninth-grade success grant program. Referred to the House Appropriations Committee.

HB 1189: ​​which addresses parental involvement through volunteering in schools after a criminal conviction.

HB 1241: which would improve access to and the provision of free appropriate public education for students with disabilities.

HB 1257: or SB 5253: which would extend special education services to students with disabilities until the end of the school year in which the student turns 22.

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.

HB 1295: which would use evidence-based instructional practices in reading and writing literacy for public elementary students.

HB 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. Testified as “other:” representatives from WA State LGBQ Commission and WSSDA.

Senate Bills

New this week:

SB 5327: which addresses learning standards and graduation requirements.

SB 5358: which concerns career and technical education in sixth grade.

SB 5369: which aims to enhance youth mental health and well-being through advanced training and expansion of the workforce in schools.

Bills we’re following: 

SB 5003:  which would establish the school security and preparedness infrastructure grant program (hearing time: 11:59 and 21:21). Testifying in support: representatives from OSPI, the Conservative Ladies of WA, and a concerned citizen.

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

SB 5007: which would support students who are chronically absent and at risk for not graduating high school.

SB 5008: which requires OSPI to establish a temporary grant program to support the use of assessment, diagnostic, and learning tools for K-12 students in math and English language arts, subject to appropriations. (hearing time: 1:04).

SB 5097: which relates to school boards and ensuring competitiveness in girls’ interscholastic athletic activities.

SB 5120: which would expand the Learning Assistance Program (LAP) allocations for high poverty schools from 1.1 to 1.6 hours per week (hearing time: 46:06). Testifying in support: representatives from Seattle PS, Tukwila SD, WEA, LEV, WSASP, OSPI and the Foundation for Tacoma Students.

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.

SB 5134: which would require public schools to commemorate the contributions of Chinese Americans and Americans of Chinese descent and requires school districts to incorporate instruction about the Chinese Exclusion Act (hearing time: 1:03:20). Testifying in support: Pierce County Council District 6 Rep. Jani Hitchen, several concerned citizens and a representative from the CRPF of Tacoma. Testifying as “other:” a representative from the Washington State Historical Society and the WEA.

SB 5135: which concerns school districts’ authority to establish their curriculum.

SB 5137: which requires parental or legal guardian approval before a child participates in comprehensive sexual health education.

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.

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.

SB 5180: which specifies certain components that must be included in a model policy and procedure relating to gender inclusive schools, as well as protects school employees from retaliation if they supported a student who exercised certain rights, or used curriculum or instructional materials that address subject matter related to sexual orientation, gender expression, or gender identity (hearing time: 33:42). Testifying in support: representatives from SCPTSA, the Shoreline SD, WA State LGBT Commission, PFLAG Skagit, the Queer Power Alliance, and several concerned citizens. Testifying in opposition: several concerned citizens. Testifying as “other:” representatives from the Lavender Rights Project.

SB 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 passed out of committee and was sent to the Senate Rules Committee.

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, LaConnor 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.

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 (hearing time: 1:29:07). Testifying in support: representatives from the WEA, the Supt of Bellevue SD, Supt of Tukwila SD, CFO of Federal Way PS, Supt of Highline PS, Supt of Richland SD, Supt of Kennewick SD, Supt of Seattle PS, Supt of ESD 105, Supt of Lake Stevens SD, Supt of Issaquah SD and the Supt of Deer Park SD. Testifying as “other:” representatives from the Chehalis SD.

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.

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.

SB 5240: which would allow school districts to maintain a supply of epinephrine to address anaphylaxis in schools.

SB 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 (hearing time: 2:14). Testifying in support: representatives from WSSDA, WASA, WSPTA, WEA, Supt of University Place, Supt of Franklin-Pierce SD, Supt of Peninsula SD, Supt of Cheney PS, Lake Stevens SD, Supt of Issaquah, Supt of Richland SD, Supt of Kennewick SD, School Alliance, SCPTSA and OSPI.

SB 5270 and 1352: which would provide mentors to novice nurses in the beginning educator support team program. 

