• Today is Calendar Awareness Day

    by Caroline Brumfield | Sep 06, 2023


    Today is Calendar Awareness Day. No, you won’t find Calendar Awareness Day highlighted on your actual calendar. (Yes, that means we made it up.) But whatever day you’re reading this, we hope to make you more aware of four important calendar resources for school leaders.

    Events & Recognitions Calendar in AWSP’s Principal Matters: If you scroll down to the end of our Principal Matters e-newsletter (published on the second and fourth Mondays of each month), you’ll see that we added a new “Events & Recognitions Calendar” section this year. Important dates, holidays, and recognitions are highlighted for the current month and the month ahead. Many of the calendar items link to an outside page with more information or ideas. Check your inbox for the latest issue, or access the archives on our website.

    School Celebration Newsletter from Cindy Sholtys-Cromwell: Cindy Sholtys-Cromwell, Principal at Loowit High School and Kelso Virtual Academy (K-12) in Kelso School District, generously shares her monthly School Celebration newsletter with AWSP members. We turn her newsletter into blog posts each month that highlight fun holidays and celebrations such as National College Colors Day (Sept. 1), Read a Book Day (Sept. 6), and National Good Neighbor Day (Sept. 28). Her posts include quick, easy-to-implement ideas for school leaders. Subscribe to our blog so you don’t miss a post.

    The AWSP Surthrival Guide: No, that’s not a typo. “Surthrival” is a cross between surviving and thriving, where school leaders tend to find themselves on most days. Our AWSP Member Handbook contains a Surthrival Guide (also known as a calendar of monthly suggestions for principals and assistant principals) divided into sections: Things to Consider, AWSP’s Great 8, Student Leadership (AWSL), and Calendar Items. For example, the September page suggests meeting with the ASB coordinator and student council for the beginning of school activities, and registering for fall student leadership events.

    Chat GPT for writing and planning recognition activities. Did you know you can use Chat GPT to help you generate ideas or write content around school holidays and recognitions? Try typing in things like “write a message honoring the hard work of our custodian for National Custodian Day” or “make a list of ideas for celebrating Veterans Day at an elementary school.”

    These calendar resources are just one small way we aim to grow, support, and sustain school leaders this year so you are better equipped to serve your students.

    We hope your Calendar Awareness Day is a great one!

  • A Welcome Back Message from Dr. Scott Seaman

    by Caroline Brumfield | Sep 05, 2023

     

    (Prefer to watch? Check out the same welcome back message on YouTube.)

    Hello to all of you amazing school leaders! Welcome back to what is already shaping up to be an incredible school year. 

    At AWSP, we’ve had a busy summer continuing to “Shine the Light” on our most robust advocacy campaign ever. The role principals and assistant principals play in the system is critical. We won’t rest until everyone is paying attention to your needs as school leaders across the state. From working conditions to due process, to more protections, to compensation, to respectful contracts, to respect in general, and to more support, we are shining the light on you. 

    The results from our recent statewide survey were clear: you love the impact of your job but also recognize the demands and workload are unrealistic. This has to change. While you focus on creating the best schools in the world, we’ll continue to work on improving your working conditions and expectations, with both short-term solutions to release pressure and long-term solutions to increase the pipeline and make the job more sustainable.

    On behalf of the entire team here at AWSP, we would like to remind you of all the ways we are here for you. I just shared some of our advocacy efforts, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the support and resources your membership provides. We’re only a tap, click, or phone call away. You need individual support or assistance? Just call. You want powerful, relevant professional learning? just call. You want us to come provide training for all of the principals and assistant principals in your district…plus those who evaluate you? Just call. You want help with school culture and developing your leadership team? Just call. You want tools to help create relationships and authentic student voice? Just call. You want to join a network with colleagues walking the same journey as you? Just call. Want to get more involved with AWSP, your professional association? Please give us a call.

    Whether it’s professional learning or professional support, we are here for you. Don’t ever hesitate to pick up the phone or send us an email. We are all things principal and assistant support through AWSP. We are all things student programs and support through AWSL. We are Outdoor Schools Washington. And we are the Cispus Learning Center. We’ve got you and your students covered. We are ready to walk with you this upcoming school year, no matter the want or need.

    As you embark on the year ahead, don’t ever forget your impact as a leader. Your leadership matters. Your impact is forever. Because of you, the lives of students, staff, and your community will be changed forever. Go big this year. Make it happen, and reach out to us for anything. 

    From all of us here at AWSP, AWSL, Cispus, and Outdoor Schools Washington, keep up the great work for kids and have an awesome year!

  • School Celebration Newsletter | September 2023 Edition

    by David Morrill | Aug 28, 2023

     

    Celebrations

    Welcome To September

    Welcome to the September 2023 edition of the "School Celebration Newsletter."

    September is a critical month to keep yourself reminded of the goals you set this summer. Are you getting enough sleep? Are you eating healthy most of the time? Are you getting exercise and taking timeouts from electronics? It is so important for all educators to make time this month and do something to charge their batteries. I want to challenge you to make a musical playlist for yourself to listen to on your drive home to help reset your mind from work to family time. What will be your go-to song?

    In this month's edition, you will find so many fun and easy-to-implement ideas. Choose a couple and use them to bring some fun and joy to your school. I am an email away if there is anything I can do to support your work, and please send me a picture of your celebrations @sholtys. Take care and be well.


     

    A Few of My September Favorites

    picture of CWU logo next to a picture of fortune cookies next to a picture of a warm latte in a mug


    September Days to Get Excited About

    September 1 |  National College Colors Day | What a great way to bring in some fun for your staff and celebrate higher education no matter the level of your school. Encourage staff to wear college, military, or trade school attire. Wear something from your Alma Mater (I will be wearing #wildcatforlife). If you are an AVID school make sure you take a staff picture to use in your spring report.

    September 4 | Labor Day | Please take the day to rest; no work today!

    September 5 | National Cheese Pizza Day | Do an online poll to see what your students choose as their favorite pizza. Teachers can use the information to teach or enrich graphing skills to students based on the data.

    September 6 | Read A Book Day | A great day to promote literacy with your students. Read in classrooms, at lunch, a Facebook live, create a staff-recommended section of books in your library, or make a poster for staff to write in their current reads.

    September 8 | National Actors Day | Another simple idea to incorporate with your staff. Make a chart in your staff room with post-its for staff to write their favorite character on. AND if you have a theater program/club/class, CELEBRATE these amazing students today!

    September 12 | National Day of Encouragement; National High 5 Day, AND National Video Games Day | This is a ridiculous day of SO much goodness. High 5 your students every opportunity!! Provide note cards for staff and students to write words of encouragement for each other. AND if you have an esports team, CELEBRATE these awesome kids and program today!!

    September 13 | Fortune Cookie Day | Pass out fortune cookies to staff today.

    September 14 | National Coloring Day | Have a coloring competition for staff and/or students. Did you know they have coloring books designed for teachers and those of us in education? (Heads up--Check the appropriateness ahead of time) There are also some great adult coloring books to help with emotional regulation. I had placed several of those books in my staff room last year, and the feedback was awesome. Don't forget the good crayons though! You could easily create a slide show of the final products for social media.

    September 15 | National Linguine Day | Help your staff answer the dreaded "what are we having for dinner tonight?"

    September 18 | National Cheeseburger Day | A couple of ideas for this one: have students or staff design the perfect cheeseburger or have staff/students identify who makes the best cheeseburger. They could incorporate the information into a graphing or geography activity.

