Washington Blog

The legislative session has started! During session I will post weekly updates of how our legislative priorities are faring in the State House and Senate. This is the first in our series of Legislative Roll Calls, which you can sign up for here. 

Nate Silver's FiveThirtyEight recently took a look at Washington's class-size initiative.

Their question: Should states spend billions to reduce class sizes?

More specifically, they reviewed the reserach to determine whether class-size reduction is an effective way to improve public education and "whether it can be implemented in a way that justifies the hefty price tag."

For answers, they looked to Florida:

I had the great honor of attending a Stand University for Parents (“Stand UP”) class in Tacoma recently. When I walked into the classroom, I was greeted by 14 enthusiastic parents that were in the middle of a lively discussion.

What are Stand UP classes? Stand UP classes are not your typical parent meetings. Parents who attend Stand UP commit to a free 8-week parent leadership and engagement program where they learn what their kids are being taught in school, how to build relationships with teachers and principals, and how to advocate for their children at all levels.

“Does the Washington Charter School Act violate the Washington State Constitution?” That was the core legal question before the Washington Supreme Court yesterday.

The State of Washington and other public charter school advocates argued that Initiative 1240, which was approved by voters in 2012, is constitutional and that the law should be upheld.

At Stand, we agree. And here’s why: