News From the Seattle Council PTSA

Alliance for Education Community Breakfast

Wednesday, May 20. Doors open 7 a.m. Program 7:30-8:45 a.m.

Seattle Westin, 1900 5th Ave.

Featured speaker: Superintendent Maria L. Goodloe-Johnson will speak on the state of Seattle Public Schools and on the progress of SPS’ Strategic Plan: Excellence for All. RSVP: www.alliance4ed.org or 206-205-0334.

Boardwalk 5K Run/Walk Fitness Carnival

Sunday, April 26, 8:30 a.m.

University of Washington, Husky Stadium

Cost: $30 adults; $10 18 and under

Proceeds help raise funds for physical education programs in Seattle Public Schools. Includes 5K run/walk, Walk of Champions and fitness carnival.

Prepare for the SAT FOR FREE

Take the practice test at the library, receive your score at a follow-up session and learn how to improve your scores through smarter test taking. Registration is required. Times, info:

http://www.spl.org/default.asp?pageID=audience_teens_features_detail&cid=1233343729953

… for other great teen programs at the library: http://www.spl.org/default.asp?pageID=audience_teens

College workshops (free)

Spring evening workshops include: Paying for College; Understanding Your Financial Aid Package; Setting the Stage for College Success; Financial Literacy 101. Visit www.centerforstudentsuccess.org for details. The Center for Student Success is run by the Northwest Education Loan Association and is located at 309 23rd Ave., Seattle 98144. Its mission: Offer free college and career planning services to students and families. The center is open Monday-Friday, 2-6 p.m. NELA’s website is: www.nela.net


--IN OLYMPIA----------

How are Washington PTA’s top five legislative priorities faring?

Redefine and fund basic education: SHB 2261 and ESB 6048 are the vehicles for ed finance reform. Both passed out of fiscal committees.

Strengthening math and science education: HB 2000, which aimed to increase the number of math and science teachers, failed.

Improving the WASL: SSB 5414 calls for redesigning our state assessment system. Moved out of the senate.

Support Core 24: Part of ongoing discussion about SHB 2261 and ESB 6048. Focus is on programs in K-8 to lay the foundation, and on more rigorous high school diploma requirements. Terminology has shifted to “meaningful high school diploma.”

Rational approaches to teacher compensation: Part of ongoing discussion of SHB 2261 and ESB 6048. At this point, both bills would set up working groups. Topics under discussion include comparable and regional wage analysis and options for a salary model aligned with a certification system.

FYI on recess (a top priority from years past): SSB 5551 passed out of the Senate. It would require children be given the opportunity to participate in daily recess. … FYI on increasing parent support and community involvement: 2SHB 1762: Creates a very basic bill of rights for students, parents and guardians. Originally sponsored by Seattle representatives Phyllis Gutierrez Kenney and Sharon Tomiko Santos, along with District 25 Rep. Dawn Morrell. (If you like the bills, thank you’s to sponsors are always nice!)

Take action: Please keep up the emails; please email the governor regarding redefining and funding basic education; please email your state senator regarding redefining and funding basic education. Action alert: http://capwiz.com/npta2/wa/issues/alert/?alertid=12972481

Comments

Free said…
I emailed Rep. Reuven Carlysle (a great guy with kids in SPS) asking him to support Highly Capable programs in the definition of basic education (as 2261 is written), and was surprised to get a phone call shortly after from his aide, who informed me that Reuven sponsored that amendment. Please take a moment to email your reps. They are hearing from every well-financed lobbyist; make sure they hear from advocates for kids.
3/24/09, 9:23 PM
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