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Weekly Legislative Update – February 17, 2023

Posted by CSTP Staff on February 17, 2023
Education Policy | districts, education, education reform, Legislature, paraeducators, principal, schools, special education, teaching, washington legislature

CSTP Updates

March 21: Culturally Responsive Education in the Classroom: An Equity Framework for Pedagogy written by Dr. Adeyemi Stembridge
March 27: Zooming In & Out on Inclusionary Practices Dr. Katie Novak and Shelley Moore

Today is the first cut-off date for lawmakers trying to get bills passed out of committee in their house of origin. Bills that do not get “exec’d” out of committee by end of day today and sent to their respective fiscal committees will be considered “dead,” and no longer move forward. Over next week, the focus will shift to the House Appropriations and Senate Ways & Means Committees who will hold daylong hearings on the bills referred to them from the various policy committees. The fiscal committee deadline is next Friday, February 24.

It is worth mentioning that HB 1308, a State Board of Education priority bill, that establishes a “performance-based” graduation pathway option for students, passed out of the House Education Committee on Monday. According to the testimony of the State Board, this new option would allow students to show what they know and can do in real-world, hands-on ways that align with their individual goals for after high school.

Fiscal Committee Hearings for Next Week on TVW.org

House Appropriations Committee

Monday, February 20 at 1:30pm
Tuesday, February 21 at 1:30pm
Wednesday, February 22 at 1:30pm
Thursday, February 23 at 9am
Friday, February 24 at 9am

Senate Ways & Means Committee

Monday, February 20 at 9am
Tuesday, February 21 at 9am
Wednesday, February 22 at 1:30pm
Thursday, February 23 at 9am
Friday, February 24 at 9am

Bills We’re Following:

HB 1003: which would lower dual credit program costs for eligible students with financial need by creating a subsidy program, reducing per college credit fees for college in the high school students, and revising eligibility for the Running Start program tuition fee waiver, and would also make the Running Start program permanent to pilot institutions. The bill is in the House Appropriations Committee.

HB 1013: which would require OSPI and Washington ESDs to jointly establish a regional apprenticeship pilot program with one site each in Eastern and Western Washington. The bill is in the House Appropriations Committee.

SHB 1015: which revises minimum employment requirements for paraeducators. The bill is in the Senate Early Learning & K-12 Committee.

HB 1057: which would provide a benefit increase to certain retirees of the public employees’ retirement system plan 1 and the teachers’ retirement system plan 1. The bill is in the House Appropriations Committee.

HB 1109: which would provide additional special education funding to school districts in order to increase initial evaluations during summers. The bill is in the House Appropriations Committee.

SHB 1113: which would require the Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) to adopt rules for reviewing and vacating reprimands issued to certificated professional educators. The bill is in the Senate Early Learning & K-12 Committee.

HB 1146: which would require schools to notify high school students and their families about available dual credit programs and any available financial assistance. The bill is in the Senate Early Learning & K-12 Committee.

HB 1207: which aims to prevent and respond to harassment, intimidation, bullying, and discrimination in schools through updated policies and procedures. The bill is in the House Rules Committee.

SHB 1228: which establishes grant programs for establishing or expanding dual language education programs and tribal language education programs and would establish multilingual skill bonuses for certificated instructional staff and paraeducators. The bill is in the House Appropriations Committee.

SHB 1238: which requires public schools, beginning with the 2023-24 school year, to provide breakfast and lunch each school day to any requesting students and at no charge to the students. The bill is in the House Appropriations Committee.

SHB 1239: which would establish a simple and uniform system for complaints related to, and instituting a code of educator ethics for, conduct within or involving public elementary and secondary schools. The bill is in the House Appropriations Committee.

SHB 1273: which would establish new and revised requirements for High School and Beyond Plans (HSBPs) that are a prerequisite for graduating from a public high school. The bill is in the House Appropriations Committee.

SHB 1277: which would establish rules to improve the consistency and quality of the implementation of the fundamental courses of study for paraeducators. The bill is in the House Rules Committee.

SHB 1305: which would make changes to the requirements to initial student evaluations for special education and to the development and implementation of individualized education programs (IEPs) in order to improve access to a free appropriate public education for students with disabilities. The bill is in the House Appropriations Committee.

HB 1308: which establishes a graduation pathway option that enables students to meet pathway requirements by completing a performance-based learning experience. The bill has passed out of committee.

SHB 1316: which would lower dual enrollment program costs for eligible students from $65 to $42.50 per credit by creating a subsidy program, incentivizing reduction of per college credit fees charged to college in the high school students, and revising eligibility for the Running Start (RS) program tuition fee waiver. The bill is in the House Appropriations Committee.

SHB 1332: which would require all school districts to incorporate a tribal sovereignty curriculum into their social studies curricula by September 1, 2023, as well as require districts to consult with the nearest federally recognized Indian tribe(s) about incorporating materials about their history, culture, and government into their social studies curricula by September 1, 2025. The bill is in the House Appropriations Committee.

SHB 1377: which would require the posting of approved courses and providers of continuing education. The bill has passed out of committee.

HB 1411: which would direct OSPI to distribute funding to school districts and institutional education providers to partner with community-based organizations that support students to offer cross-sector trainings on topics such as social-emotional learning, mental and behavioral health management, and teaching students to be peer mediators. The bill is in the House Appropriations Committee.

HB 1436: which authorizes school districts to apply to OSPI for additional special education funding beyond state excess cost allocations, and increases excess cost multipliers for special education students over four school years. The bill is in the House Appropriations Committee.

SHB 1504: which requires public schools, beginning with the 2024-25 school year, to provide daily recess for all students in kindergarten through grade 5, and grade 6 if the students attend an elementary school. The bill has passed out of committee.

SHB 1565: which requires the development of an online platform for the recruitment and hiring of public school employees and establishes a teacher residency program. The bill has passed out of committee.

HB 1605: which directs OSPI to develop funding procedures in order to support small districts with less than 2,750 students, to ensure significant participation in skill centers. The bill is in the House Appropriations Committee.

SHB 1609: which requires school districts to provide resources for the operation of school library information and technology programs and to ensure that each student has access to a library technology program that meets specified requirements. The bill has passed out of committee.

SHB 1658: which would authorize high school students aged 16 and above to earn up to two elective credits through paid work experience if approval and alignment with the student’s High School and Beyond Plan are met. The bill has passed out of committee.

HB 1701: which concerns basic education services to youth who are served through institutional education programs. The bill has passed out of committee.

HB 1710: which would use COVID-19 relief funding on high quality tutoring and rigorous extended learning programs. The bill is in the House Appropriations Committee.

SSB 5048: which would eliminate college in the high school fees. The bill is in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

SSB 5054: which would modify instructional hours to include time students spend in educational activities under the supervision of non-certificated staff while teachers participate in professional learning communities (PLCs) as well as encourage school districts to adopt a school calendar that includes at least four hours per week for teachers to engage in PLCs during the school day. The bill is in the Senate Rules Committee.

SSB 5085: which would remove statutory limitations on the scope of collective bargaining in regards to supervisors, or principals and assistant principals, and would require specific evaluation criteria when transferring a principal/assistant principal to a subordinate certificated position. This bill would prohibit school district employment applications from including a question asking whether the applicant has ever been on a plan of improvement, or under an investigation. The bill is in the Senate Rules Committee.

SSB 5102: which requires school districts and school boards to provide every student with access to school library information and technology programs. The bill is in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

SSB 5127: which would clarifyschool districts’ ability to redact personal information related to a student. The bill is in the Senate Rules Committee.

SB 5175: which would allow employment contracts between a school board and principal to be up to three years in length, as opposed to limited to a term of one year. The bill is in the Senate Rules Committee.

SB 5180: which aims to support the retention of teachers by removing barriers to licensure and creating a streamlined pathway to licensure mobility. The bill is in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

SSB 5243: which revises high school and beyond plan (HSBP) requirements, and would require OSPI to facilitate the transition and adoption of a common online platform for HSBPs. The bill is in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

SSB 5248: which would reappropriate COVID-19 relief funding for grants to be used on high quality tutoring and rigorous extended learning programs. The bill is in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

SSB 5339: which would add free school breakfast and lunch to the state’s program of basic education beginning in the 2023-24 school year. The bill is in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

SB 5355: which requires school districts to provide instruction on sex trafficking prevention and identification at least once between grades 7 and 12 beginning in the 2024-25 school year. The bill is in the Senate Rules Committee.

SB 5408: which would establish the Ninth Grade Success Grant Program, which funds the creation of ninth grade success teams that can identify and support incoming high school students who are at risk of not graduating. The bill is in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

SSB 5441: which would require larger school districts to designate inclusive curricula coordinators and smaller school districts to work with their educational service districts (ESDs) to promote the development and adoption of curricula that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. The bill is in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

SB 5527: which would add additional courses to the list of courses approved as a graduation pathway option. The bill is in the Senate Rules Committee.

SSB 5617: which would require interdistrict cooperative agreements in a skill center to stipulate that any course equivalencies approved by OSPI or a host district must be honored by other participating school districts. The bill is in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

SSB 5626: which requires OSPI to establish a grant program for expanding the capability of school districts to integrate media literacy and digital citizenship into public school instruction. The bill is in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

SB 5647: which requires safe school plans to include how substitute teachers and other temporary employees receive necessary information, including school safety policies and procedures and the three basic functional drill responses. The bill is in the Senate Rules Committee.

SB 5650: which concerns salary inflationary increases for K-12 employees. The bill is in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

SSB 5668: which would require OSPI to develop procedures that provide 1.0 FTE of funding to certain small school districts that send students to skill centers. The bill has passed out of committee.

