The National Commission on Asian American and Pacific Islander Research in Education (CARE) has released its latest report, The Hidden Academic Opportunity Gaps Among Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders: What Disaggregated Data Reveals in Washington State. CARE promotes the collection and dissemination of disaggregated data in order to better understand the variation of educational experiences and outcomes within the highly diverse Asian American and Pacific Islander student population. CARE launched the iCount: Equity Through Representation campaign in 2013 to raise awareness about and bring attention to the ways in which AAPI student data reported in the aggregate conceals significant disparities in educational experiences and outcomes between AAPI sub-groups. Building on previous iCount reports, the current study highlights Washington state's [...]

The Educational Opportunity Gap Oversight and Accountability Committee (EOGOAC) released its 2015 annual report with recommendations to address closing the educational opportunity gaps. The 2015 recommendations include (view a one-page document with the recommendations): Reducing the length of time students of color are excluded from school due to suspension and expulsions and provide student support for reengagement plans Enhance the cultural competence of current and future educators and classified staff Endorse all educators in English Language Learner/Second Language Acquisition Transitional Bilingual Instructional Program Accountability for instructional services provided to English Language Learner Students Analyze the opportunity gap through deeper disaggregation of student demographic data Invest in the recruitment, hiring and [...]

Fully funding public education to comply with the state Supreme Court's McCleary Decision will be a top priority when lawmakers convene for the 2015 legislative session in January. Gov. Inslee was the first to weigh in with his education plan this week, which would boost education funding by $2.3 billion for early learning through higher education for the next two years. The Legislature will convene for a scheduled 105-day session on January 12, 2015 to consider the Governor's plan and begin developing its own policies and budget for education. View the Governor's education plan here.

Gov. Jay Inslee is hosting a statewide online town hall Monday, December 15 where he will release details of his education plan, which will make significant investments to adequately fund public schools and reduce early-grade class sizes. His plan will also include investments in early learning, higher education, and other efforts to promote student success and increase graduation rates. Four schools are hosting the online conversation which will include a moderated Q&A with educators, parents, students, and others interested in hearing the governor’s legislative proposals. When: Monday, December 15th, 6:30pm – 7:30pm Where: Moses Lake: Columbia Basin Technical Skills Center, 900 East Yonezawa Boulevard Spokane: Rogers High School, 1622 East [...]