Greetings from Vancouver! I'm currently sitting in the Evergreen School District Building and attending the State Board of Education meeting. Check back for updates throughout the day.
9:15 a.m. I walk in a bit late, Vancouver is not my hometown. This is probably the most well-attended State Board Meeting ever. Chair Mary Jean Ryan described it as “historic”—don’t know about that, but its certainly cozy.
9:25 a.m. John Deeder from the Evergreen School District is talking about “competency-based” credits (credits students earn by taking a test to move up in the system). The process is complicated, but it seems like its working in Vancouver. Too bad more students aren't taking advantage of it.
10:30 a.m. Okay, no joke, CORE 24 has drawn a crowd. The room is packed and there is a bus of more than 40 students and parents, apparently outside.
10:49 a.m. Eric Liu is suggesting an implementation task force for CORE 24--including securing the funding necessary. This is a great (and very needed) plan.
10:52 a.m. Kris Mayer just made a great point: Though the Board has seriously considered the fact that not all students are college-bound, we have to recognize that we NEED more college graduates in Washington states--particularly graduates of color. Those students shouldn't have to take remedial courses, either.
Two words: Right on.
11:12 a.m. Steve dal Porto cautions that, based on the feedback of Superintendents, no decisions on CORE 24 should be made without current and ample funding. This is a HUGE concern, but he neglected to mention the impact the Basic Education Funding Task Force could have in supporting this decision.
11:25 a.m. Jeff Vincent said it best, "Funding is a concern, but we'll never get the funding if we don't get the policy right first."
11:27 a.m. Lorilyn Roller, the Board's student rep is awesome. She noted that, after talking with struggling students, CORE 24 would actually help, as opposed to hurt, them.
11:30 a.m. Woohoo! It's public comment time--and man, are there a lot of people.
11:32 a.m. According to governor's education rep, Judy Hartmann, Gov. Gregoire supports CORE 24 and views it as part of the implementation of the Washington Learns study. Yay!
11:45 a.m. Diane Dick, a counselor from Kelso, just offered strong opposition to CORE 24 stating that, "it's an affront to counselors and educators to say and assume that parents and students aren't aware of post-secondary options and requirements" and that "schools bend over backwards to make these requirements available to students." She also noted that CORE 24 is premature and promotes unrealistic expectations. Ouch.
I guess I have to ask, supposedly "unrealistic expectations" as opposed to the low expectations of the status quo?
11:54 a.m. Amina Field-Jones, the ed director for the Urban League, just gave a really poignant comment: "CORE 24 is the articulation of a vision for what we want for all students in our system and we heartily support it."
12:10 p.m. RANDOM ALERT -- I missed his name, but an amazing older gentlemen just stepped up to say, he recently moved to here, tried to sub in Washington classrooms, holds an doctorate in education, had written a textbook in math and presented numerous papers, but was denied a teaching position based on Washington's certification laws. What were we just talking about?
12:12 p.m. James Kelley, president of the Urban League and orator extraordinaire, "Don't be afraid of the change you seek. Live up to the paramount duty of this state."
12:23 p.m. Tiffany Jones, from KnowHow2Go, a college-awareness foundation, is currently sharing her incredible personal story about growing up as one of six siblings born to a drug-addicted single mother who attended 15 schools in her K-12 experience. She noted that high grad requirements would have helped her and says, "CORE 24 will level the playing field for all students. Let's send a message to our students that we care."
I think there are a few misty eyes in the room.
12:30 p.m. Now the students are testifying. This is awesome. There is currently a Class of '08 grad talking that will attend the UW next year. She notes that she would not be able to go to the UW or even have the option, were it not for her own motivation--late in the game--and that more students should have the chance to go to college, motivation or not.
12:49 p.m. Larry just spoke representing PFL. I think you already know how we feel. Did I mention that Seattle Public Schools supported CORE 24, earlier? Hometown pride!
12:51 p.m. Sebastien, a senior at Aviation High School is speaking. He's so cute, it's almost hard to take. He thinks watering down requirements only does students a disservice--especially since he just completed Washington's Aerospace training program. He says, "I have a headstart because of the high expecations of my school. But know that, we kids aren't averse to hard work. We like courses that are challenging." Can someone give this kid a medal?
2:15 p.m. Can we just take a moment to reflect on how many people just spoke eloquently and passionately at a State Board meeting? Does this warrant Guinness World Record notice? Maybe!
(my Mac isn't exactly built for dramatic Board meeting shots)
Anyway, after a short lunch break, the Board is STILL discussing the increase in grad reqs and Steve dal Porto is STILL railing about the lack of teachers and resources for increases in math, science and art.
2:20 p.m. Eric Liu is my new liberal arts hero. In support of the arts classes in CORE 24 (two credits included) he said, "The things we simply can't outsource, ever, are our creativity and imagination. The arts don't create this for everyone, but students need motivation. And arts can give students the motivation they need to stick in school and graduate ready to produce and succeed."
From a past newspaper geek and journalism student, I say, "Here, here!"