RttT legislation emerges . . .

Last Thursday at a news conference we learned more about the legislation that will be sought to align the state's practices with the guidelines for the Race to the Top federal grant opportunity. Bill Gates Sr. gave the keynote followed by representatives from the education community. The message included the normal how poor we are doing in preparing young people for success in post high school learning and work. He and others challenged the legislators to be bold in looking at what must be done for a successful grant.


We also learned that the Gates Foundation is also assisting state leaders in preparing the grant though the following words would suggest they are less than enthusiastic with progress to date.


The Gates Foundation is helping Washington with its application, but I want to make one thing clear. We're not doing it because we see a huge push for reforms that live up to the spirit of Race to the Top. We don't. Not yet. We're doing it because this is our home, and we are still hopeful that Washington State can be a leader in educational innovation.


The Governor's plan was also presented on Thursday with legislation to be introduced this week. A longer probationary period for new teachers, placing experienced teachers on probation following several years of unsatisfactory evaluations, and new alternative ways for certification are parts of the proposal. An active and impressive coalition has formed to support this legislation including the chair of the Senate Education Committee.


"We're there. All working together to make it happen," said Senator Rosemary McAuliffe, D-Bothell. "I'm very excited. I want to sponsor that bill."


I don't know if these changes will be enough to put the state's application over the top. I am in agreement with Gates on the status of reform in our state compared to RttT intent. looking at what other states are doing, I don't see the same level of commitment to the RttT criteria in the Governor's proposals. A big hole still exists with the absence of support for charters and lack of a takeover provision for failing schools and districts. The grant must also have the support of WEA for any chance of success and they remain on the sidelines until the bills are ready for review. It will be interesting to see how they engage and at what point and to also follow how rapidly the legislation moves through the process.