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:
- School bus involved in crash in Vancouver on Friday
A Pontiac G8 collided with an elementary school bus at NE 99th and NE 23rd Ave, but no children or drivers required hospitalization, according to officials. - Crown Point Country Museum Grand Opening set for Sat., March 21
Visitors to Corbett’s new Crown Point Country Museum can explore the region’s early settlements, Wasco Nation heritage, art by Charles W. Post, and unique geological collections. - Opinion: Two ways to keep right
Doug Dahl explains how Washington drivers must “keep right” differently depending on whether traffic flows in one direction or both, plus the exceptions that apply to two-way turn lanes. - Reps. Peter Abbarno and Ed Orcutt: Supplemental capital budget includes key investments for the 20th District
Projects in the 20th District will benefit from millions in state funds, with local schools, community centers, and infrastructure improvements highlighted by Reps. Abbarno and Orcutt. - Opinion: A troubling end to a disruptive session
Let’s Go Washington highlights multiple instances where legislative leaders dismissed historic public feedback, advanced controversial tax policies, and undermined constituent influence. - Single-vehicle crash investigated on 72nd Avenue
Deputies say a northbound pickup struck a guardrail and became stuck atop a Jersey barrier, blocking several blocks of NE 72nd Avenue while emergency crews extricated the driver. - Opinion: Washington state is blowing up its no-income-tax advantage
Lawmakers advanced SB 6346 with an emergency clause, aiming to end Washington’s no-income-tax reputation and prevent voters from seeking a referendum.
wpDiscuz
