HB 2717 amends Washington state's school funding formula to standardize how basic education funds are distributed to school districts. It establishes "prototypical" schools (e.g., 600 students for high schools) to calculate minimum funding needs, setting specific class size targets (like 17 students per teacher in K-3) and allocating funds for staff like counselors and nurses. The bill requires transparency by mandating public reporting of per-pupil funding for all programs, including a link on school district websites. It does not directly address "highly capable students" as its title suggests; instead, it focuses on general education funding mechanics and reporting. The bill is currently in the Appropriations committee after its first reading.
SB 6192 creates a "Star Teacher Award" for math and English language arts teachers in Washington who demonstrate improved student scores in specific grade bands (K-6 or 7-12). Awarded teachers receive a $10,000 annual bonus, with an additional $10,000 for teaching in high-poverty schools (defined by USDA eligibility or 70%+ free/reduced lunch participation). The bill also mandates school districts to implement structured literacy programs for K-4 reading (fully by 2028) and structured numeracy programs for K-4 math (fully by 2028), using evidence-based methods and diagnostic assessments. These programs must include targeted interventions for struggling students and family engagement strategies.
SB 6122 increases flexibility for Washington school districts in how they spend basic education funding. It removes requirements that previously mandated specific teacher-student ratios, instructional approaches, or staff classifications, allowing districts to allocate funds based on their actual needs. The bill establishes "prototypical" school models (elementary, middle, high) to calculate base funding levels, but requires adjustments based on each district’s actual student enrollment and grade-level composition. School districts must also report per-pupil funding transparently on their websites, as mandated by the superintendent of public instruction.
This bill revises Washington state's formula for allocating basic education funding to school districts. It establishes "prototypical schools" with specific student counts (400 elementary, 432 middle, 600 high school) to determine funding levels, setting class size targets (e.g., 17 students per teacher in K-3) and required staff ratios (like principals, nurses, and counselors per school). School districts must report per-pupil funding transparently on their websites, and the bill adds requirements for funding adjustments based on high-poverty schools and advanced courses. The changes affect all public school districts by altering how state funds cover instructional and operational costs, not direct utility or insurance expenses as the title suggests.
This bill updates Washington state's requirements for reviewing teacher and principal preparation programs. It mandates that the state education board periodically assess these programs using specific criteria - including program standards, educator role standards, evidence from programs, and input from school districts and community stakeholders - to ensure they prepare educators for modern classrooms. Programs must also develop partnership plans with local school districts for student teacher placements, prioritizing high-need subjects and geographic areas, and submit these plans to the state board every three years. The changes take effect January 1, 2027, and directly affect all approved teacher preparation programs and school districts in Washington.
This bill prohibits using artificial intelligence to replace certified teachers or support staff (paraeducators) in Washington schools. It allows AI to supplement or enhance instruction but explicitly bans its use for replacing human educators. The law directly affects public schools and instructional staff by setting clear boundaries for AI integration in classrooms. It creates a new legal standard in education policy without specifying implementation details.
HB 2147 increases state funding for school materials, supplies, and operating costs in Washington State to address inflation-driven budget shortfalls affecting school districts. It establishes a new funding formula based on prototypical schools (600 high school students, 432 middle school students, 400 elementary students) with specific class size standards (e.g., K-3 at 17 students per teacher) and minimum staffing allocations. The bill requires transparency by mandating the Superintendent of Public Instruction to publish per-pupil funding reports online, which school districts must link to their websites. It also includes targeted provisions for career-technical education, lab science class size reduction, and high-poverty schools with over 50% free/reduced lunch eligibility. The legislation amends existing law (RCW 28A.150.260) to adjust funding allocations based on actual student enrollment and school type.
SB 5551 requires all Washington school districts to adopt policies by September 1, 2026, ensuring every K-12 student has access to school library information and technology programs staffed by certified teacher-librarians. The bill mandates districts to define how students access library resources and instruction, while allowing small districts (second-class) to use non-certified staff only after making "reasonable efforts" to hire certified librarians and partnering with libraries or schools. It directly affects all 245 Washington public school districts, particularly those serving low-income communities and communities of color where nearly 60% currently lack certified teacher-librarians. The law defines "teacher-librarian" as a certified educator with library media training and specifies that these programs must support state learning standards and digital literacy skills for all students.
SB 5120 revises Washington's basic education funding formula to determine how state money is allocated to school districts. It establishes standard school models (e.g., a high school with 600 students) with specific class size requirements (like 17 students per teacher in K-3) to calculate funding, adjusting for actual enrollment and factors like high-poverty schools. School districts must publicly report per-student funding data on their websites, and the state must publish statewide averages for transparency. The bill affects all Washington public school districts by changing how instructional funds are distributed based on these updated formulas.
House Bill 1167 directs the existing statewide career and technical education task force to specifically consider educational opportunities for careers in maritime professions. The bill expands the task force's mandate, requiring it to develop recommendations for strengthening and expanding access to work-integrated learning, including career and technical education and apprenticeship programs, with a particular focus on the maritime sector. These recommendations will cover aspects like curricula, industry partnerships, educator training, and alignment with postsecondary programs. The aim is to enhance and standardize career and technical education programs to better prepare students for jobs in maritime industries.
