Seattle Schools Community Forum

Update on the teacher walkout: I heard SEA prez Jonathan Knapp on KUOW during the noon hour.  He said that it should be about 5,000 teachers.  They will be having rallies in front of high schools in the morning (I'll try to get details) with teachers busing downtown for a rally (not sure of the location but I'd guess JSCEE). Two main issues: Will schools be closed on May 19th?  I will try to get an answer.  KUOW said they had asked the district but no answer yet (ditto for me). Will a day extra be tacked on at the end of the year if schools do close?  Probably.  Again, I will verify this today. end of update The Times is reporting that the SEA voted to strike on Tuesday, May 19th.  Some districts' teachers have already walked while there are still at least five others in the wings with three more to walk on Friday. While I understand the teachers' frustrations with the Legislature, I'm not sure I agree with the walkout.  If it was d...

Legislative action on public education still going (anything not voted out of committee by April 1 is dead and this list in not inclusive of all ed bills): - expanding states early learning system of ratings - HB 1240 use of restraints/restraining for students with disabilities (passed out of Ed Ctm unanimously)  - SB5748 tying student scores to test scores died but, as I previously reported, an amendment to bill 1345 includes tying student scores to test scores.  That bill is still alive. - SB5419 SUPER act - Establishes the Student User Privacy in Education Rights Act; which increases the strength of safeguards protecting student information. This one got by me. Given it's from a Republican, Senator Litzow, I don't have great hope. - SB5433 Requires the creation and incorporation of curricula about the history; culture; and government of the nearest federally recognized Native American tribe or tribes. - HB1031 Dual Credit Expands eligibility for Colleg...

Yesterday, Superintendent Banda and Mayor McGinn announced a new partnership called " Evening Community Meetings in School Libraries " that would open every school library for use by community/neighborhood groups.  The cost would be $15 for meetings held after school hours. From SPS Communications: Any local community group or nonprofit organization is eligible to sign up, but the libraries are not available for business or commercial uses, nor for events that have admissions or fees. Reservations will be available from 6 – 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday during normal school calendar academic business days.  Visit http://tinyurl.com/9ltgx4q where you can sign up for a user account, submit a request for space, and read the Seattle Public Schools rules and regulations (including the payment process and insurance requirements).   The fee is $15 plus any applicable custodial or heating and cooling costs. Rental does not include use of computers in the lib...