1985 was the last time our state’s graduation requirements were updated.

A gallon of gas cost $1.09. The film “Cocoon” was released. The first mobile phone was introduced.

Why does it matter?

What’s changed in your life since then?

While the technology of the 80’s has evolved to meet a dramatically changed world, our state’s graduation requirements have not. More and more family-wage jobs require post-high school education or training, at a time when most students are leaving high school unprepared.

And that’s not fair.

On July 24th the Washington State Board of Education will recommend new graduation requirements--including a third year of math set to algebra 2--that better reflect the skills students need for college, work and life. Please join us in supporting the State Board’s efforts.

What can you do?

To make sure our children have the best education that will help them succeed in life, we all need to do our part.

From lawmakers to policy analysts, teachers to parents, everyone needs to let their voices be heard. We need to tell Washington’s students that we care about education and urge tomorrow’s leaders to challenge themselves.

• I’m a business leader
• I’m an educator
• I’m a parent

What is Partnership for Learning doing?

We are communicating our strong support for higher standards for all students in newspapers, on television and in letters.

In your newspaper...

Click the picture to view our ads supporting the State Board's recommendation in Washington newspapers.

In the State Board's mailbox...

Partnership for Learning has written a letter to the State Board to demonstrate our support and encourage the Board's committment to rigorous, world-class standards. To view the letter, click the image.

If you feel strongly about Washington's new high school diploma, the State Board wants to hear from you. To submit your own feedback, email Brad Burnham, policy and legislative specialist, at brad.burnham@k12.wa.us, by July 21.

For more information:

Visit our graduation requirements page to learn about the changes occurring to Washington’s high school diploma.

To find out more about the math skills students need to be success, visit our math and science page.