    September 19 | Talk Like A Pirate Day | Need I say MORE???

    September 20 | National String Cheese Day | What a great snack to share today if you have a treat wagon.

    September 22 Hobbit Day | Use quotes from this classic story throughout the day and have your staff guess which character said it for door prizes AND it is also National Ice Cream Cone Day Not a fan of the Hobbit? Well, it is also the day to eat an ice cream cone!! Purchase ice cream drumsticks and pass them out today.

    September 25 | National Comic Book Day | Share comics online, in your school bulletin, and post around your campus (don't forget the bathroom stalls). This will bring some much-needed laughter today AND

    September 25 | National One-hit Wonder Day | Music trivia, anyone??

    September 26 | National Pancake Day | I love days that I can meet and break bread with my staff. As staff to join you at a restaurant this morning to celebrate pancakes. (Everyone pays their own way) OR ask your PTO or a Booster club to help sponsor a pancake feed before school.

    September 27 | World Tourism Day | This could be a great entry activity or exit slip for your staff to share or simply utilize a question board in your staff room. Ask staff if they could travel anywhere on earth free of charge where would they go?

    September 28 | National Good Neighbor Day | Have students do an act of kindness for their neighbor today or write a brief note of encouragement/appreciation to a local neighborhood business that supports their school or sports league AND National Strawberry Cream Pie Day No explanation needed on this one.

    September 29 | National Coffee Day | Coffee bar in the staff room and bring all of the fall creamers you can find at your local grocery store.


    photo of cindy Cromwell
    Cindy Sholtys-Cromwell

    Principal, Loowit High School and Kelso Virtual Academy (K-12)
    Kelso School District

    Cindy is in her 23rd year as a school administrator. She is currently the principal of Kelso Virtual Academy and Loowit Alternative High School within the Kelso School District in Kelso, Washington. Cindy has been recognized by the National Association of Secondary School Principals as the 2021 National Digital Principal of the Year. She has two teenagers and has been married to her husband, Leszek, for 23 years. Find her on Twitter @sholtys.

  • Help Protect Students from Losing Medicaid Coverage

    by David Morrill | Aug 28, 2023

     

    wooden family on a desk with a heart and stethoscope


    Ensuring children have health insurance coverage to keep them safe and healthy is critical. About half of the nation’s children are covered by Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). However, students across the country who rely on this coverage for health insurance right now risk losing it due to the ending of the public health emergency. Schools can play a key role in ensuring that doesn’t happen.

    Since the pandemic’s public health emergency began in March 2020, children and families enrolled in Medicaid have not been required to complete renewal paperwork to stay covered. This continuous coverage ended April 1, 2023, and states have resumed reviewing eligibility for all people enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP to ensure they still qualify.

    During this process, known as the “unwinding,” it is estimated that over 5 million children are at risk of losing their health insurance coverage despite most of them continuing to be eligible for Medicaid or CHIP. It’s estimated that the uninsured rate for children could easily more than double unless we take action.

    Kaiser Permanente, as well as other healthcare providers, are working to ensure individuals covered by Medicaid and CHIP do not lose coverage. Our resources on kp.org/staycovered and this Medicaid redetermination explanation video support partners in their efforts to keep eligible individuals covered.

    Schools are one of those partners and can play a key role in supporting students and their families in maintaining and enrolling in coverage. School staff and district administrators are some of the most consistent, trusted messengers with established methods of communicating critical information to families.

    Here are some important resources to learn more:

    1. Informational webinars and resources on the HCA End of Public Health Emergency (PHE) website.
    2. General information and links to resources: kp.org/staycovered
    3. Medicaid redetermination explanation video (3:45)
    4. Medicaid Unwinding Toolkit from The School Superintendents Association (AASA)
    5. Kaiser Permanente's Blog on Protecting Students from Losing Medicaid Coverage

    You are welcome and encouraged to use these resources even if you don’t have Kaiser Permanente in your area. If you have further questions, contact Jill Patnode, Senior Community Health Manager, Kaiser Permanente of Washington.

  • Looking for Amazing Juniors and Seniors for the United States Senate Youth Program

    by David Morrill | Aug 25, 2023

     

    Each year, the William Randolph Hearst Foundation awards two high school juniors or seniors from each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia with an all-expense-paid, week-long tour of Washington, DC, and a $10,000 scholarship as part of the United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP). In Washington state, AWSP administers the program in conjunction with AWSL.

    Please encourage students to apply if they are qualified to submit an application!

    Qualified high school juniors or seniors must show demonstrated leadership by serving in elected or appointed positions in which they are actively representing or have previously represented a constituency in organizations related to student government, education, public affairs, and community service. They must be actively serving in qualified leadership positions, enrolled in high school, and living in the state that they will represent for the entire 2023 – 2024 academic year. All student leadership positions are subject to the judgment and verification of the state selection administrators. Students must be a citizen or permanent resident in possession of a green card at time of application.

    For more information about the United States Senate Youth Program, see the program brochure, the 2023 program press release, or visit their website.


    2023-2024 Dates

    • Sept 22: Applications Due
    • Sept 23-Oct 6: Review Applications and Select Finalists
    • Week of Oct 9: Notify Finalists
    • Nov 3: Materials from Finalists Due
    • Nov 9: Interview Finalists (Virtual)
    • Dec 1: Winners Notified
    • March 2-9, 2024: Washington D.C. Week

    How to Apply

    For the 2023-2024 school year, applicants must complete:

    • The digital USSYP Application
    • The activities resume
    • A letter of recommendation from their activity adviser
    • A 250-word essay on a significant leadership trait

    Completed materials should be sent to Julie Woods by 4:00 pm on September 22, 2023.


    Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee, and then the committee will select up to 15 finalists who will participate in the final selection process via Zoom on November 9, 2023. Finalists must be available on this day in order to participate. The Washington state winners will be announced in early December. These two winners will join other state winners for a week in Washington, D.C., in March 2024. Winners must be able to attend all days of this Washington Week.

     

    Please get in touch with Julie Woods at AWSP or James Layman at AWSL if you have questions.

  • Creating a Workforce Wellness Committee: Workshop on August 23

    by Julie Woods | Aug 14, 2023

     

    School employees that are mentally healthy are our most valuable resource for creating safe and supportive learning environments. Creating a culture of health and well-being is critical at this time. Join Kaiser Permanente’s Workforce Health team and the Alliance for a Healthier Generation to learn about the essential first steps in creating an impactful and sustainable wellness committee to support a healthy workforce and compliance with RCW 28A.400.009

    Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and engage the experts in developing strategies to support a workforce wellness committee.  All resources shared are available at no cost to Washington school districts from Kaiser Permanente. This webinar is designed for K-12 school district administrators, educators, and staff. 

    Register today on pdEnroller 

    The workshop will take place virtually on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, from 4-5 pm. 

    Questions? Contact KPWA.WFH@kp.org

  • School Celebration Newsletter | August 2023 Edition

    by Julie Woods | Aug 14, 2023

    HAPPY NEW YEAR

    Happy New School Year, friends!! I have been honored over the last several months to have met so many principals throughout our country. To those of you joining this newsletter after the NASSP #Ignite Conference in Denver--Welcome!!! If you are a regular subscriber, thank you for continuing to be a part of my work!! Most of us are just beginning our school year this August, and it is my hope you will find this School Celebration Newsletter Edition helpful as you begin to plan. I have included a list of some of my favorite August days along with simple suggestions for celebrations that you can EASILY incorporate into the beginning of the school year. I wish you a successful start this new year. Be well, and as always, let me know how I can support your educational journey. Cindy

    Dates with images

    AUGUST DAYS TO CELEBRATE

    August 1National Spider-Man Day--Have staff or students post their favorite Super Hero on your school's social media account--bonus points for dressing up. Or utilize a BIG “Post It” in your staff room with the question, “Who is your favorite Super Hero?” and ask staff to write their answer on the board.

