In the 2017-18 Legislative Biennium, the Washington State PTA will set these 5 issues are their top 5 priorities:
1. Create positive school climates through social emotional learning – In the 2017-18 Legislative Biennium, the Washington State PTA shall initiate and / or support legislation / policies which engage in deliberate efforts to create positive school climates, including those that pertain to Social Emotional Learning:
2. Amply Fund Education -McLeary decision In the 2017-18 Legislative Biennium, the Washington State PTA shall initiate and / or support legislation / policies that fulfill the promise of amply funding basic education as defined by the legislature in HB 2261 and 2776. Issue Statement
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3. Closing Opportunity Gaps
In the 2017-18 Legislative Biennium, the Washington State PTA shall support legislation that ensures that public education is available to ALL children in Washington State regardless of zip code, family status, race, and culture or income level. It is not acceptable for there to be a consistent 20-30 percentage point gap in student achievement between students of color and White and many Asian students. Issue statement
4. Standards for Paraeducators The Washington State PTA shall initiate or support legislation or policies that set statewide standards, training, and career development for para-educators, including training for teachers who have paraeducators assisting in their classrooms, and their principals. Policies shall include minimum employment standards, certification and endorsements. Issue statement 5. Breakfast After the Bell In the 2017-18 Legislative Biennium, the Washington State PTA shall support legislation instituting a “Breakfast After the Bell” program in high needs schools and initiate policies at the district level that encourage early adoption of “Breakfast After the Bell” programs. |