SB 5710: which would create a grant program within OSPI to provide funding to educational service districts (ESDs) in order to offer students in rural areas access to a mental health professional using telemedicine. The bill is in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

Odds and Ends:

This was a feel good article for me, from NPR Ed, Wishes for 2023. “My dream for human kind is for everyone to have homes. The homes would be nice. And the homes would have all of the resources they need. –Francis, 1st grade.”

“When it comes to creating policy and changing the system to improve outcomes for students of color, being in the majority could be helpful.” This week from the Seattle Times’ Education Lab, Students of Color Are Now the Majority in WA Public Schools.

Meet CSTP’s Legislative Update Coordinator Samantha Miller

Samantha Miller returns as CSTP’s Legislative Updates Coordinator for the 2023 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.

Weekly Legislative Update – February 10, 2023

Posted by CSTP Staff on February 10, 2023
Education Policy | districts, education, education reform, Legislature, paraeducators, principal, schools, special education, teaching, washington legislature

CSTP Updates

Legislative Update for February 10, 2023

Hello and happy Friday! This is the last week before lawmakers face their first legislative cut-off of the 2023 session. Next Friday, February 17, is the last day for legislators to pass bills out of committee in their respective house of origin, except for fiscal committees. Bills that do not make it out of committee are considered “dead” and will no longer be considered for any action during the remainder of session. The fiscal committee cut-off date is the following Friday, February 24.

Although there were several bills that drew significant attention this week, SB 5505 and HB 1479, are worth highlighting. SB 5505, the highly anticipated, “balanced calendar bill,” aims to combat learning loss by adding 5 days to the traditional 180-day school year, as well as adjust the school calendar to get longer breaks spread throughout the year and prevent summer learning loss. According to OSPI, “A foundation of the balanced calendar is continuous access to food, instruction, care, and education resources, which research shows is especially important in preventing summer learning loss for students who may not have the benefits of travel, camps, and trips to the library.”

HB 1479 would prohibit students from being subjected to isolation or restraint and its companion bill in the senate, SB 5559, also received a public hearing this week. The Seattle Times reported that in Washington, students with disabilities were exposed to restraint and isolation at higher rates as well as elementary school students who were disproportionately restrained and isolated at an age when they are still learning to regulate behaviors and emotions. HB 1479 is scheduled for executive session next Thursday, February 16 at 8am.

Education Hearings for Next Week on TVW.org

House Education Committee

Monday, February 13 at 1:30pm
Tuesday, February 14 at 4pm
Thursday, February 16 at 8am

Senate Early Learning & K12 Education

Monday, February 13 at 1:30pm
Wednesday, February 15 at 1:30pm

New Bills

HB 1749: which promotes instruction in public schools about the historical and cultural contributions of Filipino Americans.

SB 5692: which would increase the maximum per pupil limit for enrichment levy authority.

SB 5710: which would provide access to behavioral health services to youth in rural and underserved areas.

Bills We’re Following:

HB 1015: which revises minimum employment requirements for paraeducators. The bill is in the Senate Early Learning & K-12 Committee.

HB 1071: which would require OSPI to allocate state funding to school districts for one school resource officer (SRO) on each public school campus (hearing time 0:59 and 57:33). Testifying in support: representatives from the Chehalis SD, WACOPS and the WASPC. Testifying in opposition: representatives from the ACLU of WA, HEA, and a concerned citizen.

HB 1109: which would provide additional special education funding to school districts in order to increase initial evaluations during summers. The bill is in the House Appropriations Committee.

HB 1207: which aims to prevent and respond to harassment, intimidation, bullying, and discrimination in schools through updated policies and procedures. The bill is currently in the House Rules Committee.

HB 1273: which would establish new and revised requirements for High School and Beyond Plans (HSBPs) that are a prerequisite for graduating from a public high school. The bill has passed out of committee.

HB 1277: which would establish rules to improve the consistency and quality of the implementation of the fundamental courses of study for paraeducators. The bill is in the House Rules Committee.

HB 1308: which establishes a graduation pathway option that enables students to meet pathway requirements by completing a performance-based learning experience (hearing time: 41:59). Testifying in support: representatives from the SBE, BIAW, Central Valley SD, WSPTA, Rural Ed Center and Vancouver PS. Testifying in opposition: representatives from the WA Round Table. Testifying as “other”: representatives from OSPI, Lakewood Cares, Lake Washington SD and WSSDA. The bill is scheduled for executive session February 16 at 8am.

HB 1316: which would lower dual enrollment program costs for eligible students from $65 to $42.50 per credit by creating a subsidy program, incentivizing reduction of per college credit fees charged to college in the high school students, and revising eligibility for the Running Start (RS) program tuition fee waiver. The bill has passed out of committee.

HB 1332: which would require all school districts to incorporate a tribal sovereignty curriculum into their social studies curricula by September 1, 2023, as well as require districts to consult with the nearest federally recognized Indian tribe(s) about incorporating materials about their history, culture, and government into their social studies curricula by September 1, 2025. The bill has passed out of committee.

HB 1377: which would require the posting of approved courses and providers of continuing education. The bill is scheduled for executive session February 16 at 8am.

HB 1479: which would prohibit students from being subjected to isolation, mechanical restraint, or chemical restraint by school staff, except for school resource officers under some circumstances, and specifies that existing isolation rooms must remain unlocked, and no new isolation rooms may be created, and, by January 1, 2024, isolation rooms must be removed or repurposed (hearing time: 59:44). Testifying in support: representatives from Disability Rights WA, several concerned citizens, PAVE The Arc of WA and OSPI. Testifying in opposition: a concerned citizen. Testifying as “other”: representatives from the Central Valley SD, WEA, WSPTA and PSE. The bill is scheduled for executive session February 16 at 8am.

HB 1504: which requires public schools, beginning with the 2024-25 school year, to provide daily recess for all students in kindergarten through grade 5, and grade 6 if the students attend an elementary school (hearing time: 1:00:42 and 1:31:25). Testifying in support: a concerned citizen, Issaquah HS, WEA, Renton SD, KC Play Equity Coalition and Ellensburg HS. Testifying as “other”: representatives from OSPI, WSSDA and WSPTA. The bill is scheduled for executive session February 16 at 8am.

HB 1550: which would establish the transition to kindergarten program to provide no-charge assistance to eligible children in need of additional preparation to be successful kindergarten students in the following school year (hearing time: 42:34). Testifying in support: representatives from the Yakima SD, a concerned citizen, the Spokane PS, Quincy SD and Concrete SD. Testifying in opposition: representatives from the WEA, Sammamish Montessori School, the Rural Ed Center, the Stevenson-Carson SD and North Mason SD. Testifying as “other”: representatives from the Walla Walla SD, West Valley SD and the AESD. The bill is scheduled for executive session February 16 at 8am.

HB 1565: which requires the development of an online platform for the recruitment and hiring of public school employees and establishes a teacher residency program (hearing time: 3:51). Testifying in support: representatives from PESB, WEA, Foundation for Tacoma Students, OSPI, WSPTA, WACTE, SWEA, Rural Ed Center and AWSP. The bill is scheduled for executive session February 16 at 8am.

HB 1609: which requires school districts to provide resources for the operation of school library information and technology programs and to ensure that each student has access to a library technology program that meets specified requirements (hearing time: 1:46:46). Testifying in support: representatives from the WLA, Capitol HS, Camas HS, Bellevue HS, Shoreline SD, OSPI and WSSDA. Testifying in opposition: representatives from the Kettle Falls SD. The bill is scheduled for executive session February 16 at 8am.

HB 1622: which aims to support the needs of students experiencing homelessness by aligning program goals, establishing common reporting requirements, and establishing examples of permitted expenditures for the OSPI program (hearing time: 1:08:23 and 1:24:00). Testifying in support: representatives from Building Changes, Council for the Homeless and the Lynnwood City Council. The bill is scheduled for executive session February 16 at 8am.

HB 1658: which would authorize high school students aged 16 and above to earn up to two elective credits through paid work experience if approval and alignment with the student’s High School and Beyond Plan are met (hearing time: 1:30:44). Testifying in support: representatives from the WFIA and WSPTA. Testifying as “other”: representatives from WSSDA, OSPI and SBE. The bill is scheduled for executive session February 16 at 8am.

HB 1701: which concerns basic education services to youth who are served through institutional education programs (hearing time: 35:37). Testifying in support: representatives from OSPI. Testifying as “other”: representatives from DCYF and WEA. The bill is scheduled for executive session February 16 at 8am.

HB 1710: which would use COVID-19 relief funding on high quality tutoring and rigorous extended learning programs. The bill is in the House Appropriations Committee.

SB 5024: which would require school districts to post certain assessment results on their websites, as well as provide parents and legal guardians with certain rights regarding access to specified information and communication based on their preferences (hearing time: 27:26). Testifying as “other”: representatives from WSSDA.

SSB 5048: which would eliminate college in the high school fees. The bill is in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

SSB 5102: which requires school districts and school boards to provide every student with access to school library information and technology programs.The bill is in the Senate Ways & Means Committee and scheduled for public hearing on February 14 at 4pm.

SSB 5127: which would clarify school districts’ ability to redact personal information related to a student. The bill is in the Senate Rules Committee.

SB 5248: which would reappropriate COVID-19 relief funding for grants to be used on high quality tutoring and rigorous extended learning programs. The bill is in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

SB 5264: which would require paraeducators to receive a passing grade on a Paraeducator Board-approved assessment, rather than the Education Testing Service paraeducator assessment (hearing time: 1:00). Testifying in support: representatives from the WEA, PESB, the Rural Ed Center, AWSP and PSE.

SSB 5339: which would add free school breakfast and lunch to the state’s program of basic education beginning in the 2023-24 school year. The bill is in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

SB 5442: which would provide a per-pupil enrichment grant to charter schools in an amount equivalent to the state local effort assistance threshold: $1,550 per pupil. The bill would also authorize charter schools to apply for state grants on the same basis as school districts (hearing time: 29:00). Testifying in support: representatives from Rainier Prep, BESR, a concerned citizen, Summit Olympus Charter School and WI-HS.

SB 5505: which aims to address learning loss by expanding the mandatory number of school days for public K-12 schools from 180 days to 185 (hearing time: 45:53). Testifying in support: representatives from OSPI and WASA. Testifying in opposition: representatives from the Conservative Ladies of WA. Testifying as “other”: representatives from the WEA and WSSDA.

SB 5527: which would add additional courses to the list of courses approved as a graduation pathway option (hearing time: 49:25). Testifying in support: representatives from the SBE. Testifying as “other”: representatives from OSPI.

SB 5559: which would prohibit the isolation, mechanical restraint, or chemical restraint of students by school staff, including the phasing out of isolation rooms (hearing time: 55:32). Testifying in support: representatives from OSPI, ACLU, AASR, WSPTA, SSEPTSA, Arc of King County, CPI, several concerned citizens, Disability Rights WA, Seattle School Board, WFIS, PAVE and the SCPTSA. Testifying as “other”: representatives from the West Valley SD, PSE and the WEA. Crosscut has more on this: WA Bills Propose Initiatives to Bring Special Ed Students Back Home

SB 5626: which requires OSPI to establish a grant program for expanding the capability of school districts to integrate media literacy and digital citizenship into public school instruction (hearing time: 11:26). Testifying in support: representatives from OSPI, WLA, WSPTA, several concerned citizens, Capitol HS, Kent SD, CCI, AME and WSCSS. The bill is scheduled for executive session February 13 at 130pm.

SB 5650: which concerns salary inflationary increases for K-12 employees. The bill is in the Senate Ways & Means Committee and is scheduled for public hearing on February 14 at 4pm.

SB 5671: which would make experience factor adjustments for certificated instructional staff. The bill is scheduled for public hearing February 13 at 130pm.

Odds and Ends:

“When do we stop pushing for people to walk or talk in normative ways and instead acknowledge and embrace difference?” This week from MindShift: How Teachers can Disrupt Linear Development Models and Support Students with Disabilities.

“These students didn’t move out of state, and they didn’t sign up for private school or home school, according to publicly available data. In short, they’re missing.” From the Seattle Times’ Education Lab, Thousands of Kids are Missing from School. Where Did They Go?

Meet CSTP’s Legislative Update Coordinator Samantha Miller

Weekly Legislative Update – February 3, 2023

Posted by CSTP Staff on February 3, 2023
Education Policy | districts, education reform, Legislature, paraeducators, principal, schools, special education, teaching, washington legislature

CSTP Updates

• February 6: Zooming In & Out on Inclusionary Practices Dr. Katie Novak and Shelley Moore
• March 21: Culturally Responsive Education in the Classroom: An Equity Framework for Pedagogy written by Dr. Adeyemi Stembridge

As we wrap up the fourth week of the 2023 Legislative Session, there continues to be SO MANY BILLS! Easily over 120 education bills remain in our tracker and more continue to trickle in daily. Legislators are working tirelessly to hear from the public on most of them, and this week we saw an emphasis on bills that target our youngest learners. SB 5020, which aims to lower the minimum age for compulsory school attendance from eight to six years old, turned out dozens of testifiers. The bill is sponsored by Senator Lisa Wellman, the chair of the Senate Early Learning & K12 Education Committee. When asked about the bill Wellman stated, “Those ages are critical for language development and other skills, to enable them to fulfill their best potential.” But many testifiers pushed back, arguing that the change could put children into school before they are ready and would put a burden on parents who are homeschooling their students in the early grades. SB 5020 passed out of committee and was sent to Ways & Means.

HB 1550, which aims to establish transitional kindergarten classrooms in public schools across our state, was also heard in the house this week. This bill gained huge support during its public hearing and OSPI sent out a press release on Wednesday, highlighting the benefits that “TK Programs” provide to our earliest learners. Superintendent Chris Reykdal stated, “Students who participate in Transitional Kindergarten (TK) outperform their peers in the state’s kindergarten readiness assessment, with the largest differences being in literacy and math.” HB 1550 is scheduled for executive session in the House Education Committee on February 9 at 8am.

Education Hearings for Next Week on TVW.org

House Education Committee

Monday, February 6 at 1:30pm
Tuesday, February 7 at 4pm
Thursday, February 9 at 8am

Senate Early Learning & K12 Education

Monday, February 6 at 1:30pm
Wednesday, February 8 at 1:30pm
Thursday, February 9 at 1:30pm

New Bills

HB 1692: which would create legislative district student advisory groups.

HB 1701: which concerns basic education services to youth who are served through institutional education programs.

HB 1710: which would use COVID-19 relief funding on high quality tutoring and rigorous extended learning programs.

SB 5650: which concerns salary inflationary increases for K-12 employees.

SB 5653: which concerns parental notification regarding a child’s health, well-being and education while a child is at school.

SB 5656: which establishes the school security and preparedness infrastructure grant program.

SB 5671: which would make experience factor adjustments for certificated instructional staff.

SB 5678: which would provide voluntary firearms safety instruction for students.

Bills We’re Following:

HB 1003: which would lower dual credit program costs for eligible students with financial need by creating a subsidy program, reducing per college credit fees for college in the high school students, and revising eligibility for the Running Start program tuition fee waiver, and would also make the Running Start program permanent to pilot institutions (hearing time: 37:11). Testifying in support: representatives from SBCTC, OSPI, Lake Washington SD, UFWS and CWU.

HB 1013: which would require OSPI and Washington ESDs to jointly establish a regional apprenticeship pilot program with one site each in Eastern and Western Washington (hearing time: 49:55). Testifying in support: a student representative from the SBE, representatives from Curlew SD, Marysville SD, NCESD, WSSCA, and the WTIA. Testifying in opposition: representatives from the Conservative Ladies of Washington. Testifying as “other”: representatives from the MCAWW. The bill is currently in the House Appropriations Committee.

HB 1015: which revises minimum employment requirements for paraeducators (hearing time: 3:32 and 17:44). Testifying in support: representatives from the Rural Ed Center, Highline SD, Lake Washington SD, PESB, WEA, PSE and the Lynden SD. The bill is currently in the House Rules Committee.

HB 1109: which would provide additional special education funding to school districts in order to increase initial evaluations during summers (hearing time: 9:33 and 35:39). Testifying in support: representatives from OSPI, WEA, WSSDA and WSPTA. Testifying as “other”: representatives from Lake Washington SD. The bill is in the House Appropriations Committee.

HB 1113: which would require the Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) to adopt rules for reviewing and vacating reprimands issued to certificated professional educators (hearing time: 47:57). Testifying in support: a concerned citizen and the WEA. Testifying in opposition: representatives from OSPI. The bill is currently in the House Rules Committee.

HB 1146: which would require schools to notify high school students and their families about available dual credit programs and any available financial assistance (hearing time: 27:07 and 37:11). Testifying in support: representatives from SBCTC, UFWS and COP. The bill was passed out of committee.

HB 1207: which aims to prevent and respond to harassment, intimidation, bullying, and discrimination in schools through updated policies and procedures (hearing time: 0:33 and 35:27). Testifying in support: representatives from OSPI and Bellevue SD. The bill is currently in the House Rules Committee.

HB 1228: which establishes grant programs for establishing or expanding dual language education programs and tribal language education programs and would establish multilingual skill bonuses for certificated instructional staff and paraeducators. (hearing time: 0:33). Testifying in support: representatives from the WEA, Shelton SD, Wahluke SD, Yakima SD, the Latino Civic Alliance, Children Action Network, OSPI, several concerned citizens and the Highline PS.

HB 1238: which requires public schools, beginning with the 2023-24 school year, to provide breakfast and lunch each school day to any requesting students and at no charge to the students (hearing time: 128:08). Testifying in support: representatives from OSPI, SCAN, WSAND, WEA, Seattle PS, SBE, WSSDA, Bellingham PS and the WCAAP. Testifying in opposition: representatives from the Chewelah SD.

HB 1239: which would establish a simple and uniform system for complaints related to, and instituting a code of educator ethics for, conduct within or involving public elementary and secondary schools (hearing time: 1:32:12). Testifying in support: representatives from OSPI and the SCPTSA. Testifying in opposition: representatives from the Conservative Ladies of WA and Washington Policy Center. Testifying as “other”: representatives from the WEA.

HB 1273: which would establish new and revised requirements for High School and Beyond Plans (HSBPs) that are a prerequisite for graduating from a public high school (hearing time: 3:14). Testifying in support: representatives from OSPI and WA STEM. Testifying in opposition: representatives from Lake Washington SD. Testifying as “other”: representatives from the West Valley SD. The bill is scheduled for Executive Session on February 9 at 8am.

HB 1277: which would establish rules to improve the consistency and quality of the implementation of the fundamental courses of study for paraeducators (hearing time: 14:23). Testifying in support: representatives from the WEA, PESB and Yelm Community Schools. The bill is currently in the House Rules Committee.