    August 2National Ice Cream Sandwich Day--What a great afternoon treat for staff!

    August 2 |  is also National Coloring Book Day--Find a fun picture to kick off the school year (either positive quotes or pictures) and provide copies of it along with colored pencils or crayons for staff to color and then add them to a staff bulletin board.

    August 3National Watermelon Day --Have you ever had a watermelon seed-spitting competition? Who can spit the seed the farthest? Or use social media and ask your students/staff the best way to eat a watermelon....cubes, triangles, or do you just attack it by cutting it in half and grabbing a spoon? Prefer to add salt or just plain?

    August 4 National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day--Pick up some cookies on the way to school to share with staff. AND August 4 is also National Water Balloon Day - Why not end the school day with a fun water balloon toss competition amongst staff or during recess with students? HINT: Use the Bunch O’Baloons that allow you to rapid fill and seal. They are AWESOME—no more one-at-a-time filling stations

    August 9National Book Lover's Day--Ask staff to share a picture reading a favorite book in a favorite place. Let's encourage our students to read by modeling!! Or make a collage of the top books checked out of your school library last year. OR use the Big Post-It idea and ask staff to write a book they recommend and a sentence to describe it.

    August 10National Smore Day--You can be creative with this one depending upon accessibility. You could make a to-go bag for staff to use at their next campfire.

    August 15National Relaxation Day--Encourage your staff to participate in this very important day before the students show up (in whatever capacity). Make sure YOU are also participating!!

    August 16National Tell A Joke Day-- Choose a fun joke and send a video out to your staff or families to join you in celebrating this great day. We all could use a giggle in mid-August! Or grab a knock-knock joke book and tell fun jokes during passing times and lunches!!

    August 24National Waffle Day- Have you thought about asking staff to join you for breakfast this morning? Everyone pays their own check, BUT it will be a great way to kick off the day no matter how many staff show up. Be on the lookout for restaurant discounts today.

    August 25National Banana Split Day--It's a dessert kinda day.

    August 30National Beach Day--Make it a Hawaiian shirt dress-up day and head over to the Dollar Tree and pick up some Hawaiian Leis or coconut cups. You could also purchase the little drink umbrellas and provide staff with infused iced water (cucumber, mint, oranges, or other fun additions). As staff fill up a glass of these healthy cool drinks and add the little umbrella so they can pretend to be at the beach. Another fun idea would be to bring in some lawn chairs into your staff room to spice things up a bit.

    August 31National Trail Mix Day--You could easily go to Costco or the local grocery store and pick up individual trail mix bags to pass out to your staff. Add a note that says, "Where ever this trail takes us, we are in it together," OR Celebrate National Eat Outside Day and encourage class picnics.

    Cindy is in her 23rd year as a school administrator. She is currently the principal of Kelso Virtual Academy and Loowit Alternative High School within the Kelso School District in Kelso, Washington. Cindy has been recognized by the National Association of Secondary School Principals as the 2021 National Digital Principal of the Year. She has two teenagers and has been married to her husband, Leszek, for 23 years. Find her on Twitter @sholtys.
  • Required Government-to-Government Training Dates Available

    by David Morrill | Aug 07, 2023

    New Administrator Certification Requirements Related to Government-to-Government Relationships with Federally Recognized Tribes


    House Bill 1426 passed in 2021 and it requires that administrators who renew their administrator certificate on or after July 1, 2023 must complete a five-hour Government-to-Government Relationships Training. Administrators also need to complete 10 clock hours related to leadership standards and 10 clock hours related to equity before renewing their certificates. 

    This new Government to Government Relationships training includes:

    • A Brief History of Tribal People in Washington State​  

    • Identifying Native Students in Public Schools​  

    • Agents of Change: School Leadership Behaviors and Dispositions​  

    • Creation of Government-to-Government Systems​  

    For more information on this new requirement, here are some resources.

    Current training dates and locations are listed below. There should be more options available throughout the 2023-24 school year. These links take you to pdEnroller.

    Contact Emme Williamson at OSPI if you have questions. 

  • Carlos Gonzalez is Our 2023 Annalee Braley Membership Award Winner

    by David Morrill | Jul 31, 2023

     

    Annalee Award

    Othello School District Principal Gives Back to AWSP and Embodies a Spirit of Service

    photo of Carlos Gonzalezrd

    Carlos Gonzalez

    OLYMPIA –– The Association of Washington School Principals is honored to present AWSP member and friend Carlos Gonzalez as the second-ever Annalee Braley Membership Award winner. Carlos is the principal at McFarland Middle School in the Othello School District.

    The Annalee Braley Membership Award was created in 2022 to honor the memory of former AWSP Membership Coordinator Annalee Braley, who passed away tragically and unexpectedly in September 2021. Annalee started at AWSP when she was just 19 years old and was about to cross over to 32 years of service at AWSP in various roles. Annalee was one of the biggest reasons AWSP has the strongest membership in the country year after year.

    Carlos Gonzalez embodies everything that AWSP represents. His passion for being the best leader he can be and serving kids shines through in everything he does. He's humble, kind, puts what is best for others before his own needs, and has truly dedicated himself to the kids in his school.

    Not only does he work tirelessly to serve McFarland’s students and staff, but he gives back and contributes to AWSP and the principalship across the state. Carlos has served on our Professional Learning Advisory Council, represented AWSP as the chair of the AWSP/WASA Summer Conference, was an active AWSP-trained mentor this past year, and has testified on multiple bills before the Legislature.

    A product of the Othello School District after graduating from Othello High School in 1995, he is entering his 22nd year in education. This will be his second year as principal of McFarland Middle School. After Gonzalez was named the principal of McFarland, Othello Superintendent Pete Perez said, “He has a hunger for the work. He’s not afraid of it. You look for someone who has the hunger and desire…this job is difficult. It’s the right time for him and for the school. I’m excited for what’s going to happen for the kids at McFarland.”

    It's because of his hunger and desire to improve outcomes for others that he is our 2023 Annalee Braley Membership Award Winner.

  • Rep. Monica Stonier Wins AWSP’s 2023 Torch of Leadership Award

    by David Morrill | Jul 31, 2023

    Torch of Leadership Award header


    Vancouver-Area Legislator Played A Key Role In Many Education Bills


    Rep. Monica Stonier

    Representative Stonier currently serves as the House Majority Floor Leader and leads her caucus on several key issues like labor and workers’ rights, public education, health care access for children, financial literacy education, and portable benefits for Washington workers of our future. She serves on the House Appropriations, Education, Health Care & Wellness, and Rules Committees and is the first person of color to serve in 17th and the 49th legislative districts in Clark County.

    Some of her successes include garnering bipartisan support for key education bills, including Breakfast After the Bell, de-linking passage of the state test for high school graduation and adding a performance pathway, and expanding healthcare access for students in school-based healthcare centers. She also played an important role in framing and amending SB 5175 to describe how optional three-year contracts might be used to support school principals.

