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.
Publications
WEA union attacks six reform-minded senators for trying to improve schools
Executives at the Washington Education Association union (WEA) recently fired off a hard-hitting flyer leveled against six education reform leaders of both parties in the state Senate. The hit piece is directed against Democrats Rodney Tom of Bellevue and Steve Hobbs of Lake Stevens, and Republicans Steve Litzow of Mercer Island, Andy Hill of Redmond, Bruce Dammeier of Puyallup and Joe Fain of Kent.
The Washington State Public School Achievement Index: State leaders call for grading schools A through F
Key Findings
McCleary Court Did Not Blindly Order Boost in Education Spending; Reforms Are Needed to Help Children Learn
Recently, the Early Learning and K–12 Education Committee, under the open-minded leadership of Sen. Steve Litzow (R-Mercer Island), heard revealing testimony on how best to fund our schools.
Why Parents Will Love Charter Schools
Many parents hope voters will pass Initiative 1240, the ballot measure to allow charter schools in Washington. This is especially true of parents whose children are trapped in failing inner-city schools. Earlier this year Representative Eric Pettigrew, speaking for many low-income families in his South Seattle district, put it this way.
Seattle School Board Votes to Defend the Status Quo
My child struggles in school. She needs extra help. As parents, my wife and I worry about her future, and like all parents we want to give her a quality education and the best possible start in life. In our case, she got assigned to a good Seattle public school. She has great teachers and receives the support she needs. Not every family is so fortunate.
Why Teachers Will Love Charter Schools
Mr. Bob Dean is a public school teacher and a supporter of Initiative 1240, the ballot measure to allow public charter schools in Washington. He is the head of his school’s Math Department, teaches Advanced Placement calculus and is a past member of the State Board of Education Math Advisory Panel. Mr. Dean describes what teachers must endure in traditional schools today:
Allowing Charter Schools Would Expand Access to a Good Public Education
The school bell rings, and rows of eager young faces turn expectantly to the front of the class as the teacher begins the day’s lesson. These students look forward to graduation day, when they hope to embark on a future made brighter by a good public education. Sadly, for nearly half the students at some public schools, that day will never come. They will drop out instead.
