Allison who?

It’s been awhile since I’ve posted. Lots going on at PFL recently (but more on that in a couple of weeks!) But what's up with me you ask? Well, maybe you didn't ask but I'll tell you anyway.

Let’s see, I did a short presentation at Washington Business Week, giving their board an update on key education issues. For those of you who don’t know of WBW, they’re an organization focused on preparing high school students to successfully enter the workforce. WBW offers one-week (hence, their name) sessions where students get hands-on experience in a career-focused environment.

Their summer programs are a great example. Held at college campuses, students spend a week completely immersed in a unique environment where they gain leadership and team building skills, and learn more about opportunities that are available to them as they transition into the workforce – basically build a stronger connection between school and work. They even stay in the dorms for that week to really simulate the college experience. Some high schools like Aberdeen, even require the WBW program as a graduation requirement. Great work, good people. You should check them out!

Hm...what else. I went to the State Board meeting last week. Here's a quick re-cap of what went down:

Third year of math
More discussion was had on whether Alg 2 should be the level of rigor for the third year of math. (We at the Partnership say yes it should!) See this old blog for more detail on that. The final vote on math will be in May.

New grad requirements
Also discussed was the new graduation requirements. “CORE 24,” or some version of it, was introduced and feedback was taken. The idea is to increase the number of diploma credits from our state’s current – and comparatively very low when looking at other states – 19 to 24. Credits would better align to those set by the Higher Education Coordinating Board and would also give students more focused options for CTE courses and other electives. But why 24? Well, a number of reasons. Twenty-four is the average number of current credits already required by Washington state districts anyway, it maps to national comparisons, and is the number of hours in a day. Ok, so I’m kidding about that last one. But I guess my point is the number 24 wasn’t just pulled out of thin air. It actually seems to make sense.

This proposal is still in its very beginning stages. The SBE discussed it at length and more discussion and changes are planned. Public comment was taken and more will be taken in the months ahead. The Board will decide on a final rule in July.

Testimonies
Also at the meeting, many (including me!) testified on everything from accountability to the new diploma requirements. But the one testimony that stood out above the rest in my eyes was one made by James Kelly, president of the Urban League. Quoting Martin Luther King, Jr., Kelly’s message was to explain to the State Board “Why we can’t wait.” Don’t hold me to his exact words, but the gist of his testimony was this:

Waiting for the system to catch up to the realities of our undoubtedly global and increasingly competitive marketplace hurts students. Waiting for a better assessment, better accountability (which Kelly also said is a term that should be changed to “shared responsibility” as it is not a blame game), better teachers, better curriculum, hurts students. We can’t wait anymore. We need change.

And he’s right. The realities of that change can be figured out. And the SBE has the daunting task of leading the way. But waiting just isn’t an option.

Well, that's it for now. Off to my workout class...and can I just say it looks like a hurricane is coming. What is up with this weather??