FutureReady FAQs

The Board is not proposing any changes at this time. However, the Board understands that current graduation requirements have become overly complex, making them both hard to navigate and inequitable. At the same time, we’ve also heard concerns about skills gaps and whether students are fully prepared for a rapidly changing future. This means we’re facing both a “not enough” challenge (addressing skills and preparation gaps) and a “too much” problem (requirements perceived as overwhelming and complex). 

FutureReady aims to address both of these challenges by rebalancing the requirements— equipping students with essential skills, while streamlining the framework for better accessibility and equity. Although the outcomes of FutureReady are still unknown, the Board understands that any additions to the framework would likely require removing or adjusting current requirements to make space. At the same time, FutureReady goes beyond simply adding or removing requirements, exploring ways to encourage interdisciplinary learning and more flexible pathways that move beyond traditional classroom seat-time. 

The FutureReady task force will bring together approximately 30 members representing students and families, community-based organizations, K-12 education, post-secondary education, employers, and policymakers. 

Our goal is to reflect the diversity of Washington’s K-12 student population. We are committed to including members from different geographic regions, historically underserved communities, and a variety of learning environments. Since a task force of 30 can’t fully represent all populations and learning settings, we are seeking members who bring a range of perspectives and experiences and who can represent multiple communities. Additionally, we’ll provide other ways for more groups and individuals to engage in the process and share their input beyond the task force itself. 

Task force recruitment is on-going and we’ll update this information once membership is finalized. 

The initiative aligns squarely with the Washington State Board of Education's statutory authority. As part of our duties assigned by state law, the State Board of Education is responsible for setting graduation requirements, regularly reviewing them, and proposing changes to the state Legislature (paraphrased from RCW 28A.305.130(4) and RCW 28A.230.090).  

The Board is not proposing changes to graduation requirements at this point in time. Instead, the Board is proposing an approach and process for doing the review and for developing recommendations. 

In today's rapidly changing landscape, our current graduation requirements may fall short of fully preparing students for success. We've heard from students, educators, employers, and community members calling for updates to ensure students develop skills in areas like technology literacy, financial literacy, and cultural competence. Moreover, the current requirements have become overly complex, making them both hard to navigate and inequitable.  

FutureReady aims to address these challenges by revamping graduation requirements to empower students with essential skills, while also streamlining the framework to promote accessibility and equity. By modernizing our graduation requirements, we not only address the immediate needs of students but also lay the groundwork for a more dynamic and responsive education system. 

The timing of any changes will depend on the recommendations yet to be developed through the FutureReady process. That said, the earliest any new requirements proposed through FutureReady could take effect would be with the entering ninth grade cohort of students in the Class of 2031. Even then, updated requirements may be phased-in to allow for adequate support and effective rollout. A longer phase-in will be built in for bigger adjustments. The State Board — with input from the FutureReady task force, subcommittees, and community partners — will develop appropriate timelines and identify necessary resources and supports at both the state and local school district level to ensure successful implementation of proposed changes. 

The best way to stay informed is to sign up for the Board’s FutureReady newsletter. When you sign up for this, you will receive updates about the initiative’s progress and announcements about opportunities for community input and informational sessions. 

If you want to be more involved in the initiative, please fill out our Interest Form to help us tailor opportunities to your interests and expertise.