DES MOINES, Wash. – The Washington State Board of Education’s March 17 meeting this week at Highline Community College will include a preview of the 2009 Washington Achievement Award winners, a collection of the state’s top-achieving schools.

The Washington Achievement Award includes two categories. The first celebrates the top five percent of elementary, middle, high, and comprehensive schools. The second award provides schools with special recognition for outstanding performance in:

OLYMPIA, Wash. – The State Board of Education (SBE) will hold a meeting January 4 at the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction to finalize plans for a new system of statewide accountability, one designed to address Washington’s lowest achieving schools.

VANCOUVER, Wash. – The State Board of Education, in its bimonthly meeting occurring this November 12-13 at the Heathman Lodge, will consider a proposal to help Washington state’s most challenged schools.

The proposal includes an option of state intervention, a dramatic change from current education practice. For now, challenged schools may volunteer for state assistance and support programs, but they are not required to do so.

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Connie Fletcher (Issaquah) was selected to the Washington State Board of Education on Monday, August 31.

Ms. Fletcher’s appointment fills a Board vacancy. She will join the Board as a voting member for its September 17-18 meeting at the Puget Sound Educational Service District Building.

Her selection as the newest Board member comes after a two-day interview process. The Board’s selection of Ms. Fletcher is a result of a unanimous vote of approval by the screening committee (composed of four sitting Board members).