by Luann

     In November 2006, Washington National Board Certified Teachers took part in the "NBCT Policy Summit: Supporting and Staffing High Needs Schools".  Similar Summits were held in 4 other states, including my former home state, Ohio.  Our state superintendent and many state policy makers listened as 225 accomplished teachers shared suggestions for making education a better place for the students who need it the most. 

    On Saturday, October 17, a sizeable group of accomplished teachers will gather again in Seattle. We've been asked once more by the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), the
Washington Education Association (WEA), and the Center for Strengthening the
Teaching Profession (CSTP) to speak as professionals on behalf of our students. This time, our voices will address the utilization of state dollars in the implementation of House Bill 2261 S. E. (caution: it's a rather long read) passed by our state legislature last session.

The intent of the bill as stated on page 1, line 16 – page 2 line 3:

In enacting this legislation, the legislature intends to fulfill its obligation under                    Article IX of the Washington State Constitution to define and fund a program of basic        education for children residing in the state and attending public schools.  This act              defines the educational opportunities that school districts shall provide and for which                 the state shall allocate funding.

     In brief, the bill:

• establishes full-day kindergarten as a basic education responsibility 
  • early learning (ECEAP) was included initially but vetoed for more planning
• establishes new basic funding formulas
• establishes new Pupil Transportation formula (more funding)
• requires new funding precede new requirements are implemented
• requires full finding of basic education by the 2018-2019 school year
  • no "full funding level is specified
• establishes a process to design implementation of reform
  • and presumably to define "full funding."

     Teacher voices will address the 13 Instructional Elements recommended by the Basic Education Finance Task Force (BEFTF) in 2007 as they will be implemented by House Bill 2261 S. E.  The Instructional Elements can be viewed in detail on this document and are listed below:

1. Class size
2. Teacher Librarians
3. Specialists: Counselors
4. Specialists: Nurses/Social Workers
5. Learning Assistance Program
6. English Language Learners
7. Instructional Resources – Technology
8. Instructional Resources – Curriculum
9. Professional Development
10. Induction and Mentoring
11. Instructional Coaches
12. Full-Day Kindergarten
13. Preschool (Early Learning)

     We are to design an implementation plan prioritizing funding of these elements.  Next, we are to "focus on the qualitative aspects that make good use of the resource."  We then get to share with the policymakers themselves what we, as professionals, know as "best practice."  What?  The definition of "best practice" can be penned by teachers and not by policymakers or ivory-tower types receiving large amounts of money from curriculum publishers or manufacturers wanting a well-published name behind their product?  I'm excited.

     Recommendations from this policy summit will be provided to the State Superintendent, the Funding Formula Work Group (FFWG) and the newly-formed Quality Education Council (QEC).  The task of these groups and the Superintendent is to recommend a basic education funding plan to the 2010 legislature.  Our voices will not dictate that plan, but will certainly lend structure and shape.

      Funding must always be used with integrity to improve student learning.  What are your recommendations?  How should the legislature to make use of tax dollars to best benefit our students?  Before we voice our own thoughts, we want to hear yours.

     The bill's history is available here.