HB 1305: which would make changes to the requirements to initial student evaluations for special education and to the development and implementation of individualized education programs (IEPs) in order to improve access to a free appropriate public education for students with disabilities (hearing time: 3:51). Testifying in support: representatives from the Arc of King County, SCPTSA, Team Child, Seattle Special Education PTSA and a concerned citizen. Testifying in opposition: representatives from the Mercer Island SD and the Highline SD. Testifying as “other”: representatives from the WEA, WASCLA and the ESD 113. The bill is scheduled for Executive Session on February 9 at 8am.

HB 1308: which concerns expanding high school graduation pathway options. The bill is scheduled for public hearing on February 6 at 1:30pm.

HB 1377: which would require the posting of approved courses and providers of continuing education. The bill is scheduled for public hearing on February 7 at 4pm.

HB 1411: which would direct OSPI to distribute funding to school districts and institutional education providers to partner with community-based organizations that support students to offer cross-sector trainings on topics such as social-emotional learning, mental and behavioral health management, and teaching students to be peer mediators (hearing time: 24:46). Testifying in support: representatives from Schools Out WA and the Latino Pacific Alliance. The bill is scheduled for executive session February 9 at 8am.

HB 1478: which establishes a statement of student rights for public schools and requires public schools to develop student-focused educational and promotional materials that incorporate the statement and to include the materials into required civics instruction (hearing time: 44:56). Testifying in support: representatives from the North Mason SD and a concerned citizen. Testifying in opposition: representatives from the Conservative Ladies of WA. The bill is scheduled for executive session February 9 at 8am.

HB 1504: which would ensure that elementary school students receive sufficient daily recess. The bill is scheduled for public hearing on February 7 at 4pm.

HB 1536: which would clarify requirements governing the withholding of high school diplomas. The bill is scheduled for public hearing on February 6 at 1:30pm.

HB 1565: which aims to support and strengthen the professional education workforce through recruitment, residency, research, and retention strategies. The bill is scheduled for public hearing on February 6 at 1:30pm.

HB 1609: which concerns school library information and technology programs. The bill is scheduled for public hearing on February 7 at 4pm.

SB 5019: which removes “classified staff providing student and staff safety” from the definition of physical, social, and emotional support staff and the specific funding considerations for that group (hearing time: 26:34). Testifying in support: representatives from the WEA, NASW and OSPI. Testifying as “other”: representatives from the WSSDA, Lake Washington SD and PSE. The bill is currently in the Senate Rules Committee.

SB 5020: which would lower the minimum age for compulsory school attendance from eight to six years old, and amend truancy provisions to align with this change, as well as require parents who homeschool to file an annual declaration of intent beginning at age 6 (hearing time: 46:17). Testifying in opposition: representatives from the Conservative Ladies of WA and several concerned citizens. The bill is currently in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

SSB 5048: which would eliminate college in the high school fees. The bill is currently in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

SB 5054: which would modify instructional hours to include time students spend in educational activities under the supervision of non-certificated staff while teachers participate in professional learning communities (PLCs) as well as encourage school districts to adopt a school calendar that includes at least four hours per week for teachers to engage in PLCs during the school day (hearing time: 3:08). Testifying in support: representatives from the WEA. Testifying in opposition: representatives from the Conservative Ladies of Washington. The bill is currently in the Senate Rules Committee.

SSB 5072: which would establish new requirements for identifying students who may be eligible for highly capable services, including conducting universal screenings once in or before second grade, and again before sixth grade (hearing time: 4:15). Testifying in support: representatives from the UW Faculty, OSPI, SBE, Rochester SD, Northshore SD, WA Coalition, WSSDA, WSPTA, Lake Washington SD, Michelson Elementary and the CSF. The bill is currently in the Senate Rules Committee.

SB 5102: which requires school districts and school boards to provide every student with access to school library information and technology programs (hearing time: 0:58). Testifying in support: representatives from the WLA and several concerned citizens. Testifying as “other”: representatives from WSSDA. Testifying in opposition: representatives from the Kettle Falls SD. The bill is scheduled for executive session on February 6 at 1:30pm.

SSB 5127: which would clarify school districts’ ability to redact personal information related to a student. The bill is currently in the Senate Rules Committee.

SSB 5174: which would modify the student transportation allocation formula and expand the definition of “to and from school” to include the transportation of students participating in career connected and work based learning opportunities (hearing time: 1:07:59). Testifying in support: representatives from OSPI, ESD 105, WEA, WSSDA, Pullman SD, College Success Foundation, Teamsters 174 and PSE. Testifying in opposition: representatives from Conservative Ladies of Washington. Testifying as “other”: representatives from Bellevue PS, Olympia PS, Seattle PS and Highline PS. The bill is currently in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

SB 5175: which would allow employment contracts between a school board and principal to be up to three years in length, as opposed to limited to a term of one year (hearing time: 43:08). Testifying in support: representatives from AWSP, Kentlake HS, Rogers HS, Seattle PS, Othello SD and Lakeside HS. The bill is in the Senate Rules Committee.

SB 5180: which aims to support the retention of teachers by removing barriers to licensure and creating a streamlined pathway to licensure mobility (hearing time: 27:43). Testifying in support: representatives from the Department of Defense, the VLC, OSPI, CSG, NASDTEC, SSMCP and several concerned citizens. Testifying as “other”: representatives from the WACTE and the PESB. The bill is in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

SSB 5237: which would direct OSPI to establish procedures to investigate and address complaints alleging noncompliance with state laws regarding civil rights, certain curriculum requirements and student discipline. (hearing time: 59:17). Testifying in support: representatives from the WEA and OSPI. Testifying in opposition: several concerned citizens, representatives from the Washington Policy Center the Conservative Ladies of Washington. Testifying as “other”: representatives from the WSSDA, Reardon-Edwall SD and a concerned citizen. The bill is currently in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

SSB 5243: which revises high school and beyond plan (HSBP) requirements, and would require OSPI to facilitate the transition and adoption of a common online platform for HSBPs (hearing time: 22:53). Testifying in support: representatives from Washington STEM, OSPI, SBE and WSPTA. Testifying in opposition: representatives from Lake Washington SD. The bill is in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

SB 5248: which would reappropriate COVID-19 relief funding for grants to be used on high quality tutoring and rigorous extended learning programs (hearing time: 1:00). Testifying in support: representatives from Stand for Children WA, the High School Success Coalition, Foundation for Tacoma Students, Conservative Ladies of WA, the Washington Policy Center, Washington Round Table, a concerned citizen, and the AIA WA Council. Testifying as “other”: representatives from OSPI and WASBO. The bill is scheduled for executive session on February 6 at 1:30pm.

SSB 5257: which would ensure that public schools provide daily recess for all elementary students with a minimum of 45 minutes when the school day is longer than five hours and a minimum of 30 minutes when the school day is shorter, as well as prohibit schools from withholding recess as a punitive action (hearing time: 29:31). Testifying in support: representatives from the King County Play Equity Coalition, several WA State students, several concerned citizens, WSSDA, Special Olympics WA, SBE and the UW Faculty. Testifying as “other”: representatives from OSPI. The bill is currently in the Senate Rules Committee.

SSB 5311: which would increase the special education excess cost multipliers for pre-K and K12 students over a four-year period and increase the special education enrollment funding cap from 13.5 percent to 14.5 percent (hearing time: 23:26). Testifying in support: representatives from Governor Inslee’s office, OSPI, Pasco SD, the Ephrata School Board, WSSDA, Lake Washington SD and the Mercer Island SD. Testifying as “other”: representatives from the ESD 105 Schools Coalition, Spokane PS, a school psychologist from Seattle PS, The Arc of King County, Bellevue PS, Olympia PS, Highline PS, Orting SD, Chehalis SD, Pierce County School Districts and ESD 113. Testifying in opposition: representatives from the Seattle Council PTSA and the WSPTA. The bill is currently in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

SSB 5315: which would require OSPI to establish standards for approval, monitoring, and investigating school district contracts with nonpublic agencies (NPAs) operating special education programs for students with disabilities, and requires that restraint and isolation procedures and notification requirements apply to NPAS (hearing time: 1:01:59). Testifying in support: representatives from OSPI, the Arc of King County and Orting SD. Testifying in opposition: representatives from CHILD, Conservative Ladies of Washington, Brock’s Academy, Eaton Arrowsmith, a concerned citizen and WSIF. The bill is currently in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

SSB 5339: which would add free school breakfast and lunch to the state’s program of basic education beginning in the 2023-24 school year (hearing time: 1:20). Testifying in support: representatives from Coordinated Care, WEA, Foundation of Tacoma Students, Franklin Pierce SD, Bethel SD, Helping Hands Food Bank, Faith Action Network, WCAAP and OSPI. Testifying in opposition: representatives from Chewelah SD, a concerned citizen and Oakesdale SD. The bill is currently in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

SB 5408: which would establish the Ninth Grade Success Grant Program, which funds the creation of ninth grade success teams that can identify and support incoming high school students who are at risk of not graduating (hearing time: 0:32). Testifying in support: representatives from CHSS, Renton SD, Grandview SD, Mount Baker SD, a concerned citizen and the North Mason SD.

SB 5441: which would require larger school districts to designate inclusive curricula coordinators and smaller school districts to work with their educational service districts (ESDs) to promote the development and adoption of curricula that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive (hearing time: 8:46). Testifying in support: representatives from the NYLC, Seattle PS, SBE, WEA, OSPI and several concerned citizens. Testifying in opposition: representatives from Conservative Ladies of WA, the Deer Park SD and several concerned citizens. Testifying as “other”: representatives from WSSDA.

