BASIC EDUCATION A New Finance Model to Meet the Needs of Today’s Students State Rep. Ross Hunter (D-48) State Rep. Fred Jarrett (D-41) State Rep. Glenn Anderson (R-5) State Rep. Pat Sullivan (D-47) State Rep. Skip Priest (R-30) State Sen. Rodney Tom (D-48)

The Goal “It is the Paramount Duty of the state to make ample provision for the education of all children residing within its borders, without distinction or preference on account of race, color, caste, or sect. Article 9, Section 1, Washington State Constitution

Key Principles Reasonable Adequacy: Provide enough resources to educate children. Transparency: Be clear about what is being purchased and how local districts make spending decisions. Flexibility: Allow districts to make decisions in the best interest of their students.

Begin with the End in Mind Start with high school graduation requirements and work backwards. Provide Multiple Pathways  Career Readiness  College Prep

Five Components 1.Program of Basic Education 2.Changing Teaching 3.Equity 4.Accountability 5.Phase-in & Resources

Program of Basic Education Separate models for Primary, Elementary, Middle, and High School Calculate number of teachers needed in each school by considering: Class size Planning and professional development Graduation requirements Smaller class sizes for CTE, lab sciences, AP/IB course (High Schools) Much larger adjustments for equity Low income students, ELL students Special Education applies current multiplier to an expanded base Enhanced learning opportunities for gifted students Explicit assumptions for other building level instructional and administrative staff like principals, librarians, nurses, counselors, and instructional coaches Allocations for non-instructional staff like aides, secretaries, student safety, custodians Non-staff (NERC) costs on a per-student basis Specific allocation for instructional technology Central Office allocation of 6%

Big (Expensive) Ideas Seven Periods a day in high school – based on CORE 24 Appropriate Actual Class sizes – usually 25 All day kindergarten Substantial additional funding for equity This model recognizes reality and funds the actual cost of specific educational requirements

Changing Teaching Changes in teaching effectiveness are the most leveraged investments we can make Key Elements: Competitive Base Compensation Real Evaluation Extensive Mentoring Professional Development Recognition

Teaching – Compensation New compensation system for new teachers Set starting wages at competitive level Provide compensation increases as teachers demonstrate additional competence  Cease increased compensation based on degree attainment for teachers in the new system Recognize certification ( Residency, Professional, Master) Recognize additional responsibilities (mentoring) Regional and Hard to Staff Adjustments Refine and clarify appropriate use of TRI pay

Teaching – Evaluation, Certification, Mentoring New statewide evaluation and certification system  Research links quality teaching with better student learning Multiple measures of performance Structured mentoring program for new teachers  Trained and certified mentors  Operates through ESD network

Teaching: Incentives Focus on student learning in each school with a building-based bonus for achieving annual student learning goals (Growth Model) Provide current teachers with the option to move to the new system  Financially attractive  10 year deadline for eliminating old system

Equity “The Legislature shall provide a general and uniform system of public schools” Article 9, Section 2, Washington State Constitution  Provide significant additional resources for low- income and ELL students  Remove long-standing inequities: Eliminate grandfathering of teacher salaries Alter assumptions for administrative and classified staff Phase in a 30% levy lid and modernize levy equalization  Implement 3 year rolling average for enrollment

Accountability Provide financial accountability and spending transparency through a common, state-provided budgeting and accounting system. Improve data collection with a state provided information system benefit: enhance ability to link data to kids as they move Provide meaningful and timely information to teachers, students and parents through state provided diagnostic system. Create a coherent system of accountability through a tiered system of assistance and support.

New Resources Phase in over six years, by educational feature Fund a significant portion of the growth by taking a larger share of the natural growth of the state budget In time, return to 50% of general fund for K-12 education

Summary Promote reasonableness, transparency, and flexibility Base the financial model on concrete educational expenses Change teaching through evaluation, mentoring, professional development, and compensation Provide greater equity for students, schools, and taxpayers. Provide accountability through improved information and clarity of purpose