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.

Odds and Ends

“Our school districts will be bankrupt … they will be required to do layoffs and school closures if we don’t take a very big leap forward in funding for special education for this coming school year.” From The Seattle Times, Why it could be a Big Year for Education in the WA Legislature.

On a lighter note…check out this new podcast, Spectacular Specimens, that airs on KUOW as of this week. The show is aimed towards curious kids and dives into the collections at the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, the oldest museum in Washington state.

Legislative Update: January 17, 2025

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The 2025 Legislative Session officially began on Monday, January 13. Lawmakers got right to it, and committees began holding work sessions as well as taking public testimony on a number of bills. The Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee, headed by Senator Lisa Wellman, held two committee meetings right off the bat, hearing testimony on bills that centered on childcare and school emergency response systems. The House Education Committee, led by Rep. Sharon Tomiko Santos, did not hold public hearings this first week, however, they met three times for in-depth work sessions regarding K-12 agencies and the post-pandemic systems in education.

As one can see, there were a slew of bills released this week, and quite a few are timely in the world of K-12 education. One example is HB 1122, that would restrict cell phone use in public schools. There was a similar bill to this last session that didn’t make it to the governor’s desk. HB 1122 made news this week; The Seattle Times’ Education Lab went in-depth on the details of the bill and reported on solutions that districts in neighboring states are using to address the cell phone problem. HB 1122 would require school districts to adopt a policy restricting student cell phone use during instructional time by the start of the 2026-27 school year. 

Attorney General Bob Ferguson was sworn in as Washington State’s new governor on Wednesday and is already striking a different tone than former Governor Inslee. Ferguson announced a goal of $4 billion in budget cuts, along with $1.3 billion worth of new programs that he wants to see in the 2025-27 biennial budget. According to reports in Cascade PBS, “The $12 billion predicted shortfall is likely the Legislature’s biggest problem in the upcoming 105-day session.” Regarding K-12 funding, the Seattle Times reported that Ferguson was particularly critical of Inslee’s proposal, which spends about 42% on schools, a slice that has been criticized as backsliding by the state teacher’s union. “The final budget must invest a higher percentage of the total budget toward K-12 schools,” Ferguson stated. Among that proposed K-12 spending, Ferguson proposed $480 million to guarantee school lunches for every Washington student.

Education Committee Schedules for Next Week on tvw.org

House Education Committee:

  • Monday, January 20 @ 1:30pm
  • Tuesday, January 21 @ 4pm
  • Thursday, January 23 @ 830am 

Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee:

  • Tuesday, January 21 @ 8am
  • Wednesday, January 22 @ 130pm
  • Thursday, January 23 @ 10:30am

House Bills

​​HB 1020: which would increase the accessibility of academic re-engagement opportunities for eligible students.

HB 1021: which works to promote educational stability for children of military families.

HB 1031: which aims to mitigate the impact of rising school facility temperatures resulting from climate change.

HB 1032: which concerns school district elections.

HB 1051: which would permit the recording of individualized education program team meetings.

HB 1079: which supports remote testing options for students enrolled in online school programs.

HB 1085 or SB 5272: which aims to improve school safety by extending penalties for interference by, or intimidation by threat of, force or violence at schools and extracurricular activities and requiring schools to notify the public of such penalties.

HB 1122: which would determine restrictions on mobile device usage by public school students. For more on this, from The Seattle Times, WA Bill Would Limit Cell Phone Use in Schools. 

HB 1134: which would promote resource conservation practices in public schools.

HB 1151: which would establish the ninth-grade success grant program.

HB 1189: ​​which addresses parental involvement through volunteering in schools after a criminal conviction.

HB 1241: which would improve access to and the provision of free appropriate public education for students with disabilities.

HB 1257: or SB 5253: which would extend special education services to students with disabilities until the end of the school year in which the student turns 22.

HB 1259: which concerns supervision requirements for behavioral health professionals in elementary and secondary public schools.

HB 1285: which would make financial education instruction a graduation requirement in public schools.