SB 5462: which would direct OSPI to review and update relevant state learning standards at all grade levels to include the histories, contributions, and perspectives of LGBTQ people, and historically marginalized and underrepresented groups, by December 1, 2024 (hearing time: 38:22 and 101:51). Testifying in support: representatives from the WEA. Testifying in opposition: several concerned citizens. Testifying as “other”: representatives from WSSDA.

SB 5505: which aims to address learning loss by expanding the school year.

SB 5527: which would add additional courses to the list of courses approved as a graduation pathway option. The bill is scheduled for public hearing on February 6 at 1:30pm.

SB 5559: which concerns restraint or isolation of students in public schools and educational programs. The bill is scheduled for public hearing on February 6 at 1:30pm.

Odds and Ends:

Take a look inside the growing movement across Washington to revitalize tribal languages. This week from The Seattle Times Education Lab, Inside the Movement to Revitalize Tribal Languages in WA.

With all the talk about early access to education this week, from The Atlantic, The Problem with Kindergarten.

Meet CSTP’s Legislative Update Coordinator Samantha Miller

Weekly Legislative Update – January 27, 2023

Posted by CSTP Staff on January 27, 2023
Education Policy | districts, education reform, Legislature, paraeducators, principal, schools, special education, teaching, washington legislature

CSTP Updates

It is hard to believe that we are already three weeks into the 2023 Legislative Session. We continue to see daily bill introductions, which will likely taper off over the next few weeks. A quick reminder that lawmakers are approaching their first legislative cut-off date as Thursday, February 17, will be the last day for legislators to pass bills out of committee in their respective house of origin.

This week both the House Education and Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Committees heard bills that were essentially mirrors of each other; focused on equity amongst our most vulnerable learners. HB 1109 and SB 5311, both of which would increase special education funding, were passed out of their respective committees. HB 1238 and SB 5339, which would guarantee free school meal funding for all, gained much attention on their committee floors and are both scheduled for executive session next week. Lastly, SB 5257, which ensures that elementary students receive a minimum of 45 minutes of recess every day, had huge support in committee and is up for executive session later this week. The house is also poised with their version: HB 1504. The “recess-bill,” drew the attention of The Seattle Times stating, “The physical and social activity it enables, research shows, can lower stress hormones and help children get the wiggles out so they can be more present in the classroom.” SB 5257 is sponsored by state Senator T’wina Nobles.

Education Hearings for Next Week on TVW.org

House Education Committee

Monday, January 30 at 1:30pm
Tuesday, January 31 at 4pm
Thursday, February 2 at 8am

Senate Early Learning & K12 Education

Monday, January 30 at 1:30pm
Wednesday, February 1 at 1:30pm
Thursday, February 2 at 1:30pm

New Bills

HB 1504: which would ensure that elementary school students receive sufficient daily recess.

HB 1536: which would clarify requirements governing the withholding of high school diplomas.

HB 1549: which aims to increase AP course options.

HB 1550: which would assist eligible children in need of additional preparation to be successful in kindergarten by establishing the transition to kindergarten program.

HB 1565: which aims to support and strengthen the professional education workforce through recruitment, residency, research, and retention strategies.

HB 1609: which concerns school library information and technology programs.

SB 5505: which aims to address learning loss by expanding the school year.

SB 5511: which would enhance and improve the equity of K-12 education funding.

SB 5527: which would add additional courses to the list of courses approved as a graduation pathway option.

SB 5558: which aims to recognize the fundamental right of parents and guardians to direct the upbringing and education of their children.

SB 5559: which concerns restraint or isolation of students in public schools and educational programs.

Bills We’re Following

HB 1003: which would lower dual credit program costs for eligible students with financial need by creating a subsidy program, reducing per college credit fees for college in the high school students, and revising eligibility for the Running Start program tuition fee waiver, and would also make the Running Start program permanent to pilot institutions (hearing time: 37:11). Testifying in support: representatives from SBCTC, OSPI, Lake Washington SD, UFWS and CWU.

HB 1071: which would require OSPI to allocate state funding to school districts for one school resource officer (SRO) on each public school campus campus (hearing time 0:59 and 57:33). Testifying in support: representatives from the Chehalis SD, WACOPS and the WASPC. Testifying in opposition: representatives from the ACLU of WA, HEA, and a concerned citizen.

SB 5020: which would lower the minimum age for compulsory school attendance from eight to six years old, and amend truancy provisions to align with this change, as well as require parents who homeschool to file an annual declaration of intent beginning at age 6 (hearing time: 46:17). Testifying in opposition: representatives from the Conservative Ladies of WA and several concerned citizens. The bill was passed out of committee and sent to the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

SB 5038: which would modify deadlines for notice of nonrenewal of certificated educator contracts from May 15th to June 1st (hearing time: 1:03:44). Testifying as “other”: representatives from the WEA.

SB 5048: which would eliminate college in the high school fees. The bill was passed out of committee and sent to the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

SB 5072: which would establish new requirements for identifying students who may be eligible for highly capable services, including conducting universal screenings once in or before second grade, and again before sixth grade (hearing time: 4:15). Testifying in support: representatives from the UW Faculty, OSPI, SBE, Rochester SD, Northshore SD, WA Coalition, WSSDA, WSPTA, Lake Washington SD, Michelson Elementary and the CSF. The bill was passed out of committee and sent to the Senate Rules Committee.

SB 5085: which would remove statutory limitations on the scope of collective bargaining in regards to supervisors, or principals and assistant principals, and would require specific evaluation criteria when transferring a principal/assistant principal to a subordinate certificated position. This bill would prohibit school district employment applications from including a question asking whether the applicant has ever been on a plan of improvement, or under an investigation (hearing time: 3:09). Testifying in support: representatives from AWSP, Kentlake HS, Rogers HS and Seattle PS. The bill was passed out of committee and sent to the Senate Rules Committee.

SB 5127: which would clarify school districts’ ability to redact personal information related to a student. The bill was passed out of committee and is in the Senate Rules Committee.

SB 5174: which would modify the student transportation allocation formula and expand the definition of “to and from school” to include the transportation of students participating in career connected and work based learning opportunities (hearing time: 1:07:59). Testifying in support: representatives from OSPI, ESD 105, WEA, WSSDA, Pullman SD, College Success Foundation, Teamsters 174 and PSE. Testifying in opposition: representatives from Conservative Ladies of Washington. Testifying as “other”: representatives from Bellevue PS, Olympia PS, Seattle PS and Highline PS. The bill was passed out of committee and sent to the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

SB 5180: which aims to support the retention of teachers by removing barriers to licensure and creating a streamlined pathway to licensure mobility (hearing time: 27:43). Testifying in support: representatives from the Department of Defense, the VLC, the OSPI, the CSG, NASDTEC, SSMCP and several concerned citizens. Testifying as “other”: representatives from the WACTE and the PESB. The bill was passed out of committee and sent to the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

SB 5237 which would direct OSPI to establish procedures to investigate and address complaints alleging noncompliance with state laws regarding civil rights, certain curriculum requirements and student discipline (hearing time: 59:17). Testifying in support: representatives from the WEA and OSPI. Testifying in opposition: several concerned citizens, representatives from the Washington Policy Center the Conservative Ladies of Washington. Testifying as “other”: representatives from the WSSDA, Reardon-Edwall SD and a concerned citizen. The bill was passed out of committee and sent to the Senate Rules Committee.

SB 5243: which revises high school and beyond plan (HSBP) requirements, and would require OSPI to facilitate the transition and adoption of a common online platform for HSBPs (hearing time: 22:53). Testifying in support: representatives from Washington STEM, OSPI, SBE and WSPTA. Testifying in opposition: representatives from Lake Washington SD.

SB 5257: which would ensure that public schools provide daily recess for all elementary students with a minimum of 45 minutes when the school day is longer than five hours and a minimum of 30 minutes when the school day is shorter, as well as prohibit schools from withholding recess as a punitive action (hearing time: 29:31). Testifying in support: representatives from the King County Play Equity Coalition, several WA State students, several concerned citizens, WSSDA, Special Olympics WA, SBE and the UW Faculty. Testifying as “other”: representatives from OSPI.

SB 5311: which would increase the special education excess cost multipliers for pre-K and K12 students over a four-year period and increase the special education enrollment funding cap from 13.5 percent to 14.5 percent (hearing time: 23:26). Testifying in support: representatives from Governor Inslee’s office, OSPI, Pasco SD, the Ephrata School Board, WSSDA, Lake Washington SD and the Mercer Island SD. Testifying as “other”: representatives from the ESD 105 Schools Coalition, Spokane PS, a school psychologist from Seattle PS, The Arc of King County, Bellevue PS, Olympia PS, Highline PS, Orting SD, Chehalis SD, Pierce County School Districts and ESD 113. Testifying in opposition: representatives from the Seattle Council PTSA and the WSPTA. The bill was passed out of committee and sent to the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

SB 5315: which would require OSPI to establish standards for approval, monitoring, and investigating school district contracts with nonpublic agencies (NPAs) operating special education programs for students with disabilities, and requires that restraint and isolation procedures and notification requirements apply to NPAS (hearing time: 1:01:59). Testifying in support: representatives from OSPI, the Arc of King County and Orting SD. Testifying in opposition: representatives from CHILD, Conservative Ladies of Washington, Brock’s Academy, Eaton Arrowsmith, a concerned citizen and WSIF. This bill made news in The Seattle Times this week.

SB 5339: a companion bill to HB 1238, would add free school breakfast and lunch to the state’s program of basic education beginning in the 2023-24 school year (hearing time: 1:20). Testifying in support: representatives from Coordinated Care, WEA, Foundation of Tacoma Students, Franklin Pierce SD, Bethel SD, Helping Hands Food Bank, Faith Action Network, WCAAP and OSPI. Testifying in opposition: representatives from Chewelah SD, a concerned citizen and Oakesdale SD.

