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Washington Roundtable: State's CEOs Urge Lawmakers to Keep New Graduation Requirements, Support Legislation to Require More English, Math & Science

Posted on: Wednesday, 25 January 2006, 15:01 CST

If Washington state has any hope of ensuring its young people enjoy a good quality of life as adults, state lawmakers must maintain new standards-based graduation requirements and adopt a more rigorous high school curriculum, including four years of math and three years of science, for all students.

Those are the primary recommendations in a new report, "Students Can't Wait: Prepare Every Student in Washington State for College and Work," released today by the Washington Roundtable.

"The people of Washington expect their school system to produce students who are competitive with the best graduates, from any state, with solid skills coming out of high school," said Steven R. Rogel, chair of the Washington Roundtable and chairman, president and CEO of Weyerhaeuser Company. "That starts with the skills needed to pass the Washington Assessment of Student Learning. But really, it requires even higher skills. More math and science courses are essential to ensure all students get the skills in high school that they'll need to succeed in work or college."

The Roundtable's primary recommendation -- urging lawmakers to maintain the Certificate of Academic Achievement as one condition for high school graduation -- builds on more than 13 years of work on education policy in Washington state. The new report underscores the need for students to not only meet Washington's 10th grade standards for graduation, but go beyond them.

The Roundtable calls on lawmakers to adopt a more rigorous curriculum for all students, requiring coursework such as four years of English and math and three years of science and social studies. House Bill 2706, which the Roundtable strongly supports, establishes such a curriculum and is scheduled for a hearing in the House Education Committee at 1:30 p.m. tomorrow (Thursday, Jan. 26).

Beginning with students entering 9th grade in 2008, HB 2706 requires schools to enroll all students -- unless they knowingly opt-out -- in a course of study that includes:

-- Four years of English with emphasis on reading, writing and presentation skills

-- Four years of mathematics, including algebra II and geometry or their equivalents, plus one higher level course

-- Three years of science, including laboratory experience in biology, chemistry, physics or applied physics or anatomy/physiology

-- Three years of social studies emphasizing writing and covering United States, world and Washington state history and government

-- One-half year or demonstrated proficiency in computer technology beyond basic keyboarding

"Even with the new graduation requirements, there is a gap between what's required to earn a high school diploma and what it takes to succeed in college or work," said state Rep. Ross Hunter, D-48th district, prime sponsor of HB 2706 and member of the House Education Committee. "A more rigorous high school curriculum will help close that gap. Without the right courses a child's future is unfairly limited. A rigorous curriculum is the best tool to improve outcomes for all children, regardless of their goals in life."

"A 21st century education does not end with 10th grade standards or the current graduation requirements," said state Rep. Gigi Talcott, R-28th district, ranking minority member on the House Education Committee and co-sponsor of HB 2706. "A more rigorous high school curriculum will ensure more students get the skills they need, whether they are headed to work, a training program, community college or university."

In addition to endorsing the Certificate of Academic Achievement and a more rigorous high school curriculum, the Roundtable report details recommendations for how to better align the K-12 and postsecondary education systems, provide principals with the tools they need, and overhaul existing mechanisms for developing teacher knowledge and skills. Click http://www.waroundtable.com/ to view the report.

Source: Business Wire

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