Governor Gregoire Signs Legislation to Make Changes for a World-Class, Learner-Focused, Seamless Education System for Washington

For Immediate Release: May 9, 2007

SEATTLE - Governor Chris Gregoire today signed into law several measures that will make changes to education in Washington to develop a world-class, learner-focused, seamless education system that supports students from early learning through kindergarten to 12th grade and on to higher education and skills training.

�It is time to make some real changes to Washington�s education system. These are bold steps to redesign and re-invest in education over the next decade and they offer a new way of thinking about the purpose and function of public education� said Governor Gregoire. �They make the recommendations of Washington Learns into a reality.�

The bills signed today by Governor Gregoire will:

• Strengthen teacher preparation, certification and professional development systems, particularly in math and science;
• Improve information available to parents about early learning and improve the quality of early learning for our kids;
• Take the next steps toward a new funding structure for schools and a better compensation system for school employees;
• Expand access to a college education and give more students hope of getting to college by creating the new College Bound Scholarship program;
• Reward outstanding teachers who earn certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards;
• Improve math and science teaching and learning so Washington students are ready to compete in the global economy; and
• Expand eligibility for the State Need Grant to students who can only take one class per term.

Many of the bills signed today will help to meet the goals outlined in the final report of the Washington Learns Committee, �Washington Learns: World-Class, Learner Focused, Seamless Education.� The report focused on five major initiatives as basic strategies to reform the education system in Washington:

1. Investing in early learning so that children start off as lifelong learners;
2. Improving math and science teaching so that our citizens have a competitive edge;
3. Personalizing learning so that every student has the opportunity to succeed;
4. Offering college and workforce training for everyone; and
5. Holding the system accountable for results.

�We all share responsibility with teachers, parents and families to provide quality education, beginning at birth and continuing through lifelong learning,� said Governor Gregoire. �We will invest in programs that work and we will hold ourselves accountable for results.�

Bill Action Today

• ESHB 1179 - Relating to allowing students attending a postsecondary institution on a less than half-time basis to qualify for a state need grant.
• E2SHB1432 - Relating to educational staff associates.
• SSHB 1906 - Relating to improving mathematics and science education.
• 2SHB 2262 - Relating to salary bonuses for individuals certified by the national board for professional teaching standards.
• HB 2319 - Relating to supporting early learning and parenting education opportunities at community colleges.
• E2SHB 5098 - Relating to the Washington college bound scholarship program.
• E2SSB 5627 - Relating to basic education funding.
• SSB 5731 - Relating to educating students in high demand fields.
• E2SSB 5828 - Relating to early child development and learning.
• E2SSB 5841 - Relating to enhancing student learning opportunities and student achievement.
• E2SSB 5843 - Relating to educational data and data systems.
• 2SSB 5955 - Relating to educator preparation, professional development, and compensation.

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