EDUCATION REFORM

HISTORY & CURRENT STATUS:

In 1992, the legislature enacted HB 1209, implementing statewide education reform in the State of Washington. The intent of this effort is to identify essential academic learning requirements for students in K-12 schools, elevate standards by which they will be measured, and provide for assessments to determine student progress towards these standards. In addition, the legislation identified the need for a system of accountability in the attainment of these standards.

Although the original legislation excluded private schools, WFIS sought exclusion or voluntary participation on the part of approved private schools. Ultimately, both options were included in the adopted legislation along with the appointment of a private school representative to the Commission on Student Learning (CSL).

Whenever private schools have been made aware of their eligibility to participate, they have exercised their right to do so. Private schools have evidenced their participation in the subject advisory committees and by their students involvement in the pilot and actual assessments of fourth grade students. In 1997, students in some 70 private schools participated in the 4th grade assessments at no cost to the participating students or schools. The results of their scores were included in the state averages and reported in the media along with our public school counterparts that participated.

State funds, coupled with federal GOALS 2000 funding intended to assist in implementing our state’s education reform efforts, have been used for the development of the statewide plan, assessments, and in-service teacher training. Although federal funds must be made available on a proportionate basis for private school participation in various education reform activities, to date, we are unaware of any such funds being utilized for this purpose nor have private schools always been notified of their eligibility to participate.

• In light of the movement between public and private schools, and in order for basic education to be consistent throughout our state, it is important that private schools have the opportunity to voluntarily participate in the state's education reform effort.
• All approved private schools choosing to participate in any aspect of the education reform effort must have an equitable right to do so, with the opportunity of no additional cost to the students or school.
• The original legislation is silent as to the source of funding for the voluntary participation of private schools in the education reform efforts of our state.
• For purposes of the equitable and voluntary participation of private school students in Washington State s education reform efforts, every avenue for accessing federal and state funding must be explored PRIOR to paying for the right to participate.
• In light of years of experience, many WFIS schools believe that utilizing state or federal funds for non-religious purposes (i.e. Title programs;) does not open the door to undue governmental interference any more than the receipt of fire and safety services provided at no additional cost to non-profit schools and organizations.