    Professionally, Rep. Stonier still works as an instructional coach in Evergreen Public Schools. She is currently focused on ensuring that students who receive special services also have access to their legally protected experiences in the general education setting and making sure they have the supports they need to be successful. Politically, Rep. Stonier is known for her steadfast advocacy for issues of justice and for working across the aisle to serve the state of Washington best. Her nearly two decades of experience in public education as a middle school teacher, instructional coach, and professional development provider serves as a foundational experience for her belief that equitable access to high-quality education is the key equalizer for the challenges we face today.

    Rep. Stonier graduated from Kentridge High School, earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology, her teaching certificate from Western Washington University, and her master’s degree from Washington State University Vancouver. She is proud of her Hispanic-American and Japanese-American roots, especially of her Japanese-American uncles who fought in the 442nd Go For Broke Infantry in WWII.

    She and her husband, Brandon, have been married since 2001 and have two children. She enjoys the outdoors, coaching youth sports, reading, cheering for her kids on the soccer field, and spending time with her family and friends.

    Download the press release as a PDF.

  • Ann Gray Wins AWSP’s 2023 President’s Award

    by David Morrill | Jul 31, 2023


    President's Award

    Gray and team help current and future principals in partnership with AWSP


    Ann Gray

    OLYMPIA –– Each year, the AWSP Board President selects someone to receive the AWSP President’s Award. The award goes to someone who is a relentless advocate for principals and assistant principals, and the principalship, in the education of each and every student (our AWSP mission). This year, 2022-23 AWSP Board President Brent Osborn, principal at Lakeside High School in the Nine Mile Falls School District, selected Ann Gray. She is the Associate Director of Educator Effectiveness in the Educator Growth and Development division at the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).

    Gray worked hard this year to support many AWSP programs, including the AWSP Leadership Framework, our principal mentoring program, and the leadership intern grant. In addition to supporting those programs, she was a member of AWSP's Student Growth Goals Workgroup. The group met several times this past school year to update the student growth goals for the state evaluation system.

    Before her current role, Gray was a Leadership Development Coordinator/Principal Induction and Support Building Principal in Seattle Public Schools and a Director of Project Implementation/Principal in Federal Way Public Schools. More recently, she’s worked for the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe as an elementary principal, as program manager for the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, and as the assistant principal of a dual language school in the Shelton School District.

    With the help of Ann and her team, current and future principals and assistant principals will be better equipped. Her work aligns with AWSP's effort to grow, support, and sustain principals and the principalship.

  • Revised Edition of the Washington Youth Activities Guide for Air Quality

    by David Morrill | Jul 17, 2023

     

    DOH block logo with the words Washington State Department of Health

    The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has released a revised edition of the Washington Children and Youth Activities Guide for Air Quality.    

    For more than six months, DOH has worked alongside stakeholders to create improved guidance that will benefit children when air quality is compromised.

    The revised guide is now available on DOH’s Smoke from Fires Took Kit Page

    In addition to the many improvements to the guide, there are three specific changes to highlight: 

    • Improved clarity to “activity duration” to make the recommendations more generally applicable to the broad range of children and youth outdoor activities. This now includes activities over 4 hours.

    • DOH’s recommendation is to consider canceling outdoor activities of 1-4 hours in duration at Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (AQI 101-150), which includes all children and youth ages 18 and under, and cancel outdoor activities of all durations at Unhealthy (AQI 151-200) unless they can be moved to safer air quality. There are additional options to modify the intensity level or duration of activities.

    • Detailed information is now included on indoor/outdoor air quality monitoring with low-cost sensors.

    DOH is currently working to translate the guide into Spanish, Russian, and Somali.

    If you have any questions, please email the DOH air quality team at airquality@doh.wa.gov.

  • New Partnership, New Survey, Same Mission

    by David Morrill | Jun 12, 2023

     

    Strategies 360 logo and AWSP logo

    Why Another Survey? Why Now?

    We know, we know…hundreds of you just completed a survey this winter for us about your job satisfaction and working conditions. Why are we back again with another one? We’ve partnered with Strategies 360, one of the west coast’s leading government relations and communications firms, to help us grow, support, and sustain the principalship.

    This survey will help us understand what our members need from us, and prioritize the most impactful policies to pursue. The questions align with the Wallace Foundation's Principal Pipeline Sustainability Guide. ​​​​​This guide explains what it takes to sustain an effective principal pipeline and provides tools to help school district teams keep the pipeline going.

    Take the Survey


    Survey Details

    We've got a quick, under two-minute video with Scott and Roz talking a little more about the survey, which should take about 12 minutes.

    The deadline to complete the survey is July 3rd.

    Like previous surveys, your answers will be anonymous and confidential and will not be shared with anyone. AWSP will not know your personal opinions and your name will not be associated with your answers in any way. If you have any questions about this survey, please email surveyhelp@strategies360.com.


    Hear From Scott and Roz

  • Retirement & Health Benefits for May 19, 2023

    by Julie Woods | May 31, 2023


    Retirement Blog

     

    Let your work speak for itself: If poor, it will remain silent. If average, it will whisper.

    If good, it will talk. If great, it will shout.”

    Matshona Dhliwayo

    Session has concluded, and the Governor has acted. Below is a brief summary of pension, health care, and other benefit legislation that will impact school districts, present and future retirees. The following is a summary of approved legislative actions that affect present employees, districts, future retirees and present retirees. The work continues...


    Retirement Related Proposals

    SHB 1007: Concerning interruptive military service credit for members of the state retirement systems.

    Comment: The definition of "period of war" is expanded for veterans' benefits in state pension systems, legal assistance, scoring criteria on civil service exams, and other programs to include any armed conflicts where an expeditionary medal was awarded. Members that retired prior to the effective date of this act will have their retirement benefits adjusted retroactively.

    The Governor signed the bill. Effective 7/23/2023.

    HB 1008: Concerning participating in insurance plans and contracts by separated Plan 2 members of certain retirement systems.

    Comment: It allows certain individuals who separate from a position covered by the Public Employees', School Employees', and Teachers' Retirement System Plans 2, without retiring, the opportunity to participate in retiree benefits of the Public Employees' Benefits Board.

    This bill has been signed by the Governor and is effective 1/1/2024.

    SHB 1056: Repealing some postretirement employment restrictions.

    Comment:Changes the postretirement employment restrictions on benefits eligibility for Public Employees' Retirement System, Teachers Retirement System, and School Employees Retirement System Plans 2 and 3 members that retired under the 2008 Early Retirement Factors (ERFs). • Permits 2008 ERF members to work in retirement system–covered employment for up to 867 hours per year without suspension of retirement benefits. • Adjusts benefits for individuals that chose the 3 percent per year early retirement reduction to the level of reduction in the 2008 ERFs for future benefit payments.

    The Senate adopted a striker with an amendment that reads: Removes the recalculation of retirement benefits for retirees that were eligible to take a 2008 early retirement factor but took a higher reduction in benefits so that they could return to work.”

    The Governor signed the bill, effective 1/1/2024.

    ESHB 1222: Requiring coverage for hearing instruments.

    Comment: A health carrier offering a large group health plan and health plans offered to public employees and their covered dependents must include coverage for hearing instruments, except for OTC hearing instruments. The coverage must include the hearing instrument, the initial assessment, fitting, adjustment, auditory training, and ear molds, as necessary, to maintain optimal fit. A health carrier and health plan offered to public employees must provide coverage for hearing instruments at no less than $3,000 per ear with hearing loss every 36 months. Effective 1/1/2024.

    The Governor signed the bill, effective 7/23/2023.

    SHB 1804: Concerning eligibility for participation in the public employees' benefits board for retired or disabled employees of counties, municipalities, and other political subdivisions.

