Response from Roundtable to Bill Signing of 6023

As expected, the Roundtable wasn't very happy with the sections that didn't get vetoed today in 6023. Here is their statement.

New law delays high school graduation requirements in math and science,
weakens accountability system

SEATTLE – May 8, 2007 – The Washington Roundtable today reacted with deep disappointment to Governor Chris Gregoire’s decision to endorse the majority of ESSB 6023.  The new law delays high school graduation requirements in math and science and introduces a range of alternative options for students who do not pass the 10th grade WASL or elect to use a passing score on one of the previously approved alternatives such as the SAT and ACT.

“This legislation reinforces the fact that Washington state lacks a fundamental capacity to adapt and evolve in a meaningful way to ensure young people get the skills they need to qualify for family wage jobs,” said Steve Mullin, Roundtable president.

“We are very discouraged that, in the face of overwhelming evidence that math and science are the keys to innovation, our state has decided not only to delay these requirements until 2013 – which is far too long – but to set aside academic standards, which is exactly what is happening with nearly 20 alternative assessments that are not aligned with state standards,” Mullin said.

The Roundtable was particularly troubled that lawmakers approved this bill at the same time that they were approving well over $4 billion in new spending, including an additional $1.8 billion in K-12 education.

“The employers of this state simply do not believe that more money and less accountability is the formula for ensuring students get the skills they will need in the global economy,” Mullin said.

The Roundtable articulated its concerns with ESSB 6023 in a letter to Governor Gregoire on April 27^th.  (If this link does not work, that letter is available on the Roundtable website at www.waroundtable.com under "Current News.")

Gregoire couldn't seem to make anyone happy today. Sen. Rosemary McAuliffe took exception to the parts she did veto.