HB 1289: would use a survey to gather information on how to improve the public school system.

HB 1295: which would use evidence-based instructional practices in reading and writing literacy for public elementary students.

Senate Bills

SB 5003:  which would establish the school security and preparedness infrastructure grant program (hearing time: 11:59 and 21:21). Testifying in support: representatives from OSPI, the Conservative Ladies of WA, and a concerned citizen.

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

SB 5007: which would support students who are chronically absent and at risk for not graduating high school.

SB 5008: which would support the use of assessment, diagnostic, and learning tools in public schools.

SB 5009: which modifies the student transportation allocation to accommodate multiple vehicle types for transporting students.

SB 5012: which concerns the organization of interscholastic athletics.

SB 5025: which concerns educational interpreters.

SB 5080: which would make financial education instruction a graduation requirement.

SB 5097: which relates to school boards and ensuring competitiveness in girls’ interscholastic athletic activities.

SB 5113: which concerns the cost-of-living adjustments for plan 1 retirees of the teachers’ retirement system and public employees’ retirement system.

SB 5123: which would expand protections for LGBTQ+ students to promote inclusivity in public schools.

SB 5126: which would establish a statewide network for student mental and behavioral health.

SB 5134: which would require public schools to commemorate the contributions of Chinese Americans and Americans of Chinese descent and requires school districts to incorporate instruction about the Chinese Exclusion Act (hearing time: 1:03:20). Testifying in support: Pierce County Council District 6 Rep. Jani Hitchen, several concerned citizens and a representative from the CRPF of Tacoma. Testifying as “other:” a representative from the Washington State Historical Society and the WEA.

SB 5135: which concerns school districts’ authority to establish their curriculum.

SB 5136: which aims to protect the rights of parents and guardians by using students’ given names in public schools.

SB 5137: which requires parental or legal guardian approval before a child participates in comprehensive sexual health education.

SB 5177: which would consider the experiences of historically marginalized and underrepresented groups when identifying professional development resources on certain topics.

SB 5180: which aims to secure the rights of students to have a safe, civil, and respectful learning community.

SB 5181: which would amend the parents’ rights initiative to align it with existing law.

SB 5187: which provides adequate and predictable student transportation.

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, LaConnor 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.

SB 5192: which concerns school district materials, supplies, and operating costs.

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.

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.

SB 5240: which would allow school districts to maintain a supply of epinephrine to address anaphylaxis in schools.

SB 5263: which would require OSPI to submit a programmed budget request for special education programs for students with disabilities every other year. 

SB 5270 and 1352: which would provide mentors to novice nurses in the beginning educator support team program. 

SB 5271: which would require school districts of the first class to employ a school nurse.

SJR 8200: which would amend the Constitution to allow 55 percent of voters voting to authorize school district bonds.

Odds and Ends

“How many gluten-free snickerdoodles, mocha chocolate chip cookies and whole wheat loaves would it take to raise $4 billion?” From The Seattle Times, WA Parents Launch a Billion Dollar Bake Sale for K-12 Funding.
Out of respect to those who are in the midst of the California wildfire devastation, this article from NPR touches on the issue of school closures and what students are experiencing during this difficult time.

Meet CSTP’s Legislative Update Coordinator Samantha Miller

Samantha Miller

Samantha Miller returns as CSTP’s Legislative Updates Coordinator for the 2024 legislative session. She writes weekly emails during the legislative session focusing on bills that impact Washington educators.

Samantha has degrees in both Political Science and History, as well as a Master in Teaching. Samantha has worked in Elementary Education for 6 years, most recently as a 3rd Grade general education teacher. The majority of her time is spent chasing around her two children who keep her very busy. Samantha enjoys running, working in her yard, listening to political podcasts, and spending time with her family.

Inclusion for All: Why General Education Teachers Can and Should Teach Special Education Students

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Education, Elementary, Life in the Classroom | , , ,

This post was written by Kim Broomer, 2025 Washington State Teacher of the Year. Kim is a kindergarten teacher at Ruby Bridges Elementary in the Northshore School District. Kim is a dynamic educator committed to inclusive schools and creating a culture of belonging for each and every student she works with in her classroom and beyond.