    Comment: The retirees of local government employers, counties, municipalities, or other political subdivisions that ceased participating in the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) health benefits program for active employees are permitted to continue to purchase retiree coverage from the PEBB program. Medicare-eligible retirees from local government employers who have ceased participation must purchase the coverage without the explicit subsidy provided in the state biennial operating budget.

    The Governor signed the bill, effective 5/4/2023.

    SSB 5275: Expanding access to benefits provided by the school employees' benefits board.

    Comment: Allows tribal compact schools, employee organizations representing school employees, and school board directors the option of providing health care through the School Employees Benefits Board through SEBB beginning January 1, 2024. Employers opting into coverage under SEBB may determine the terms of employee and dependent eligibility and must pay premiums set by HCA.

    Passed House 97/0. The Governor signed the bill on 3/30/23, effective 1/1/2024. The HCA will be reaching out to eligible parties prior to that date with information. HCA has a projected start date for rule development beginning 9/1/2023.

    ESSB 5294: Concerning actuarial funding of state retirement systems.

    Comment: The existing minimum UAAL (Unfunded Liability) rates end after fiscal year 2023. The following UAAL contribution rates are established for TRS/PERS 1:

    TRS 1:      FY 2024  0.5%      FY 2025 0.5%    FY 2026 0.0%     FY 2027  0.0%

    PERS 1:   FY 2024  2.0%      FY  2025 2.0%   FY 2026 1.5%     FY 2027   0.5% 

    The Governor signed the bill, effective 6/20/2023.

    SB 5350: Providing a benefit increase to certain retirees of the public employees' retirement system plan 1 and the teachers' retirement system plan 1.

    Comment: A one-time, 3 percent benefit increase is provided to PERS plan 1 and TRS plan 1 retirees up to a maximum of $110 per month. The benefit increase goes into effect on July 1, 2023. To be eligible for the increase the member must be retired on or before July 1, 2022. This increase only applies to members that are not receiving a minimum benefit. The Select Committee on Pension Policy is directed to study and recommend an ongoing COLA for plan 1 retirees. The recommendation must consider employer contribution rate stability and coordinate the effective date with the reduction or elimination of the unfunded actuarial accrued liability.

    One additional positive assist to the budget is adjustments to pension contribution rates. SB 5294, as adopted, reduces contribution rates for the Unfunded Liability in the Public Employees’ Retirement System (PERS) Plan 1 and the Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS) Plan 1. This is helpful for local governments, including school districts—AND it provides an $804 million savings for the state in 2023–25 (and projected to grow to $1.9 billion over the next five years). SB 5294 also reduces (from $800 million to $250 million) a scheduled early payment into the Teacher Retirement System Plan 1. This saves another $550 million.

    The Governor signed the bill, effective 7/1/2023.

    SSB 5490: Concerning health care coverage for retired or disabled employees denied coverage for failure to timely notify the authority of their intent to defer coverage.

    Comment: A retired or disabled employee who was eligible to defer coverage when they left employment but failed to do so and later applied for retiree coverage and was denied solely for failure to notify HCA of their plan to defer coverage, and appealed the denial of benefits by December 31, 2022, may enroll in retiree health care. A retired or disabled employee enrolling in benefits may only enroll in a fully insured Medicare Advantage or Medicare supplement plan. A retiree taking advantage of this provision must apply by the end of the open enrollment period for the plan year beginning January 1, 2024.

    The Governor signed the bill. Effective 3/30/2023.


    Other Areas of Potential Fiscal Impact (and often unfunded) to Districts

    SHB 1068: Concerning injured workers' rights during compelled medical examinations.

    Comment: Allows an injured worker to make an audio and video recording of an independent medical examination, and to have one person of the worker's choosing present during the examination.

    This bill was amended, then approved by the Senate. One adopted amendment reads, “Requires (1) the worker to provide seven calendar days' notice to the entity scheduling the exam that the independent medical exam will be recorded and (2) the department of labor and industries to adopt rules to define the notification process. Another adopted amendment reads, “Removes the prohibition on recording neuropsychological exams. Prohibits the worker from materially altering the recording or posting it to social media.”

    The Governor signed the bill. Effective 7/23/2023.

    ESHB 1106: Concerning qualifications for unemployment insurance when an individual voluntarily leaves work.

    Comment: Expands access to unemployment insurance benefits by adding circumstances where a person may voluntarily quit for a good cause. Senate adopted amendments expands access to unemployment insurance (UI) benefits by adding circumstances where a person may voluntarily quit for good cause and requires a report to the legislature regarding UI claims related to benefits for separations from employment because of inaccessible care for a child or vulnerable adult. Another adopted amendment provides that benefits paid because care for a child or vulnerable adult in the claimant's care is inaccessible shall not be charged to the experience rating account of any contribution paying employer.

    The Governor signed the bill. Effective 7/23/2023.

    ESHB 1187: Concerning privileged communication between employees and the unions that represent them.

    Comment: Creates a privilege from examination and disclosure for a union representative and a union employee concerning any communication between the union representative or union employee made during union representation and creates exceptions to this privilege. • Applies the privilege from examination and disclosure to the union members and organizations that represent employees of college districts, employees of school districts, public employees, faculty at public four-year institutions of higher education, civil service employees, ferry employees, port employees, and labor unions.

    The Governor signed the bill, effective 7/23/2023.

    SHB 1200: Requiring public employers to provide employee information to exclusive bargaining representatives.

    Comment: The bill requires certain public employers to provide exclusive bargaining representatives employee information, such as contact information, date of hire, salary, and jobsite location, of employees in bargaining units if the employer has that information in its records. It allows an exclusive bargaining representative to bring a court action if a public employer fails to comply with the requirement to provide information.

    The Governor signed the bill, effective 7/23/2023.

    EHB 1210: Concerning the recording of school board meetings.

    Comment: Requires all school district board meetings to be audio recorded, subject to exceptions for executive sessions and emergencies, with recordings kept for one year. • Specifies that a public records request for recordings of meetings of a school district board of directors must include the date of the meetings requested or a range of dates. • Encourages school districts to make the content of school board of directors meetings available in formats accessible to individuals who need communication assistance and in languages other than English.

    The Governor signed the bill 4/13/2023, effective 6/30/24.

    SHB 1217: Concerning wage complaints.

    Comment: For all wage complaints filed on or after January 1, 2024, if the Department offers the employer the option to resolve the complaint without a citation and NOA, and the employer accepts the offer, any settlement must include interest of 1 percent per month on amounts owed. The employee may request a waiver or reduction of interest as part of the settlement process.

    The Governor signed the bill, effective 7/23/2023.

    SHB 1521: Concerning the duties of industrial insurance self-insured employers and third-party administrators.

    Comment: This bill specifies that self-insured employers and third-party administrators have a duty of good faith and fair dealing to workers with respect to all aspects of workers' compensation. • Requires the Department of Labor and Industries to enforce the duty of good faith and fair dealing. • • Provides penalties for violations of this duty. One adopted amendment reads, “Provides that nothing be interpreted as allowing a private cause of action outside of the original jurisdiction of the Department to assess penalties and rights to appeal.” Another adopted amendment reads, “Limits the duty of good faith and fair dealing and related penalties to self-insured municipal employers and their third-party administrators.”

    The Governor signed the bill, effective 7/1/2024.

    HB 1656: Concerning unemployment insurance benefits appeal procedures.

