Far too many of Washington's public school students graduate high school unprepared for the rigors of college and the workplace. Seventy six percent of Washing­ton's high school graduates enter a two- or four-year college within two years of high school graduation. However, most students that go straight into a two year college must take remedial courses before they are allowed to take credit-bearing classes; and many of the students that begin in remedial classes drop out before receiving a diploma.^[1] If this trend continues, Washington's graduates will find themselves with fewer options in the future, since living wage jobs in Washington will increasingly require a college education.

Washington is not graduating its students with the skills necessary to succeed in the 21st century job market, and we need real policy change to turn this trend around. The state took major steps forward in 2009 and 2010, when the Washington Legislature passed two over-arching education reform bills that redefine public education in the state, raise graduation requirements, improve teacher and leaders effectiveness policies, and overhaul the state's accountability system. These reforms are crucial for driving improved school and student achievement, and for positioning the state to apply for federal education dollars in the Race to the Top competition, and other federal stimulus programs.

Right now, Washington policymakers have a unique opportunity to move the state's college and career ready agenda forward in a dramatic and meaningful way. The passage of these two education reform bills, coupled with unprecedented federal funding opportunities to implement reform, provides a historic opportunity for meaningful action. Washington's lawmakers, policy experts and education advocates must work collaboratively and must act decisively to ensure that reforms are fully enacted and thoughtfully implemented. The state must take action now. Each and every student in Washington must be given the opportunity to succeed in college, careers, and beyond.

[1] Improving the Odds: Preparing Washington Students for Family Wage Jobs. 2009. College and Work Ready Agenda. http://www.collegeworkready.org/downloads/finalforweb_improvingthe_odds_....