From Linda Hanson, WSPTA President:
Washington State PTA commends Governor Gregoire and the Washington Learns Steering Committee for making a very good start in addressing some of the issues facing K-12 education in our state. While we appreciate the vision of Washington Learns, we realize that the real work will begin in the upcoming legislative session, and PTA members will be involved throughout the process. Education is the paramount duty of our state. Parents will demand a long term commitment from the state, a focus on children, and assurance that all students will have ample opportunities to achieve higher learning levels consistent with the needs of the 21st Century, including a robust strengthening of math and science education. We must establish an updated definition of basic education and a basic education funding formula that reflects current education practices and requirements. We expect and demand more from our kids and it is time for the state to give our kids the tools they need to succeed. We rank 46th in the nation in class size and teachers struggle to give each student proper attention and help. We rank 42nd in education funding per pupil. We need a lasting commitment to stable and reliable funding and we need it urgently. We appreciate the recognition that Washington Learns gives to these issues – the top priority issues of the PTA. Washington State PTA asks the Governor and the Legislature to consider all possible policy options, commit to providing ample education funding demanded by our state’s constitution, and ensure that Washington State attains a world-class education system for the 21st Century.
About Washington State PTA: The Washington State Parent Teacher Association (WSPTA) was founded in 1905. The Washington State PTA is a nonprofit, membership association which brings together the home, school and community on behalf of all children and youth. It is comprised of over 150,000 members in over 900 local PTA units throughout the state. WSPTA is present in almost half of all public schools in Washington State. For more information about Washington State PTA, visit the website, www.wastatepta.org.