    Comment: This bill streamlines UI benefits appeals when there is no challenge to eligibility. It eliminates provisions stating that during a UI appeal, all issues related to a claimant’s eligibility for waiting period credit or UI benefits are considered, regardless of the reasons in the notice of appeal. It also eliminates the claimant’s work availability from being assessed independently of other matters. It will also simplify for the employer the once complicated and time-consuming task of benefit appeals. (Summary provided by Washington Retail Association)

    It was signed by the Governor, effective 7/23/2023.

    SB 5084: Creating a separate fund for the purposes of self-insured pensions and assessments.

    Comment: Creates a self-insurance reserve fund for payments from self-insured employers related to workers' compensation pensions and from the overpayments reimbursement fund.

    The Governor signed the bill. Effective dates vary by Section of bill. Section 14, July 1, 2023. Section 15 expires July 1, 2021. Section 16, July 1, 2021. Section 17, July 1, 2025.

    ESSB 5123: Concerning the employment of individuals who lawfully consume cannabis.

    Comment: This bill was amended by the House. It prohibits employers, with some exceptions, from discriminating against a person in hiring if the discrimination is based on the person's use of cannabis outside of work or on certain employer-required drug screening tests. The House amended the bill to excludes from the bill persons seeking positions: • with a general authority law enforcement agency; Senate Bill Report - 3 - ESSB 5123 • with a fire department, fire protection district, or regional fire protection service authority; • as a position as a first responder; and • as a position as a corrections officer. It also codifies the underlying bill in chapter 49.94 RCW, rather than chapter 49.44 RCW, subjecting its provisions to enforcement by the Attorney General and other limitations provided under the Fair Chance Act.

    The Governor signed the bill, effective 1/1/2024.

    SSB 5127: Clarifying school districts' ability to redact personal information related to a student.

    Comment: Creates a new exemption to the Public Records Act for personal information in any records pertaining to a student currently or previously enrolled in a local education agency.

    The Governor signed the bill, effective 7/23/2023.

    ESSB 5217: Concerning the state's ability to regulate certain industries and risk classes to prevent musculoskeletal injuries and disorders.

    Comment: This bill repeals the law prohibiting the Department of Labor and Industries (Department) from adopting rules related to ergonomics or musculoskeletal disorders. • Provides limitations on the adoption of new rules, including allowing rules only for industries or risk classifications where compensable claims involved musculoskeletal injuries and disorders that are at a rate greater than two times the overall state claim rate for these types of injuries and disorders over a recent five-year period. • Requires the Department to: (1) identify industries and risk classifications most likely to be selected for rulemaking; (2) review and report certain claims data; and (3) consider certain factors during • Allows the Department to provide funding to certain employers to purchase additional equipment and requires up to three additional ergonomists to provide consultation to certain employers. Provides that no rule may be effective prior to July 1, 2026. (6) Modifies the review of claims data to data identified as compensable claims over the five-calendar year period that ended two calendar years before the report is published. Requires L&I to provide up to three additional ergonomists, funded from the accident and medical aid funds, to provide consultation to employers in the industries and risk classifications in the published list. Requires L&I annually to identify a list of industries or risk classes most likely to be selected for future rule making and prioritize efforts to provide technical assistance to those employers.

    Amendments included a delay rule implementation for three years, exclusion of those industries within a sector that do not exceed an accident threshold, correction of data collection processes, and addition of technical assistance resources to L & I to make it easier and less punitive to employers.

    The Governor signed the bill, effective 7/23/2023.

    SSB 5286: Modifying the premium provisions of the paid family and medical leave program.

    Comment: Modifies the statutory formula for determining the premium rates for the Paid Family and Medical Leave Program.

    The legislation modified the premium calculation formula for the PFML program, ensuring employees and employers share the cost of premiums instead of the burden falling solely on employers.

    The Governor signed the bill, effective 7/23/2023.

    Selected Financials

    Unless noted otherwise, funds are apportioned for ‘allocation purposes’ only.

     Substitute Teachers (2023-2024 and 2024-2025 school years): Four (4) days per formula generated staff at $151.86/day.

     Fringe benefits/formula-generated staff: 

                            Certificated/administrative Range: 2023-2024  17.33-17.97%

                                                                                          2024-2025  17.33-17.97%

                            Classified staff Range:                       2023-2024  18.56%-22.06%

                                                                                          2024-2025  18.06%-21.56%

    SEBB Insurance Benefit per formula generated staff: 2023-2024 $1,100

                                                                                                   2024-2025 $1,157

    PEBB Insurance Benefit per formula generated staff: FY: 2024;  $1,145

                                                                                                   FY: 2025;  $1,195

    Health care remittance paid to HCA: Per FTE   $68.41 Sept. 1. 2023

                                                                                      $78.50 Sept. 1, 2024

                                                  Part-time Staff          $68.41 Sept. 1, 2023

                                                                                     h2 $78.50 Sept. 1, 2024

    Pension Contributions:  0.12% increase in PERS, SERS and 0.23% increase in TRS 1 to fund SB 5350 (TRS capped 3% pension increase) 


    What Will The Future Hold?

    Predictions are an exercise in fantasy, but what the heck!

    1. Clearly, with Governor Inslee opting out of a future run for Governor, many candidates will emerge as wannabes. Attorney General Ferguson and State Lands’ Commissioner Hilary Franz are the leading Democrat candidates, although Sen. Mark Mullet, Issaquah, has indicated interest. Republican candidate names bandied about include Dave Reichert, former Congressman/Sheriff, and former Congresswoman Jamie Herrera Butler.  

    2. The 2024 elections are coming. There will be some very expensive races: Governorship, Attorney General, and others yet to be announced. A reminder that all House members and half the Senate members will be up for re-election. The 2024 Session will see/hear many proposals by members and member statements aimed at bolstering one’s electability.

    3. The ‘progressive’ wing of the Democrat Party will continue to advocate for socially liberal policies. This has led to the fracturing of unanimity with the caucus as the more moderate Democrats object. The recent scuffle over fixing the Blake situation is a good example of the D’s failing to pass a solution leading to the need for a Special Session. This internal conflict is exploited by the R’s, whose positions often are supported by the more moderate D’s. Stay tuned.

    4. Some bills that did not pass in 2023 are likely to reappear. These include:

      • SHB 1248 Re: Pupil Transportation. Of concern is the bill requires that school district contracts for pupil transportation services must include sufficient funds to provide employees of the contracting employer with health benefits and pension contributions equivalent to those of school district classified employees.

      • SB 5059 Re: Prejudgment Interest. Of concern is that interest in judgments for tortious conduct of public agencies, individuals, and other entities is modified to run from the date on which the cause of action accrues. Interest in judgments for tortious conduct that occurred while a plaintiff was a minor begins to run from the date the action commenced or the date the minor turns 18 years old, whichever is earlier, at the same rates as currently provided in statute.

      • SB 5174 Re: Student Transportation. Of concern is an adopted amendment that provides that, no earlier than for a contract affecting the 2024-25 school year, school districts may only enter into a pupil transportation services contract if that entity provides the following to, or on behalf of, employees who choose to opt-in for coverage: A health benefit contribution equal to the employer payment dollar amount in effect for the first year of the contract for health care benefit rates for the SEBB, and; an amount equivalent to the salaries of the employees of the contractor multiplied by the employer normal cost contribution rate determined under the entry age cost method for the school employees' retirement system.

    Fred Yancey
    The Nexus Group LLC

  • Fact or Fiction: ESB 5175 (Allowing Principal Contracts up to Three Years)

    by David Morrill | May 30, 2023

    Fact or Fiction words over a blue background with ESB 5175 written and teal and a hmmm emoji

     

    ESB 5175 passed this last legislative session, allowing a district to offer a principal a contract of up to three years if certain conditions are met. The bill was introduced by Senator Lisa Wellman in order to help recruit and retain quality school leaders. We know it takes time to change systems and culture, and that nothing changes without relationships. A three-year contract might help reduce principal churn, and at the same time, help a principal lead with a long-term vision and plan.

    We created some quick “Fact or Fiction” videos to provide some more clarity. Watch below or read the scripts. If you want to go deeper into how three-year can help recruit and retain effective principals, read my latest contribution to Washington Principal.


    Fact or Fiction?

    SB 5175 does not require superintendents in Washington to give principals extended employment contracts of up to three years.

     

    Fact. This bill allows superintendents to give principals contracts longer than one year and up to three years, but this is completely optional. And in order for a principal to receive a multiyear contract, they must have:

    • been employed as a principal for three or more consecutive years;
    • been recommended by the superintendent as a candidate for a two or three-year contract because the principal has demonstrated the ability to stabilize instructional practices,
    • received a comprehensive performance rating of level 3 or above in their most recent comprehensive performance evaluation; and
    • met the school district’s requirements for satisfying an updated record check.

    Fact or Fiction?

    SB 5175 allows all principals after their third year of successful employment to have three year contracts.

     

    Fiction. It is true that to qualify for an extended contract, principals must have at least three years of experience. But these longer contracts are still optional and other conditions related to a successful evaluation, strong instructional practice, and background checks must also be considered. Whether to offer an extended contract is a matter of conversation between a principal and a superintendent. It can be seen as a professional growth opportunity.


    Fact or Fiction?

    ESB 5175 is a tool that can be used to dismantle bad-for-student systems and allow stable leadership to make deep, systemic change.

     

    Fact. Principals are vital for ensuring student success. Their actions help maintain a positive school climate, and create optimal conditions for learning. Principal turnover can be disruptive to school progress, often resulting in higher teacher turnover and, ultimately, lower gains in student achievement. If good principals leave, schools and districts must devote time and resources to replace them. Extended contracts can help keep good leaders in their buildings longer.

  • Annual CSCP Review Part 2: Administrative Review and Assessment

    by Julie Woods | May 26, 2023

    Comprehensive School Counseling Program

    Annual CSCP Review Part 2: Administrative Review and Assessment

    The purpose of any evaluation process is to improve. Sure, you can use evaluation to make judgments and inform program decisions, but essentially the main reason for evaluating your Comprehensive School Counseling Program (CSCP) is to improve your program. Establishing an annual review and assessment process, as required for the CSCP written plan, fundamentally establishes a continuous improvement process. 

    School administrators are busy people, and learning a new evaluation process can seem daunting. However, SSB 5030 is not prescriptive in the type of process you use to review and assess your CSCP. Our suggestion is that you use a process already familiar to you, such as the AWSP Leadership Framework for School Leader Evaluation. The eight criteria within the AWSP Leadership Framework are easily adaptable for evaluating your CSCP. 

    On the last page of each of the eight criteria in the AWSP Leadership Framework, there are useful questions within sections titled "School Leader Paradigm" and "Things to Consider", as well as examples of evidence collocation in the "Sharing Your Impact" section. By adapting the AWSP Leadership Framework for your CSCP review and assessment, you are using a tool you are already familiar with. In addition, you will experience how your CSCP can directly support your goals as a school leader while your school counseling and ESA team members are informed of the expectations of a school administrator. Understanding each other’s roles is beneficial for continued collaboration and communication. 

    OSPI and Hatching Results have also developed tools and resources to help schools review and assess their CSCP.  For schools and districts just beginning the process, refer to the SSB 5030 Self-Assessment Tool here: District version | School version. The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) also offers an ASCA Program Assessment that aligns with the current edition of the ASCA National Model. For more information on these resources, watch the 109-minute March 15th webinar and check out the watch guide.

    The annual CSCP review and assessment is designed with continuous assessment and improvement in mind and is essentially aligned with the Infinity Loop represented in the School Leader Paradigm. Whichever process you use, it is important to have a process to assess and reflect on the effectiveness of your CSCP’s planning and implementation. This Cycle of Inquiry is essential because these activities develop you as a leading learner and support your school in growing a learning organization.   
  • Graduation and Career & College Readiness Update

    by David Morrill | May 23, 2023

    steps to graduation with graduation and career and college readiness update

     

    OSPI, the State Board of Education, and the Washington Student Achievement Council held a webinar this week where they shared updates on new legislation related to graduation, as well as career and college readiness. 

    These groups provided updates on changes coming to graduation pathways, the High School and Beyond Plan, the Washington College Grant, Mastery-Based Learning, and more. Here are some highlights.

    The State Board of Education explained HB 1308, which establishes another graduation pathway that districts can choose to use for their students. This performance-based pathway is an opportunity for students to demonstrate knowledge and skills in a real-world context, providing evidence that the student meets or exceeds state learning standards in English and mathematics.

    The new performance-based pathway:

    • May take a variety of forms (e.g., project, practicum, work-related experience, community service, cultural activity) and may result in a variety of products that can be evaluated (e.g., performance, presentation, portfolio, report, film, exhibit)

    • Must meet state requirements set in rule regarding:

      • Safety and quality of learning experience

      • Assessment criteria for determining whether the student has demonstrated the learning standards

      • Evaluation of the student’s performance must include at least one certificated teacher with an endorsement in each relevant subject area (or other applicable qualifications permitted by PESB)

    • The State Board, in collaboration with OSPI, will develop tools to support implementation, including proficiency targets and rubrics

    • School district board adopts policy before offering this pathway

    OSPI discussed SB 5243, which will move our state to one common High School and Beyond Plan online platform. This won’t change anything for the next school year, and once the state selects a common platform, districts will have two years to transition to it. The state will cover the cost of this platform so districts may save money.

    OSPI also highlighted two dual credit bills. SB 5048 eliminates College in the High School costs for students. The state will send funding directly to higher education institutions, and students will no longer have to pay for these courses. 

    HB 1316 raises the FTE limit for Running Start from 1.2 to 1.4 and requires OSPI to adopt rules to fund eligible students' enrollment in the summer quarter for a maximum of 10 postsecondary credits. 

    Several participants in the webinar had questions about Running Start for this summer. A separate OSPI bulletin related to Running Start was released today. In it, OPSI said:

    The 2023 summer quarter Running Start opportunity is available at all postsecondary institutions offering Running Start for 11th-grade students who will be considered 12th-grade students in fall 2023 (“rising seniors”) and non-graduating 12th-grade students with available AAFTE capacity under the existing 1.2 AAFTE limit. 

    At community and technical colleges only, graduating 12th-grade students who met their Running Start enrollment limits and are within 15 credits of earning an associate degree may participate in summer Running Start solely to complete their degree.

    There will also be more office hours in the next few weeks for a chance to ask questions about the emergency waiver program rules. 

    Graduation Requirement Emergency Waiver (GREW) Office Hours

    The State Board of Education and OSPI will once again collaborate to provide office hours to share out guidance about the emergency waiver program rules. Join us as much as you'd like using this Zoom link to hear a short presentation and engage in a Q&A session.

    • Wednesday, May 31st, from 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

    • Wednesday, May 31st, from 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

    • Tuesday, June 6th, from 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

    Additional pieces of information about graduation, and career and college readiness were shared. Here is the slide deck and the recording if you are interested in all of the details.