SB 5441: which would promote school district adoption of curricula that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive.This bill is scheduled for a public hearing January 30 at 1:30pm.

SB 5462: which promotes inclusive learning standards and instructional materials in public schools. This bill is scheduled for a public hearing January 30 at 1:30pm.

Odds and Ends

Looking for more innovative ways to teach STEM subjects? “If you give young people the space and time to play and dream, something is activated within them that supports them in every facet of their lives…” This week from MindShift, How to Create a Dream Culture for all Students.

February will be here next week! In honor of Black History Month, check out this great list of read-alouds to help celebrate in your classroom.

Meet CSTP’s Legislative Update Coordinator Samantha Miller

Weekly Legislative Update – January 20, 2023

Posted by CSTP Staff on January 20, 2023
Education Policy | districts, education reform, Legislature, paraeducators, principal, schools, special education, teaching, washington legislature

CSTP Updates:

This week was a busy one for lawmakers on the hill. The second week of the session always brings more bills and hours full of committee hearings. Last week, the Education Committee held a series of work sessions, designed to get their newest members up to speed. These sessions consisted of in-depth overviews of our K-12 system, and the effect the COVID-19 pandemic had on student outcomes and district services. This week we saw a pivot in focus. The House and the Senate held multiple public hearings, gathering testimony from local constituents and the Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee held their first “executive session,” passing several bills out of committee.

On Tuesday, the House Education Committee held a public hearing on HB 1109, which would provide some reimbursements for school districts for special education evaluations. The issue of special education funding is long standing and a priority for both Superintendent Reykdal and Governor Inslee in the 2023 session. This week’s article from the Seattle Times’ Education Lab, breaks down our state’s special education funding numbers and highlights where gains could be made to close the funding gap between what districts spend and what the state provides for special education.

As we look ahead at the session, referring to the 2023 cut-off calendar is very helpful when trying to keep pace with our education committees. The first legislative cutoff with the house of origin policy committees is on February 17^th, shortly followed by the house of origin fiscal committee cutoff on February 24^th. These cutoffs mean that all bills need to be heard, debated, and voted on by the committees and sent to their respective Rules Committee in order to be considered for further action.

Education Hearings for Next Week on TVW.org

House Education Committee

Monday, January 23 at 1:30pm
Tuesday, January 24 at 4pm
Thursday, January 26 at 8am

Senate Early Learning & K12 Education

Monday, January 23 at 1:30pm
Wednesday, January 25 at 1:30pm
Thursday, January 26 at 1:30pm

New Bills

HB 13 0 5: which would improve access to and provision of a free appropriate public education for students with disabilities.

HB 1308: which concerns high school graduation pathway options.

HB 1316: which would expand access to dual credit programs.

HB 1332: which would support public school instruction in tribal sovereignty and federally recognized Indian tribes.

HB 1354: which concerns parental involvement through volunteering in schools after a criminal conviction.

HB 1376: which would align policies to reflect the updated standards of practice for school district staff.

HB 1377: which would require the posting of approved courses and providers of continuing education.

HB 1411: which would support student success through cross-sector professional development.

HB 1436: which would increase funding for special education.

SB 5315: which concerns nonpublic agencies operating special education programs for students with disabilities within public schools.

SB 5355: which would mandate instruction on sex trafficking prevention and identification for students in grades seven through 12.

SB 5408: which would establish the ninth grade success grant program.

SB 5441: which would promote school district adoption of curricula that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive.

SB 5442: which would provide enrichment funding for charter public schools.

SB 5462: which promotes inclusive learning standards and instructional materials in public schools.

Bills We’re Following:

HB 1003: which would expand access to dual credit programs.

HB 1044: which would provide capital financial assistance to small school districts with demonstrated funding challenges.

HB 1057: which would provide a benefit increase to certain retirees of the public employees’ retirement system plan 1 and the teachers’ retirement system plan 1.

HB 1071: which would authorize funding for a school resource officer in every school.

HB 1093: which aims to provide parents and their children with more choices for a quality elementary and secondary education through the family empowerment scholarship program.

HB 1146: which would require schools to notify high school students and their families about available dual credit programs and any available financial assistance.

HB 1 2 73: which would empower school districts to determine requirements for high school and beyond plans regarding student fulfillment and graduation.

SB 5008: which relates to providing parents and legal guardians access to instructional materials.

SB 5009: which would require parental or legal guardian approval before a child participates in comprehensive sexual health education.

SB 5020: which would lower the minimum age for compulsory school attendance from eight to six years old, and amend truancy provisions to align with this change, as well as require parents who homeschool to file an annual declaration of intent beginning at age 6 (hearing time: 46:17). Testifying in opposition: representatives from the Conservative Ladies of WA and several concerned citizens. The bill was passed out of committee and sent to the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

SB 5024: which would establish a parents’ bill of rights related to their child’s public education.

SB 5048: which would eliminate college in the high school fees.

SB 5054: which would modify instructional hours to include time students spend in educational activities under the supervision of noncertificated staff while teachers participate in professional learning communities (PLCs) as well as encourage school districts to adopt a school calendar that includes at least four hours per week for teachers to engage in PLCs during the school day (hearing time: 3:08). Testifying in support: representatives from the WEA. Testifying in opposition: representatives from the Conservative Ladies of Washington.

SB 5064: which concerns excess cost allocations for special education programs.

SB 5102: which concerns school library information and technology programs.

S B 5127: which would clarify school districts’ ability to redact personal information related to a student.

SB 5147: which would modify the student transportation allocation formula and expand the definition of “to and from school” to include the transportation of students participating in career connected and work based learning opportunities (hearing time: 1:07:59). Testifying in support: representatives from OSPI, ESD 105, WEA, WSSDA, Pullman SD, College Success Foundation, Teamsters 174 and PSE. Testifying in opposition: representatives from Conservative Ladies of Washington. Testifying as “other”: representatives from Bellevue PS, Olympia PS, Seattle PS and Highline PS.

SB 5180: which aims to support the retention of teachers by removing barriers to licensure and creating a streamlined pathway to licensure mobility (hearing time: 27:43). Testifying in support: representatives from the Department of Defense, the VLC, the OSPI, the CSG, NASDTEC, SSMCP and several concerned citizens. Testifying as “other”: representatives from the WACTE and the PESB.

SB 5237 which would direct OSPI to establish procedures to investigate and address complaints alleging noncompliance with state laws regarding civil rights, certain curriculum requirements and student discipline. (hearing time: 59:17). Testifying in support: representatives from the WEA and OSPI. Testifying in opposition: several concerned citizens, representatives from the Washington Policy Center the Conservative Ladies of Washington. Testifying as “other”: representatives from the WSSDA, Reardon-Edwall SD and a concerned citizen.

Odds and Ends:

This week from Crosscut, leading the way in classroom inclusivity, one Woodinville school works to better integrate special education students with their peers (featuring several members of the Inclusionary Practices Professional Development Cadre).

“What is pushed out to the mainstream is only half of who he was.” In honor of Martin Luther King Day, from TIME Magazine, The New Ways Teachers are Talking About Martin Luther King Jr.

Meet CSTP’s Legislative Update Coordinator Samantha Miller

Weekly Legislative Update – January 13, 2023

Posted by CSTP Staff on January 13, 2023
Education Policy | districts, education reform, Legislature, paraeducators, principal, schools, special education, teaching, washington legislature

CSTP Updates:

January 17: Online book study with Dr. Adeyemi Stembridge on Seven and a Half Lessons About the Brain by Lisa Feldman Barrett

February 6: Zooming In & Out on Inclusionary Practices Dr. Katie Novak and Dr. Shellie Moore

Odds and Ends

From the Seattle Times’ Education Lab, Meet the 2023 Student Voices writers. For the seventh year in a row, eight Washington teens and young adults are chosen to share their experiences and make suggestions on how schools can better support students in our state.

“How do we make students feel empowered? We lift up stories and information that include all people…” From MindShift, Everyone is Welcome: Making School Libraries Culturally Relevant for all Students.

From the Seattle Times’ Education Lab, Meet the 2023 Student Voices writers. For the seventh year in a row, eight Washington teens and young adults are chosen to share their experiences and make suggestions on how schools can better support students in our state.

Legislative Update for January 13, 2023

The 2023 Legislative Session officially kicked off this Monday, January 9th, and lawmakers were busy from the get go. The inner workings of the state capitol have returned to the “pre-covid era,” with legislators, lobbyists, and even the public back inside the building. Lawmakers have a full agenda, including writing a new two-year state operating budget, and education funding remains a top priority. As in most sectors of our state, the pandemic has left it’s mark and education is no exception. According to this Associated Press article, a district-by-district analysis by researchers, “found the average pupil in the United States lost over half a school year in math and nearly a quarter of a school year in reading.” This data includes students from a number of school districts across our state. Crosscut reports that the two Senate leaders, both of whom worked years ago on the Legislature’s McCleary school-funding fix, raised the need for a focus on education. Senate Majority Leader Andy Billig said, “a big focus will be early learning programs and special education and an increase in nurses, counselors and other staff.”

State Superintendent, Chris Reykdal, gave his annual address on Monday, sharing information regarding student learning recovery, student mental health and well being, graduation and enrollment data and school funding. Reykdal stated, “I have put forward a package for legislative consideration that would support continued recovery and acceleration for our students and ensure our state is investing at least at the national average.” Dahlia Bazzaz, of the Seattle Times, digs into the details of Reydal’s policy proposals in her article, Why the State’s Education Leader Says WA Schools are ‘Accelerating.’

