RENTON, Wash. – On March 29, the Washington Educational Research Association (WERA) honored the Washington State Board of Education for their development of the Achievement Index, a database that provides an analysis of Washington public schools’ performance.

The award presentation took place during the WERA Spring Conference, which focused on the resources available for those seeking to measure student, school, and district achievement.

AUBURN, Wash. – The Washington State Board of Education’s March 14-15 meeting at the Green River Community College in Auburn will include an examination of the next wave of K-12 science standards, referred to as Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).

Washington is one of 26 lead states providing input and reactions to the NGSS work, based on the July 2011 National Research Council of the National Academy of Science’s report "The Framework of Science Education.”

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Jack Schuster (Ocean Shores) has resigned from the Washington State Board of Education, effective March 15.

During his time with the Board, Mr. Schuster was instrumental in the Board’s revision of Washington State’s math and science standards, the implementation and administration of 180-day calendar waivers, and the development of a career and college-ready graduation requirements framework, a multi-year development process conducted under his shared leadership.

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Governor Gregoire has appointed Connie Fletcher (Issaquah) to fill a vacant seat on the Washington State Board of Education.

Ms. Fletcher previously served on the Board from 2009 through 2011 as a representative of the Washington State School Directors’ Association.

Though her term has expired as an elected member, Governor Gregoire has requested Ms. Fletcher to join the Board once again as one of her appointees, filing a vacant seat left by past Board member Eric Liu.

OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington State Board of Education’s February 23 meeting at the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction in Olympia will include a review of two schools’ applications for Innovation Waivers, the first to be granted in Washington state.

Stewart Middle School (Tacoma) and Odyssey High School (Highline) will be considered by the State Board for Innovation Waivers this year.

TUMWATER, Wash. – The Washington State Board of Education’s January 11-12 meeting at the Educational Service District 113 in Tumwater will include an overview of the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) waiver requirements for states seeking exemption.

Representatives from the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction will brief the Board on NCLB waiver considerations, timelines, and requirements on the morning of January 11.

TACOMA, Wash. – The Washington State Board of Education’s September 14-15 meeting at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma will include a discussion of potential changes to graduation requirements for Washington high school students.

Proposed rule changes maintain the state-mandated number of credits at 20, but include the following adjustments:

OLYMPIA, Wash. – The Washington State Board of Education’s August 9 meeting at the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction building in Olympia will include a discussion and decision on cut scores for mathematics and science assessments.

The Board will determine passing marks for the fifth and eighth grade Measurement of Student Progress. The Board will also set passing scores for end of course assessments in algebra/integrated 1 and geometry/integrated 2.

OLYMPIA, Wash. – On July 14, the State Board of Education announced the selection of Ben Rarick as the new Executive Director.

Mr. Rarick’s selection fills a vacancy left by five-year Executive Director Edie Harding, who has since taken a position in the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

OLYMPIA, Wash. – On July 12, the State Board of Education welcomed Tre’ Maxie as the newest Board member.
Mr. Maxie’s appointment fills a Board vacancy left by departing member Warren Smith of Spanaway. Mr. Smith was previously elected to the State Board by the Washington State School Directors’ Association.

Tre’ Maxie will be serving this term as an appointed member following an extensive interview process with the elected Board members.