OLYMPIA, Wash. – The State Board of Education (SBE) adopted its 2018 legislative priorities at its meeting last week.

The Board’s top legislative priority is to bolster funding for students with special needs by increasing the per-student state funding for students with an Individualized Education Plan and by increasing safety net funding.

The Board also supports policy and budget requests that prioritize funding for programs and services that close opportunity gaps and support high achievement for every student in Washington. Those priorities include promoting culturally responsive teaching, social-emotional and trauma-informed educational approaches, financial and programmatic support for low-performing schools, and support for High School and Beyond Plan implementation beginning in middle school.

Prior to adopting their priorities, the Board heard from stakeholders who were invited to share legislative priorities of their respective associations, including the Washington Education Association, Legislative Youth Action Council, Washington Association of School Administrators, Washington State Parent Teacher Association, Association of Washington School Principals, and the Washington State School Directors’ Association.

State Board Chair Kevin Laverty said, “The Board was encouraged by the amount of continuity among stakeholder priorities and its own priorities. We look forward to partnering with other education agencies to advocate for policies that will ensure every student receives an excellent and equitable education.”

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About the State Board of Education: The State Board of Education provides advocacy and strategic oversight of public education. The Board comprises 16 members: five are elected by school board directors, seven are appointed by the Governor, two serve as student representatives, and one serves as a private school representative. The Superintendent of Public Instruction is also a member. For more information on the State Board of Education: www.sbe.wa.gov