Weekly Update | June 15

SBE's Commitment to Racial Equity On June 4, the State Board released a statement in support of racial equity in the Washington State education system. Read the full statement signed by Board Chair, Peter Maier, and Executive Director, Randy Spaulding.

June Work Session (this week) SBE will host a work session this Wednesday, June 17 from 1-5 p.m. The purpose of this session is for the Board to discuss the long-term impacts of COVID-19 school building closures, and potential policy changes to our education system that would facilitate serving students in an equitable and effective way despite challenges.  The session will also build on the Board discussion that occurred during the May Board meeting and will help the Board prepare for the July meeting at which policy recommendations will be discussed and likely adopted.  Find the agenda and supporting documents on SBE's meetings page .

Partner Highlights Reopening Washington Schools 2020: District Planning Guide (OSPI) Info for Students & Families: Using Trusted Tools (Washington Student Achievement Council) Joint statement: grading guidance for dual credit concurrent enrollment courses (Council of Presidents) One Last Lesson: Mindfulness in Trying Times (Stories from School) Washington Principal - Volume 3: 2019-20 | Tribal Education & Unprecedented Times (AWSP) Parent, student, and staff surveys re: equity in education system (The Root of Us) Broad View A New “New Deal” for Education: Top 10 Policy Moves for States in the COVID 2.0 Era (Learning Policy Institute) 9 Ways Schools Will Look Different When (And If) They Reopen (WBEZ) Coronavirus is the practice run for schools. But soon comes climate change (Hechinger Report) Instruction During COVID-19: Less Learning Time Drives Fears of Academic Erosion (Ed Week) Around Washington Student reflections at the end of a tumultuous school year following coronavirus closures (Seattle Times) UW drops SAT, ACT requirement, extending coronavirus accommodation (Seattle Times) Spokane Public Schools passes racial equity resolution (KREM) Washington schools will reopen for in-person classes in the fall (The Columbian)

Credit Waiver Communications Tool Special thanks to Partnership for Learning and Stand for Children (Washington) for creating a colorful and engaging communication tool for the Class of 2020. Check it out on social media . Find the graphic and more materials about the Emergency Waiver Program on SBE's website . Encourage communicating with a counselor about how to earn all credits: http://bit.ly/yourfuturemattersWA

Student Board Member Talks School Building Openings on Seattle Channel What will school look like this fall with COVID-19 pandemic? Answering that question and more via Seattle Channel panel are Superintendent Chris Reykdal, Seattle Schools Superintendent Juneau, and Student State Board Member, Margarita Amezcua. Watch it below:

Western Washington University Seeks Feedback Share your thoughts about accessing financial aid for college or training! Western Washington University wants to know about your experience with the FAFSA and WASFA. Ten lucky respondents will be selected for a $50 Amazon gift card. To participate, or to learn more, please visit:  https://bit.ly/2AAAQUG

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The SBE Vision: An education system where students are engaged in personalized education pathways that prepare them for civic engagement, careers, postsecondary education, and lifelong learning.