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Every child deserves access to their neighborhood school, learning alongside their siblings, neighbors, and peers. Yet, in many cases, students with disabilities are denied this fundamental right. They are sent to schools outside their communities, under the rationale that their needs are “too complex” for general education teachers to handle. This misconception not only segregates students but also undermines the potential of educators to rise to the challenge of inclusion.

Sarah’s story is a poignant example of why this must change. Sarah was a bright and capable student with complex communication needs who was denied enrollment at her neighborhood school. While her brother and neighborhood friends rode to school together, she was sent to a school miles away. The reason? Her needs were deemed too intricate for her neighborhood school to accommodate. But when Sarah joined my classroom, it quickly became clear that her needs weren’t “too complex” at all, they were simply misunderstood.

Challenging the Myth of “Too Complex”

The notion that only special education teachers can meet the needs of students like Sarah is a myth rooted in outdated beliefs about disability and education. General education teachers are fully capable of teaching students with disabilities. Inclusive education isn’t about having all the answers upfront; it’s about a willingness to learn, adapt, and partner with specialists to meet the needs of every student.

Sarah’s presence in our classroom was a gift. She used an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device to express herself, and her interests, humor, and insights quickly became a vibrant part of our community. With support from our special education team, we developed strategies that worked for her—integrating visuals into lessons, building in movement breaks, and using peer modeling. Far from being a burden, Sarah enriched our classroom, teaching us about patience, resilience, and the power of inclusion.

Schools Have a Responsibility to Their Communities

Every school has a responsibility to educate the students within its boundaries, regardless of ability. Denying students like Sarah access to their neighborhood schools sends a harmful message: that inclusion is optional and that some students belong elsewhere. This segregation not only isolates students with disabilities but also deprives their peers of the chance to learn from and with them.

Inclusion benefits everyone. Research shows that students in inclusive classrooms, both with and without disabilities, perform better academically and develop stronger social and emotional skills. Teachers in inclusive settings grow professionally, through learning new strategies that make them better educators for all students.

The Path Forward: Embracing Inclusion

Sarah’s success at school highlights what is possible when schools embrace inclusion. By working together, general and special education teachers, families, and administrators, we created an environment where she could thrive. Her story is a reminder that no student is “too complex” for their neighborhood school.

It’s time to dismantle the systems that segregate students and encourage collaboration that empowers general education teachers to meet diverse needs. Inclusion is not just a possibility, it is a necessity. When every child is welcomed, supported, and celebrated in their local school, we all grow stronger as a community.

Kim Broomer, NBCT

2025 Washington State Teacher of the Year

Kindergarten Teacher

Ruby Bridges Elementary

Legislative Preview: January 10, 2025

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We are back in action, here to kick off both the New Year and a new legislative session.  The Legislature will convene for the regular 2025 legislative session on Monday, January 13 and is scheduled to end on April 27. The Washington State Legislature’s regular sessions run 105 days in odd numbered years, and 60 days in even numbered years. Longer sessions provide lawmakers with ample time to write their state’s two year budget, as well as submit hundreds of bills to be considered by their peers.

Washington State is a bicameral body, composed of the lower Washington House of Representatives with 98 representatives, and the upper Washington State Senate with 49 senators. Currently, the Democratic Party holds a trifecta in the legislature, meaning the Democratic Party controls the office of governor and both chambers of the state legislature. For those who are interested in really getting into the nitty-gritty of the regular (long) session and understanding the process that bills go through before they are signed into law by our state’s governor, this article from the Washington State Standard, is a good resource.

Earlier in December, the outgoing Governor, Jay Inslee, released his proposed balanced budget for 2025-27. Inslee’s proposal highlights programs and services that include public safety, education, early learning, housing and behavioral health. His proposal provides K-12 education with an additional $1.3 billion for schools to support increased costs for maintenance, supplies, technology and educator compensation. 