Governor Jay Inslee gave his “State of the State” speech on Tuesday, which has become an annual custom in Olympia. For the first time since 2020, Inslee delivered the speech to a full chamber, including state representatives, senators, elected officials, state Supreme Court justices and foreign dignitaries, the Seattle Times reported. During his speech, Inslee praised the Legislature for last year’s “historic investments” in schools and said his proposed budget includes a $3 billion increase in spending for K-12 public education, including more money for special education.

Education Hearings for Next Week on TVW.org

House Education Committee

Monday, January 16 at 1:30pm
Tuesday, January 17 at 4pm
Thursday, January 19 at 8am

Senate Early Learning & K12 Education

Monday, January 16 at 1:30pm
Wednesday, January 18 at 1:30pm
Thursday, January 19 at 1:30pm

Important Legislative Links

Legislative Website: Get information on bills, legislators, hearings and more.

Bill Tracker: Track specific bills, read bill reports.

TVW: Watch live and archived legislative proceedings.

Note about legislative updates: CSTP relays these legislative updates to provide information on bills, budgets and legislative processes. CSTP doesn’t have a legislative agenda, but does track legislative issues most relevant to teaching.

Legislative Bills

HB 1003: which would expand access to dual credit programs.

HB 1013: which would establish regional apprenticeship programs.

HB 1015: which concerns minimum employment requirements for paraeducators.

HB 1044: which would provide capital financial assistance to small school districts with demonstrated funding challenges.

HB 1057: which would provide a benefit increase to certain retirees of the public employees’ retirement system plan 1 and the teachers’ retirement system plan 1.

HB 1071: which would authorize funding for a school resource officer in every school.

HB 1093: which aims to provide parents and their children with more choices for a quality elementary and secondary education through the family empowerment scholarship program.

HB 1109: which would provide additional special education funding to school districts in order to increase initial evaluations during summers.

HB 1113: which relates to reviewing reprimands for professional educators.

HB 1146: which would require schools to notify high school students and their families about available dual credit programs and any available financial assistance.

HB 1207: which aims to prevent and respond to harassment, intimidation, bullying, and discrimination in schools through updated policies and procedures.

HB 1273: which would empower school districts to determine requirements for high school and beyond plans regarding student fulfillment and graduation.

HB 1277: which would establish rules to improve the consistency and quality of the implementation of the fundamental courses of study for paraeducators.

SB 5008: which relates to providing parents and legal guardians access to instructional materials.

SB 5009: which would require parental or legal guardian approval before a child participates in comprehensive sexual health education.

SB 5024: which would establish a parents’ bill of rights related to their child’s public education.

SB 5048: which would eliminate college in the high school fees.

SB 5064: which concerns excess cost allocations for special education programs.

SB 5072: which would advance equity in programs for highly capable students.

SB 5085: which concerns principal and assistant principal terms of employment.

SB 5102: which concerns school library information and technology programs.

SB 5126: which would provide common school trust revenue to small school districts.

SB 5127: which would clarify school districts’ ability to redact personal information related to a student.

SB 5180: which aims to support the retention of teachers by removing barriers to licensure and creating a streamlined pathway to licensure mobility.

SB 5311: which concerns special education funding formula.

SB 5315: which concerns nonpublic agencies operating special education programs for students with disabilities within public schools.

Meet CSTP’s Legislative Update Coordinator Samantha Miller

Weekly Legislative Update – January 6, 2023

Posted by CSTP Staff on January 6, 2023
Education Policy | districts, education reform, Legislature, paraeducators, principal, schools, special education, teaching, washington legislature

Meet CSTP’s Legislative Update Coordinator Samantha Miller

CSTP Updates:

Odds and Ends

Here’s a helpful article from Crosscut that breaks down the complicated Washington State K-12 school funding system.

Taking it to a whole new level, from the Seattle Times this week, Librarians Are Meeting Young Readers Where They Are: TikTok.

2023 Pre-Session

Happy New Year! We are back to kick off the 2023-24 biennium legislative session which begins on Monday, January 9th. In Washington State, the legislative cycle is two years long and within that two-year cycle, there are two kinds of legislative sessions: regular (the odd number years) and short (the even numbered years). As the gavel comes down on Monday, the 2023 regular session will convene and last 105 days. Congressional members have been busy pre-filing bills throughout December, and there are a substantial amount of education related bills in the pipeline. It is worth mentioning that several bills are back in similar forms from last session. SB 5020, which requires children to start their education at six years of age, HB 1003, which expands access to dual credit programs and SB 5072, which focuses on equity in highly capable programs are all newer models of last year’s bills that failed to make it out of committee.

As for the political make up of congress, not much has changed. Democrats will enter 2023 with strong majorities in both the state House of Representatives and the state Senate. In early December, Governor Jay Inslee released his 2023-25 budget proposals which focus funding mainly on housing, homelessness, and mental health but education is not left out. Inslee’s budget targets early learning subsidies, and expands mentoring for beginning teachers as well as expanding residency programs for teachers planning to specialize in special education, dual language or working in high-poverty districts. The governor also proposes more than $120 million for special education services and support, including additional funding for young students ages 3 to 5 years old.

While we are on the topic of budgets, in late September, Washington’s State Superintendent of Schools, Chris Reykdal, released his proposed budget to Governor Inslee which outlined his top priorities for our state’s schools and future. “The Superintendent’s budget aims to expand student access to learning a second language throughout elementary school, hands-on science learning opportunities, regional pre-apprenticeship programs to prepare students for future work in trades fields, early literacy for our youngest learners, and more.” To hear from Reykdal himself, tune into TVW this Monday, January 9th at 10am for a media briefing where the superintendent will provide his second annual update on the state of Washington’s K–12 students, educators, and schools.

Education Hearings for Next Week on TVW.org

House Education Committee

Tuesday, January 10 at 4pm
Thursday, January 12 at 8am

Senate Early Learning & K12 Education

Wednesday, January 12 at 1:30pm
Thursday, January 12 at 1:30pm

Important Legislative Links

Legislative Website: Get information on bills, legislators, hearings and more.

Bill Tracker: Track specific bills, read bill reports.

TVW: Watch live and archived legislative proceedings.

Pre-Filled Bills

HB 1003: which would expand access to dual credit programs.

HB 1013: which would establish regional apprenticeship programs.

HB 1015: which concerns minimum employment requirements for paraeducators.

HB 1044: which would provide capital financial assistance to small school districts with demonstrated funding challenges.

HB 1057: which would provide a benefit increase to certain retirees of the public employees’ retirement system plan 1 and the teachers’ retirement system plan 1.

HB 1064: which would create a school safety capital grant program.

HB 1071: which would authorize funding for a school resource officer in every school.

HB 1093: which aims to provide parents and their children with more choices for a quality elementary and secondary education through the family empowerment scholarship program.

HB 1109: which would provide additional special education funding to school districts in order to increase initial evaluations during summers.

HB 1113: which relates to reviewing reprimands for professional educators.

SB 5008: which relates to providing parents and legal guardians access to instructional materials.

SB 5009: which would require parental or legal guardian approval before a child participates in comprehensive sexual health education.

SB 5019: which concerns classified staff providing student and staff safety.

SB 5020: which would require elementary education to start at six years of age.

SB 5024: which would establish a parents’ bill of rights related to their child’s public education.

SB 5029: which would empower school district boards of directors.

SB 5038: which would modify notification deadlines for certain education employment contracts and related dates.

SB 5048: which would eliminate college in the high school fees.

SB 5064: which concerns excess cost allocations for special education programs.

SB 5072: which would advance equity in programs for highly capable students.

SB 5085: which concerns principal and assistant principal terms of employment.

SB 5102: which concerns school library information and technology programs.

SB 5126: which would provide common school trust revenue to small school districts.

SB 5127: which would clarify school districts’ ability to redact personal information related to a student.

Until next week, have a good weekend!

Samantha Miller

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Trauma-Informed Classrooms for All

Posted by Lynne Olmos on May 5, 2021
Education, Education Policy, Elementary, Equity, High School, Life in the Classroom, Middle School, Professional Development, Social Issues, Teacher Leadership, Uncategorized | classroom management, social emotional learning, student engagement, student growth, teacher leadership, teaching, trauma informed

There is no denying it. Education is changing due to Covid-19. And, to be honest, it needs to. We have been stuck in a rut for a long time, and much needed change is long overdue. This last year I feel like the veil was lifted, and the dark and ugly side of education was laid bare for all to see. We found out what we strived to achieve was all an illusion.

Equity? We did not have it. Some families had the support, the technology, and the safe and secure space to conduct school at home. Many, maybe most, did not. Do any of us believe that it made no difference before the pandemic?

Engagement? How many of us had the illusion that our content was truly engaging blown away when our Zoom meetings were lightly attended and our remote learners opted out of all of our innovative and personalized resources? If they opt out as soon as they are out of our reach, did we really have their attention?

Achievement? Did our grades and test scores measure the important metrics? What good have they been to us this year? Who still cares about standardized tests? Have we all figured out what we are actually teaching yet? (I’ll give you a hint: It’s not standards.)

As we move back to so-called normal, we need to remember that the old normal no longer exists. More than that, we have changed. We have come through a time of collective trauma, and we can only succeed if we create safe and supportive learning environments for students and teachers.

I am a trauma-informed educator. I grew up with trauma of my own, and I have made a study of trauma-informed teaching practices to better serve my students. I believe this has helped me reinvent my teaching practice this year in ways that supported students and created a safe and secure learning environment. I plan to do more.

