Top 6 Issues & other positions
Learn about our top 6 legislative priorities, as well as other supported issues, resolutions and our legislative principles.
Our 2012 legislative platform
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Improving basic education – This includes implementing and funding a new definition that emphasizes and supports college and career readiness and that improves the system of delivery, as laid out in
ESHB 2261 (passed 2009), and
SHB 2776 and
E2SSB 6696 (passed in 2010)
- Strengthening math and science education
- Literacy instruction – including phonological awareness
- Changing layoff policies to include more than just seniority
- Fund education first in the state budget process
- New, research-based model for teacher compensation that emphasizes rewarding teacher effectiveness in improving student learning.
The Top 6 priorities were all voted onto the platform in 2010.
ALSO SUPPORTED – ADDED IN 2010
ALSO SUPPORTED – ADDED IN 2011
- Adopt strategies to eliminate
achievement gaps and improve educational opportunities
- Increase access to
early learning and all-day kindergarten; improve transitions and supports pre-K to grade 3
- Eliminate barriers to K-12
highly capable programs
- Renew support for the federal
juvenile justice act and adopt strategies to improve our state system
- Drive innovation and accountability by allowing
public charter schools
- Create consistent
school speed zone and school warning signage across all districts, counties and cities
Every two years, Washington State PTA votes in a Top 5 and designates other issues that it considers timely. The association has numerous positions that support the well-being and education of all children and this process helps us focus our advocacy.
In the off years, adjustments can be made to the two-year platform, but the Top 5 stay in place.
A new platform will be voted on in October 2012.
WSPTA Top 5 History
– A list of platform issues through the years
How are we doing? A summary of the 2011 legislative session and status of our priority issues
Members weigh in: Searchable results for our 2011
Issues eSurvey. (Must have Excel to view)
Long-term vision, short-term priorities
All platform issues must align with: