This week Govenror Gregoire released six education reforms focused on promoting high-quality teaching through renewed professional growth opportunities.

The reforms recommended by the Governor are based on “the premise that student learning and educational attainment are boosted by great teaching…(and that ) thoughtful coordination and better student transitions also contribute positively to student learning’.

Education Reforms

• Change the current evaluation system for teachers and principals.
• Require all school districts to adopt updated policies for making staffing decisions.
• Establish the Office of Student Achievement to focus on the goal of increasing the educational attainment of Washingtonians.
• Prioritize time for student learning by eliminating the requirement for individual learning plans for students in the Learning Assistance Program and allowing exemptions to the culminating project high school graduation requirement.
• Change the schedule of district audits.
• Create university laboratory schools to nurture innovation and excellenct to help students succeed.

The Office of the Governor will draft legislation to implement each of these reforms and introduce the bills in the 2012 supplemental session.