Inslee’s proposed spending plan also includes some cuts and reductions. KUOW reported that, “His proposal would pause pay bonuses for teachers who receive their National Board Certification and eliminate or reduce some education grant funding that officials say is ‘underutilized’ — including a program for training paraeducators.” Governor Inslee is serving his last term in office and Governor-elect, Bob Ferguson, will begin his term as Washington State’s 23rd governor on January 15. In late September, Washington State’s Superintendent, Chris Reykdal, gave a press conference highlighting his goals for the upcoming legislative cycle, as well as submitted his K-12 Operating budget requests to the governor. Reykdal emphasized the need for increased funding in the areas of special education, student transportation and high poverty schools. “Budget writers must recognize that schools today are expected to do everything from feeding and educating students, to supporting, protecting, and nurturing their developmental, physical, and mental health,” Reykdal stated.

Pre-Filed Bills

HB 1021: which works to promote educational stability for children of military families.

HB 1031: which aims to mitigate the impact of rising school facility temperatures resulting from climate change.

HB 1032: which concerns school district elections.

HB 1051: which would permit the recording of individualized education program team meetings.

HB 1079: which supports remote testing options for students enrolled in online school programs.

HB 1085: which aims to improve school safety by extending penalties for interference by, or intimidation by threat of, force or violence at schools and extracurricular activities and requiring schools to notify the public of such penalties.

HB 1122: which would determine restrictions on mobile device usage by public school students.

HB 1134: which would promote resource conservation practices in public schools.

HB 1151: which would establish the ninth grade success grant program.

HB 1189: which aims to address parental involvement through volunteering in schools after a criminal conviction.

SB 5004: which would update emergency response systems in public schools including panic or alert buttons.

SB 5007: which would support students who are chronically absent and at risk for not graduating high school.

SB 5008: which would support the use of assessment, diagnostic, and learning tools in public schools.

SB 5009: which modifies the student transportation allocation to accommodate multiple vehicle types for transporting students.

SB 5012: which concerns the organization of interscholastic athletics.

SB 5025: which concerns educational interpreters.

SB 5030:  which expands access to educational services by reducing barriers to obtaining vital records and allowing alternative forms of documentation.

SB 5080: which would make financial education instruction a graduation requirement.

SB 5097: which relates to school boards and ensuring the competitiveness in girls’ interscholastic athletic activities.

SB 5113: which concerns the cost-of-living adjustments for plan 1 retirees of the teachers’ retirement system and public employees’ retirement system.

SB 5123: which would expand protections for LGBTQ+ students to promote inclusivity in public schools.

SB 5126: which would establish a statewide network for student mental and behavioral health.

SB 5134: which would require public schools to commemorate the contributions of Chinese Americans and Americans of Chinese descent.

SB 5135: which concerns school districts’ authority to establish their curriculum.

SB 5136: which aims to protect the rights of parents and guardians by using students’ given names in public schools.SB 5137: which requires parental or legal guardian approval before a child participates in comprehensive sexual health education.

Odds and Ends

Is it time to appoint Washington States’ school chief? From the Washington State Standard, Ferguson and GOP Leaders See Value in Eliminating WA’s Elected Schools Chief. From the Seattle Times’ Education Lab, Washington Needs More Early Childhood Educators. But the Pay is the Problem.

From the Seattle Times’ Education Lab, Washington Needs More Early Childhood Educators. But the Pay is the Problem.

Meet CSTP’s Legislative Update Coordinator Samantha Miller

Samantha Miller

Samantha Miller returns as CSTP’s Legislative Updates Coordinator for the 2024 legislative session. She writes weekly emails during the legislative session focusing on bills that impact Washington educators.

Samantha has degrees in both Political Science and History, as well as a Master in Teaching. Samantha has worked in Elementary Education for 6 years, most recently as a 3rd Grade general education teacher. The majority of her time is spent chasing around her two children who keep her very busy. Samantha enjoys running, working in her yard, listening to political podcasts, and spending time with her family.