Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - June 25, 2002
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Locke urges school principals, administrators to work together to improve education

SPOKANE — Gov. Gary Locke today called on school principals and administrators to work together on behalf of the state’s one million school children to ensure that all of Washington’s schools provide a superb education.

“There is no doubt that we are at a critical juncture for education in our state,” Locke said, urging school leaders to deliver on the promise of excellent education for all Washington students.

The governor spoke to members of the Association of Washington School Principals and the Washington Association of School Administrators at the Spokane Convention Center this afternoon.

Locke acknowledged the challenges of the 2001-2002 school year, including helping children cope with their emotions in response to the September 11 terrorist attacks, and dealing with the ensuing economic recession and reduced education funding.

“And yet, despite all of those challenges, I know that when we see the results of this spring’s WASL testing (Washington Assessment of Student Learning), we will learn that most of our schools continue to be on an upward trajectory,” said Locke.

The governor praised school principals and administrators for their dedication to standards-based education reform, and noted some of the programs he has instituted to support student learning.

Locke highlighted the Washington Reading Corps, the Washington State Reading School of the Month and the Virtual Education Task Force, all designed to help students improve their scholastic achievement.

“Schools will not succeed in meeting the challenge of getting all students to reach high standards without strong partnerships with families and communities,” said Locke. “I will help you foster these partnerships over the next two years, beginning with the Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge.”

Locke has challenged all young people in the state to read at least 15 hours this summer. Students who achieve this goal and report to the governor by August 15 will receive a certificate of accomplishment and qualify for prizes donated by Washington businesses.

“We hope that this program will help prevent the backsliding of reading skills that occurs for so many students each summer, and will engage families in supporting their kids’ reading,” Locke said.

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Related Links:
- Association of Washington School Principals
- Washington Association of School Administrators
- Governor's Summer Reading Challenge
- Washington Reading Corps
- Washington State Reading School of the Month
- Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction

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