No matter who wins the elections, there is a lot of work to do. Our governments, at the federal, state, and local levels, must grapple with the slow motion of our economy, the defunding of public services, and the necessity of new jobs.
Want to improve student outcomes? Start with adequate funding for basic education
November 2, 2012 By 1 Comment
When Washington’s Supreme Court found the state legislature “has not complied with it’s constitutional duty to make ample provision for the education of all children in Washington” (see McCleary vs. State of Washington), legislators gave the Washington State Institute of Public Policy* this question to answer: “If K–12 spending is increased, is there reason to […]
Excellence in K-12 Education: Lessons from Finland and Washington
October 24, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Finland looks like the ultimate slacker. Children start school later, have less homework, and log fewer hours in the classroom. But don’t be fooled. Finnish students score first in the world in science, and second in the world in math.
Here’s what education reform ought to look like
February 29, 2012 By 1 Comment
From the Everett Herald: ‘Reform” is usually considered a good thing — but some education advocates talk as if a handful of charter schools and firing teachers based on their students’ test scores are the magic bullets that will “fix” our schools. Their efforts may be well-intentioned, but they don’t actually address the real problems. […]
