The WSSDA Board of Directors has adopted a legislative package that underscores the importance of redefining and fully funding basic education as an essential part of the state’s efforts to carry on education reform and promote success for all students.

Meeting during the WSSDA Annual Conference in Seattle, the board formally adopted the association’s legislative priorities for the coming year. The priorities were based on voting of the WSSDA Legislative Assembly and the recommendations of the WSSDA Legislative Committee.

The package emphasizes WSSDA’s continued support for the state’s high academic standards while stressing the need for adequate resources to ensure all students meet state achievement requirements—particularly for the continued development and implementation of valid, reliable alternative assessments to assist students in meeting WASL graduation requirements. The package notes that the long-term solution to inadequate resources is an updated definition of basic education that is fully funded by the Legislature. Proposals for a new definition and funding structure are currently being developed by a special legislative task force.

The priority list calls on the Legislature to put a halt to "unfunded mandates"—requirements placed on school districts that cost money but are under funded or not funded at all. Other issues in the package include requests for full funding of special education and student transportation programs, adequate resources for early childhood education, and improvements in school construction funding formulas.

The package also expresses support for the development of a statewide public education accountability system, but notes that WSSDA will strongly oppose legislation that would allow any state or local takeover of schools or districts.