  • Staff Wellbeing Grant Opportunity

    by David Morrill | May 22, 2023

     

    one lightbulb on and four dimmed and the words wellbeing at work


    Kaiser Permanente, Healthier Generation, and OSPI are excited to offer an opportunity for districts to apply the Multi-tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework to staff wellbeing. Using a learning cohort model, we are inviting up to eight (8) district teams to join us in the 2023-24 school year. Experts in MTSS and staff well-being will guide teams through a series of learning and activities that will prepare them to implement key elements of workplace well-being within the context of MTSS. This process will assure compliance with SHB 1363: Addressing Secondary Traumatic Stress in the K-12 Workforce (WSSDA Model Policy 5515).  

    District teams that participate will:

    1. Understand evidence-based components necessary to develop positive workplace well-being within the context of MTSS

    2. Develop an action plan to improve staff well-being in their district through the implementation of a multi-tiered system of supports framework 

    3. Improve district-level compliance with SHB 1363: Addressing Secondary Traumatic Stress in the K-12 Workforce

    4. Develop a peer network of district workforce well-being teams

    5. Increased team capacity to implement staff well-being best and evidence-based practices 

    Expectations of Innovation Cohort members:

    • Have an established district-level workforce wellness team inclusive of staff from a variety of roles that include, at a minimum Human Resources, District Administration, classified, and certificated staff, in place by September 30, 2023.

    • Have at least one representative and preferably a majority of team members attend each session.

    • Complete activities as a Workforce Wellness Team in between sessions (approx 1-3 hours).

    • Complete either the WA Workforce Secondary Traumatic Stress Assessment or the Cultivating Staff Wellbeing Assessment topic of the Thriving Schools Integrated Assessment by November to use as a guide for creating a tiered positive work culture action plan. (Assessment is free and login is required).

    • Contribute to the refinement and application of the MTSS framework for staff wellbeing.

    Informational Webinar (Teams):  Register Here

    June 1, 2023

    10:00 - 11:00 am PST

    Applications due (approx. 20 minutes to complete)

    June 30, 2023

    Announcement of cohort

    Week of July 17, 2023

    Sessions (90 minutes, virtual)

    Session 1: Kick-off, overview, and shared understanding​

    Session 2: ​Integrating data into planning

    Session 3: Resource mapping and sharing of resources

    Session 4: Turning ideas into actions & discussion of barriers

    Session 5: Implementation and peer problem solving​

    Session 6: Planning and sustainability for 2024-25

    Session 7: Evaluation and Celebration

    Exact dates TBD by cohorts: 

    August 2023

    October 2023

    November 2023

    January 2024

    March 2024

    May/June 2024

    May/June 2024

     

    Questions?  Contact Jill Patnode (jill.x.patnode@kp.org) or 206-819-1758

  • New Administrator Certification Requirements Related to Government-to-Government Relationships with Federally Recognized Tribes

    by David Morrill | May 22, 2023

    New Administrator Certification Requirements Related to Government-to-Government Relationships with Federally Recognized Tribes


    OSPI recently released an important bulletin related to certificate renewal requirements for all teachers and administrators who need to renew their certification after July 1, 2023.

    Educators may renew early. An educator may choose to renew a certificate at any time during the validity of their certificate. It is the responsibility of the educator to ensure that they hold a valid certificate and renew that certificate in a timely manner. OSPI recommends that those wishing to renew a certificate apply for their renewal as soon as they have completed the required number of hours.

    After July 1, 2023, administrators need to show they have earned 10 clock hours in Equity-Based School Practices aligned with CCDEI standards, 10 clock hours based on the Professional Standards for Education Leaders (PSEL), and five clock hours of Government-to-Government Relationship with Federally Recognized Tribes.

    Administrators may use Professional Growth Plans (PGPs) for both the equity and leadership clock hour requirements, but not for the Government-to-Government requirement.

    Here is specific information related to the Government-to-Government training that will be available after July 1:

    All administrators must earn at least five continuing clock hours of professional learning focused on Government-to-Government Relationships with federally recognized Tribes in order to renew a residency, professional, initial, and continuing certificates in the role of principal, program administrator, superintendent, and CTE director. 

    These five hours are part of the 100 clock hours required for certificate renewal. The Government-to-Government Relationships with federally recognized Tribes professional learning must be provided by one or more subject matter experts approved by the Governor’s Office on Indian Affairs in collaboration with the Tribal Leaders Congress on Education, and the Office of Native Education in the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. 

    A Professional Growth Plan (PGP) may not be used for these hours. 

    To strengthen alignment across a district, OSPI recommends districts put a plan in place for how administrators will access the Government-to-Government Relationships training. This will help ensure administrators across the district have clear and consistent information aligned with existing district partnerships and meaningful consultation practices. This template may be used for district planning purposes.

    The training is being designed by the Office of Native Education (ONE) in partnership with Washington State Native American Education Advisory Committee (WSNEAC), Region 16 Comprehensive Center, and District Administrators. Implementation partners for this work include the Association of Washington School Principals (AWSP), the Governors’ Office of Indian Affairs (GOIA), Tribal Leaders Congress on Education, Washington Association of School Administrators (WASA), Washington State Native American Education Advisory Committee (WSNEAC), and OSPI. 

    The training, which will be available to all administrators in July 2023, will be offered in two modalities: synchronous facilitated virtual training, and synchronous facilitated hybrid virtual/in-person training. Schedules, information on how to access training, and content offerings will be communicated in a future bulletin in late spring 2023. Only trainings endorsed by ONE will count for the new certification requirements. Information on which trainings will count will be posted on ONE’s website in June 2023.

    OSPI encourages all educators to plan ahead for applying for certificate renewal to allow time for the Professional Certification Office at OSPI to evaluate the application and to issue the certificate. It can take up to 12 weeks for a certificate to be issued after application.

    For questions regarding professional standards, CCDEI standards, SEL standards, Professional Growth Plans, or certification policy, please visit the PESB website.

    We will share more information about the Government-to-Government trainings when we know more. 

  • Special Education and 504 Tips & Resources | May 15, 2023

    by David Morrill | May 15, 2023

     

    image of inclusion cutout people

    The content from this post comes from Dr. Whitehead's weekly email.


    These emails are sent out weekly to leaders in special education and Section 504. Each email contains tips and resources on a variety of topics that are meant to keep you informed and up to date. Please consult your district attorney if you are looking for legal advice, as this is out of my realm. The opinions contained herein are my own.

    Please feel free to reach out if you have ideas on topics and resources. This week’s emails include links to information on:

    PNW SLP Summit Registration: Please feel free to pass this on to anyone interested. –Last chance to sign up!

    Please feel free to reach out if you have ideas on topics and resources. This week’s emails include links to information on:

    Everyone:

    Side Effect of Compliance

    504:
    Section 504: A plan for equity, access, and accommodations

    Special Education & 504 Case Law:
    504/ADA as addition or alternative to IDEA — New for May
    National Compilation of Case Law 1998 to present

    Special Education:
    Part C to B Policy Letter
    Legislative Summary
    State Tribal Education Partnership

    OSPI:
    May Updates


    Upcoming Classes and Events

    Structured Literacy, Science of Reading, & Dyslexia

    Culture, Data, and Leadership

    Special Education Teacher PD

    151422 Refining Special Education Services for Improved Outcomes

    151424 Refining Special Education Services for Improved Outcomes

    MTSS Support

    Washington SEL Institute

    IPP & UDL

    Dr. Alicia Roberts-Frank admin training

    Dyslexia and MTSS Support—Contact Alicia Roberts Frank

     
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