Education

WPC's Center for Education conducts objective research and makes practical policy recommendations to improve Washington State's ability to carry out its paramount duty to educate every child within its borders.

What's New

WPC's Education Reform Plan: Eight Practical Ways to Improve Schools

July 27, 2012 in Publications

Public education is in decline. Nearly one-third of Washington public school students fail to graduate, and another third graduate without the knowledge and skills necessary for college or the workplace. Over half (52%) of public school students entering community or technical colleges must take remedial courses in math, English or reading to catch up. 84% of employers say public schools are not doing a good job of preparing students to succeed in the workplace.

PowerPoint Presentation on Education Reform in Washington

As I travel around Washington speaking to groups about education, I am often asked for a copy of the 23-slide presentation I use to explain the state of public education in our state. The full presentation is below; it is based on our published research. Sources are available on request.

Liv Finne
Director, WPC's Center for Education

State Board of Education postpones vote on weakening School Achievement Index

June 18, 2013 in Blog

As I reported yesterday, the State Board of Education has postponed its vote to weaken Washington’s School Achievement Index.  The fifteen-member Board, led by Chairman Jeff Vincent, has decided to take up less controversial topics during its meeting tomorrow in Olympia. Click here to see the meeting agenda.

Sen. Schoesler: No Excuse

June 18, 2013 in In the News
Washington Focus
Source: 
Washington Focus
Date: 
Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Achievement index: Most FW schools earn 'C' and 'D' grades

June 18, 2013 in In the News
Federal Way Mirror
Source: 
Federal Way Mirror
Date: 
Monday, June 17, 2013

State Board of Education cancels vote to weaken School Achievement Index

June 17, 2013 in Blog

This Wednesday, June 19th, the State Board of Education meets in Olympia to discuss revisions to the School Achievement Index to reduce the rigor of the performance criteria used to evaluate schools, as I’ve explained here.  Originally, they planned to vote on the revisions after taking public testimony. 

Kent schools show mixed results in state's Achievement Index rankings

June 17, 2013 in In the News
Kent Reporter
Source: 
Kent Reporter
Date: 
Friday, June 14, 2013