Washington leads the nation in innovation in nearly every sector – from technology to biomedical research. However, our state fails to lead in education. According to a recent study, Washington is on pace to close the achievement gap in 105 years. Louisiana will close the same gap in 12.5 years. The time has come for this to change.

Across the nation, schools and districts are embracing innovative practices in staffing, finance and course offerings that remove the barriers to student success. The Harlem Children’s Zone and the Louisiana Recovery School District are just two examples of schools and districts that have witnessed significant increases in student achievement through these practices.

Currently, Washington lawmakers are considering legislation that would allow districts the flexibility to implement innovative staffing, budget and course-offering solutions that have been showns to close the achievement gap in schools and districts across the nation.

To learn more, please read this summary developed by Partnership for Learning.