It hasn’t been all good news in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic that disrupted in-classroom learning
Brett Davis
The Center Square Washington
Washington State Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal is seeking a third term in office.
Reykdal was first elected to the job of overseeing K-12 schools throughout the state in 2016 and then re-elected in 2020.
“Washington is recognized as one of the best states to raise a family, start a business, and thrive,” Reykdal said in a Monday news release announcing his plans. “One of the reasons we rank so high is our outstanding public schools. In six years, despite a pandemic, we are near record highs in graduation rates; assessment scores are rising once again; enrollments are re-accelerating, we have expanded access to college credit while in high school; increased options to become a bilingual learner; added record investments to support students with disabilities; and we have opened up robust pathways that empower students to focus on college, apprenticeships, military service, or straight to work after high school.”
According to information presented by Reykdal’s office in February at a “Results Washington” public performance review, four-year high school graduation rates in the state have been mostly on the rise over the last decade, up about 6% over the last 10 years.
It hasn’t been all good news in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic that disrupted in-classroom learning.
National Assessment of Education Progress exams showed a nationwide decline in math and reading achievements between 2019 and 2022.
Washington fourth-graders saw a five-point decline in math, while eighth-graders saw a decline of 10 points. In reading, Washington fourth-graders saw a three-point drop, and eighth-graders saw a five-point drop.
Reykdal’s priorities for a new term include expanding in-school mental health resources, increasing career and technical education in high school, universal meals, reforming student transportation, and more financial literacy programs.
His current term ends in January 2025.
This report was first published by The Center Square Washington.
Also read:
- WA Senate Republicans unable to stop income tax bill now headed to governor’s desk
Washington lawmakers narrowly approved a new income tax on households earning over $1 million, setting the stage for court battles and a statewide initiative campaign. - 17th District lawmakers Kevin Waters and David Stuebe decry passage of state income tax bill after marathon floor debate
Reps. Kevin Waters and David Stuebe condemn Senate Bill 6346, warning the new state income tax sends more money into the general fund without real reform, risks expanding to every family, and ignores Washington’s affordability crisis. - Opinion: Washington’s fight for liberty
Conservative columnist Nancy Churchill argues that despite the passage of a new 9.9% state income tax, signs of shifting political momentum in Washington state give reason for hope and continued action. - 18th District Reps. Stephanie McClintock and John Ley denounce passage of state income tax
Following a marathon 24-hour House floor debate, 18th District Reps. Stephanie McClintock and John Ley denounce Senate Bill 6346, a new 9.9% state income tax on household income above $1 million, warning it could expand broadly, harm Washington’s economy, and face serious constitutional challenges. - County pays $7.5 million to widow of VPD Officer Donald Sahota
Clark County has agreed to pay $7.5 million to the widow of Vancouver Police Officer Donald Sahota to resolve a negligence lawsuit following the 2022 incident where a sheriff’s deputy mistakenly shot the off-duty officer during a confrontation with a robbery suspect. - Opinion: Brandi Kruse and I are feeling discouraged but we’re planning to continue advocating for political change. Will you?
Clark County Today Editor Ken Vance reflects on a discouraging week in Washington state politics, echoing Brandi Kruse’s frustrations over Democrats’ state income tax victory and local decisions on transit and ICE while urging conservatives not to give up on advocating for political change. - OII passes 60-day point in Vancouver Police Department use of deadly force investigation
The Washington State Office of Independent Investigations is just past 60 days into its investigation of a Vancouver Police Department use of deadly force involving officers Sean Donaldson and Christopher Holmquist and the death of 44-year-old Perry J. Sellars after a late-night disturbance call on NE 46th Street.
wpDiscuz