I remember when I first learned GLAD (Guided Language Acquisition Design) strategies to better serve my English language learners in class. The selling point was that all students would benefit from them. The same must be said of trauma-informed teaching practices. They will make all students feel more supported, more safe, more able to learn and grow with us.

And, let’s face it; aren’t we all a little traumatized this year?

Students who have experienced trauma feel unsafe in most places, including school. They may have little control of their fear response due to trauma, and when they are under this stress they are less able to learn, to focus, or to regulate their emotions. They may be hyper alert or withdrawn. They may have disruptive behaviors. They may struggle socially, academically, emotionally, and even physically.

Here are some gems I collected from my recent research on trauma-informed classrooms:

A 2014 study tells us that 45% of students have experienced some form of trauma. What do you think the numbers are now?
All students learn best when they feel safe and supported.
A safe, caring, and consistent adult is the best intervention for a child affected by trauma.
Both students and teachers must feel psychologically safe in the classroom- no bullying, no judgment, no demeaning behaviors.
The key to relationship-building is authentic interactions that respect student voice and perspectives.
Trauma-informed discipline requires us to acknowledge the role of trauma in behavior and use appropriate consequences that promote healthier reactions in the future (think restorative justice practices).
Self-regulation and mindfulness skills are as important as any curriculum.
We can offset stressors with messages of empathy and optimism to support healing and resilience in our students.

I’d add to this list that we should do the following as we reinvent education:

Create systems for evaluating student work that are more holistic and less demeaning and/or stress-inducing.
Demand discipline systems that respect every child and offer support and encouragement over punishment.
Encourage creativity, student choice, physical activity, and all other joyful pursuits.

There is an excellent article from the School-Justice Partnership: Trauma-Informed Classrooms. It is very long, but comprehensive.

If your time is limited, here is a short tip sheet from WestEd for Creating Trauma-Informed Learning Environments.

I would love to see more resources in the comments. I hope that educators all over the state will band together to support our students with new and improved practices- trauma-informed classrooms for all.

National Boards: An Odyssey of Collaboration

Posted by CSTP Guest Blogger on January 23, 2020
Education, Mathematics, Mentoring, Middle School, National Board Certification, Teacher Leadership | classroom, Co-teaching, collaboration, David Buitenveld, elementary, Heather Byington, instruction, Math Teacher, Mentoring, middle school, national board, National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, NBCT, teaching, Washington classroom

By guest bloggers NBCT Heather Byington and NBCT David Buitenveld

What happens when a middle school math teacher and an elementary teacher co-teach math to 5th graders for a quarter? David Buitenveld, a middle grade math teacher leader who recently received his National Board Certification, and Heather Byington, a veteran elementary teacher leader and long-time NBCT, discuss their journey of collaboration, with the Architecture of Accomplished Teaching as the common path.

David (newly-certified NBCT and 5-year middle level math teacher):

During my NBCT journey last year, I spent more time than previously with the question “what do you know about your students?” and the answer, embarrassingly often, was “not that much.” Keeping that question present (a key takeaway from the National Board process) led me to realize that although I understood the mathematical ideas students encounter in elementary grades, I didn’t have knowledge of their lived experience of 5th grade, and how that experience affected their transition to middle school math. Co-teaching with Heather was a chance to experience 5th grade math and see their world in action.

Heather (long-time NBCT and 20-year teacher):

When David asked to co-teach math in my classroom, I wondered if it would be intimidating to work with a math expert. I quickly realized that he is more skilled at constructing inquiry-based discussion around a math concept, while I feel more comfortable with direct instruction. My first attempt flopped, while he watched! But David jumped in and helped me make more sense of the math for students! I learned from him that it’s okay to try new things and have them flop. When kids see that I try, fail, and keep trying, they’re willing to keep trying too.

David:

Continue reading →

What Teaching Internationally Has Taught Me About Life, Limits and Differences

Posted by CSTP Guest Blogger on April 17, 2018
Education, Life in the Classroom, National Board Certification, Teacher Leadership, Travel | China, education, International School, nbpts, teaching

By Guest Blogger, NBCT Sarah Applegate

Things that aren’t different:

Teachers complaining about staff meetings
New instructional initiatives that both inspire and tire teachers
Kids who turn in assignments late
Parent meetings that are stressful

Things that are different:

Where the staff meetings are held
The types of instructional initiatives that occur
Where kids turn in their late assignments
How long parent meetings last

Phuket, Thailand

Nearly two years ago, my husband and I finally finished our Search Associates application and did what we had been threatening/planning/talking about doing for years – we started actually searching for overseas teaching positions. What surprised us the most (we were naive) was how competitive overseas teaching is. We had a very narrow search at first…Europe, some Latin American countries since Rob is a Spanish teacher. But we soon discovered that despite our (stellar) resumes, jobs were tough for us to land. After a year of frustration, we expanded our search, and, based on experiences our friends had been having at a school in China, we applied and were hired at the Dalian American International School in Dalian, China.

Fast forward a year, and here we are, living and working at DAIS. Literally since we live on campus. We live in a rural area about an hour outside of Dalian, a small city of 8 million people(!). We live a mile from a beach, our apartment looks out on a blueberry farm/wedding picture locale and we live with most of the people we work with in a six-story building. One plus- our commute is about 2 minutes.

I teach Senior and Junior Seminar (which focuses on college application and completing a research project) along with teaching technology at the elementary school. Rob teaches English and Social Studies to 7^th graders. Our school is unique in that there is an international group and a Chinese national boarding program. Rob and I work with only Chinese students at the secondary school and the students I work with at the elementary school are all international (meaning, they hold a passport from a country other than China).

We had months to think about what work would be like here. And, many of our assumptions came true.

The students we teach are incredibly privileged and part of the rising middle and upper class in China. It isn’t surprising (anymore) to see a Porsche, a Range Rover and a Maserati at elementary pickup.

Students have a wide and varied range of educational experiences, both in the international and the Chinese national programs. In the international program, some students have lived all over the world, speak 2 and 3 languages, and see themselves as part of the broader global community- they have a deep understanding and acceptance that DAIS is just a stop on their journey as part of their parent’s work assignments.

Kids arrive and leave the elementary school frequently, and some are more ready to be in an English only program than others. In the Chinese national program, there isn’t a ton of turnover, but the language proficiency varies widely. Some of my seniors love to practice their language skills and have a solid understanding that next year they will be attending college in an English-speaking country so practicing now is valuable! Others are reticent and take shelter in the fact that 2/3 of the entire secondary school speaks Mandarin as their first language. They only speak in English when they are required to by the course or the teacher, and otherwise their day is in Mandarin. As someone who doesn’t have a second language and is a self-admitted lazy language learner, I can empathize- heck, I live and work in a gated community with other English speakers. However, my senior students are going to be in an entirely English university program in just 6 months! Gaah!

View from Hike

But, many of our assumptions didn’t come true:

Just because parents are shelling out a lot of money to attend a “western style” school, this doesn’t mean the students are motivated, take initiative and want to learn everything they can. They are still kids and teenagers, with moods, interests and skills that vary widely, and a broad range of understanding the privilege and opportunity they are being offered. We still have to bring our ‘A’ game every day. At least we have less of them to inspire. To be frank, class sizes are very reasonable.

Even working at a private school, even with the tuition, resources, etc., behind the scenes, we are still living in China, a developing nation. Thus working with technology can be incredibly frustrating. The government has a pretty tight monitor on information (apparently their website that filters all information that comes in and out of the China is the busiest in the world, which makes sense) but trying to be a technology teacher, providing 21^st century experiences to worldly kids can be incredibly frustrating. We do a lot of sitting…and waiting for websites to load. As teachers, we all try to laugh it off, giving one another sympathetic “I know” looks whenever it is brought up at staff meetings (see above). However, as a technology teacher, I think I have a special and uniquely frustrating relationship with this reality.

China is different. So much different than the US, and the other two countries we have lived in (Mexico and Finland). There is so much I don’t understand- the language, obviously is a huge one, but layer that with characters that are pretty much unintelligible, traditions that don’t look like anything I have known before, and a public school educational system that is amazing (in the fact of how fast they have been able to increase literacy) but is entirely based on rote and routine memorization for an exit exam that requires a complete and exact regurgitation of the textbook information using the ancient and complex characters? Well, it is just a lot to take in every day. The first few weeks and months are a blur and people try and help- the question- “How are you adjusting?” is asked to every newbie frequently during the first few weeks. I vacillated between trying to stay strong (“We are great”) to honest (“I don’t know that I can stay here past October without having a nervous breakdown”).

In mid-November I had a quiet and brief epiphany: I can do it. I can figure out how to get groceries, coffee and exercise. I can appreciate the differences, I can laugh and relax just a little, and I can work on doing a better job of parenting, teaching and taking care of myself. I have a year and a half to go in my contract. I know I am going to be surprised at who I become and how I talk about these experiences in June 2019, when we plan to come home and “return to regular programming.”

PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Winter Games Ski Jump

Sarah Applegate has been teaching for 23 years and is excited to be new at something again! Sarah spent her entire teaching career in the same high school, first as an English teacher and then as the Teacher Librarian. In 2016-2017, she had the opportunity to work for CSTP working on teacher leadership initiatives and learned a lot about how to create the environment for teacher leadership to grow. Sarah has worked with National Board Initiatives in Washington State since 2002 and believes teacher leadership can improve student learning and transform schools. Sarah cannot believe how many miles she has been putting on her frequent flyer account over the past 10 months.