Gov. Gregoire encourages input on education reform plan

For Immediate Release: November 19, 2010

OLYMPIA � As the state moves forward to implement education reforms, Gov. Chris Gregoire is encouraging citizens and educators to provide feedback on a plan aimed at prioritizing ideas and strategies. An on-line survey is now open until Thanksgiving for Washingtonians to provide input.

�In these tough economic times, we have to focus our limited resources to ensure we�re doing the best we can today, while creating a direction and foundation for tomorrow,� Gregoire said. �I�m asking all Washingtonians to weigh-in on this plan to help identify the state�s priorities as we make critically important decisions regarding education investments.�

When Washington submitted its Race to the Top application last June, the application addressed four education reform goals important to the state, which include:
� Students entering kindergarten will be prepared for success in school and life;
� Students will compete in math and science nationally and internationally;
� Students will attain high academic standards regardless of race, ethnicity, income or gender; and
� Students will graduate able to succeed in college, other higher training and careers.

Since June, additional work has been done to identify specific actions necessary to achieve these goals. The offices of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, the State Board of Education and the Professional Educator Standards Board are partners in the creation of this draft plan.

�As we take action on budgets and programs in the months ahead, we must also be planning for our future,� Gregoire said. �A highly trained workforce is our key to a healthy state. I�m asking Washingtonians to take this opportunity to tell us what you�re priorities are, so we know how to focus our limited funds as we move forward with education reform.�

The survey can be accessed by going to: http://ospi.a03ddf506d29.sgizmo.com/s3/.