WASHINGTON STATE EDUCATION

The goal of Washington's K–12 education system: 

· Is to prepare every student for postsecondary pathways, careers, and civic engagement.

Washington's compulsory education laws:

· Require children between the ages of eight (8) and 18 to attend school. 

· Exceptions-a child 16 or older can be legally exempt from attending school if he is she is either employed or has completed his or her graduation requirements early.

Washington State learning standards:

· Washington state learning standards are developed by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) based on the definition of basic education as defined by the legislature. 

· The U.S. Department of Education approved Washington’s Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Consolidated Plan on January 16, 2018.

Reference: www.wastatepta.org/focus-areas/education/learning-standards/

THE OSPI OFFICE PURPOSE in WA education:

OSPI (www.k12.wa.us)  

· OSPI (The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction ) 

· Led by Superintendent Chris Reykdal

· Fulfills the requirements of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which ensures all children with disabilities have access to a free appropriate public education

· OSPI  is the primary agency charged with overseeing public K–12 education in Washington state, working with the state's 295 public school districts and 6 state-tribal education compact schools, OSPI … 

www.k12.wa.us/student-success/special-education

https://www.k12.wa.us/policy-funding/ospi-reports-legislature

OPSI Mission

Transform K–12 education to a system that is centered on closing opportunity gaps and is characterized by high expectations for all students and educators. We achieve this by developing equity-based policies and supports that empower educators, families, and communities.

· Values

· Ensuring Equity

· Collaboration and Service

· Achieving Excellence through Continuous Improvement

· Focus on the Whole Child

OSPI Funding Information

Washington’s public schools serve over 1.1 million students, and the state is responsible for funding the public education of each of those students. Although there are variances across school districts and grade levels, the state spent an average of $11,500 per student in basic education funding in 2019. On top of basic education funding, school districts can apply for state, federal, and local grants; receive targeted funding for specific purposes, such as school improvement; or raise levy funds within their local community. This page contains information about how schools are funded, available grants, the policies that drive school funding and operations, and more. 

OSPI Reports to the Legislature

The State Legislature assigns work to OSPI through legislation. Sometimes, the assigned work concludes in a report back to the Legislature describing what OSPI has done, data collected, next steps, and at times, recommendations. 

Reports going back to 2017 are included below. If the report title says "Update," it means the Legislature requires OSPI to submit more than one report on the topic. 

What are the education bills in the 2021 legislative session?

Below are bills related to education that we are tracking during the 2021 legislative session. This page is updated weekly. For questions about our bill tracker, please contact us. Below are bills of high interest. Accountability. Extending the time frame for establishing charter public schools.

2021 Legislative Bill Tracker - League of Education Voters