The Roundtable works to effect positive change on public policy issues that are most important to supporting state economic vitality and fostering opportunity for all Washingtonians. That work includes sharing news and analyzing policy developments affecting our state.

Latest News

State Board of Education Launches the 95/10 Challenge

March 23rd, 2016

The spring testing window for students in Washington state’s public schools is underway, which means year two of the Smarter Balanced Assessments (SBA). Between now and June, students in grades 3-8, 10, and 11 will take these exams, which include testing in both English Language Arts and Mathematics.  Assessment results will give students – as well as their families and their schools – insight into… Read more

New 50-State Report Compares College and Career Readiness

March 16th, 2016

Too few U.S. high school graduates are academically prepared. That’s the conclusion from a report released this week by Achieve, a national, independent education reform group. The study compares all 50 states and their adoption of college- and career-ready policies based on each state’s standards, graduation requirements, assessments, and accountability systems. “Achieve has long advocated the adoption of college- and career-ready policies at the state level,” said Michael… Read more

Washington Legislature Acts to Save Public Charter Schools

March 14th, 2016

The Washington Legislature came together last week in bipartisan fashion to pass a bill to save public charter schools. We’re thankful to legislators in both chambers and on both sides of the aisle for working together to pass a long-term solution for these schools. This fix will allow for the continued operation of eight charter schools that have already demonstrated impressive student achievement… Read more

One-Year Fix for Public Charter Schools Not a Solution

March 8th, 2016

In the final days of the 2016 Washington legislative session, state lawmakers are working to find compromise on a funding solution for the state’s eight public charter schools. A Senate passed a bill back in January that would keep these schools operating and satisfy the Supreme Court ruling last year that declared the previous funding mechanism unconstitutional. The House has yet to advance… Read more

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Washington Roundtable @waroundtable3 weeks agoExcited to welcome six new members to the Washington Roundtable board! https://t.co/rHhAkbUJ8f
Washington Roundtable @waroundtable3 weeks agoHappy New Year! Happy to share our 2020 Policy Agenda and get to work in 2020 on making WA a great place to live, work & do business! https://t.co/CeI5f9ZQI9
Washington Roundtable @waroundtable4 weeks agoA key takeaway for HS students in 2019: Completing the FAFSA can be a career-maker. https://t.co/R3ygJunFu6 #Pathto70 #WAedu @WSACouncil
Washington Roundtable @waroundtable1 month agoCheck out the new #opportunityscorecard from @opportunitywa. See where WA ranks on key education, transportation, economic vitality metrics. Check out how WA fares as we close out 2019: vitality: https://t.co/L6JkT73bKk https://t.co/ZFvDa1X6bB
Washington Roundtable @waroundtable1 month agoNEW #CredentialEssential story in the @seattletimes: Practical support clears a path for students to think big about their futures. https://t.co/NNw7GGrcd2 @AVID4College @MaliaRS1 @228Cascade @CHSKODIAKS @NCESD @waOSPI @WA_SBE #WAKids4WAJobs #Pathto70 #WAedu #ThisisAVID