Statewide K-12 Accountability

The State Board of Education is responsible for implementing a standards-based accountability framework that creates a unified system of increasing levels of support for schools in order to improve student achievement (RCW 28A.305.130).

SBE approved an Accountability Resolution in 2012 (pdf) and in 2009 (pdf). The accountability framework is designed to ensure all students receive an excellent and equitable education.

The Achievement Index

For the past several years, SBE has partnered with OSPI to produce the current Achievement Index, which recognizes successful schools for Washington Achievement Awards.  Beginning in July 2012, the Index will be revised to include student growth data, allowing it to serve as the single unifying accountability measure for both state and federal accountability as part of the ESEA Flexibility request.  SBE advocates for a system of accountability with clear, appropriate indicators and measurements to monitor progress of the K-12 educational system. In the fall of 2012, SBE will use the current Achievement Index to post the 2011-12 school year data. In the fall of 2013, SBE and OSPI will produce a revised Index.

Required Action

The 2010 education reform legislation instituted a system of Required Action. The Required Action Process "provides a unified system of support for challenged schools that aligns with basic education, increases the level of support based upon the magnitude of need, and uses data for decisions. For a specific group of challenged schools, defined as persistently lowest-achieving schools, and their districts, it is necessary to provide a required action process that creates a partnership between the state and local district to target funds and assistance to turn around the identified lowest-achieving schools" (RCW 28A.657.005). Soap Lake, Morton, Renton, and Onalaska School Districts are currently in Required Action.

Frequently Asked Questions

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