DID YOU KNOW

The time for bold

solutions is now?

Change the world. Change our

schools.
 Did You Know…

 A student can get a 4.0 in high school and not get

into college?

Washington’s high school graduation

requirements do not align with what is required to
take credit-bearing courses at a two- or four-year
college.

Source: State Board for Community and Technical Colleges

 Minimum High School Graduation Minimum Four-Year College Entry Requirements
Requirements

3 Credits English 4 Credits English

2 Credits Math (soon to be 3 credits, including 3 Credits Math (Algebra II or higher)
Algebra II or its equivalent)

2 Credits Science (1 lab) 2 Credits Science (soon to be all lab, one credit algebra-
based)

2.5 Credits Social Studies 3 Credits Social Studies

0 Credits World Language 2 Credits World Language

1 Credit Visual or Performing Art 1 Credit Visual or Performing Art

2 Credits Health & Fitness 0 Credits Health & Fitness

1 Credit Occupational Education 0 Credit Occupational Education

5.5 Credits Electives N/A

Source:
SBCTC
Red = Diploma requirements lower than four-year requirements
Yellow = Aligned
Blue = Diploma requirements higher than four-year requirements
 Did You Know…

 One out of five kids in Washington will drop

out of high school?

Yet, it is projected that by 2014, nearly 77

percent of family-wage jobs will be held by
people with at least some post-secondary
education.
Source: College & Work Ready Agenda
 Did You Know…

 The high school graduation rate in _____

School District is _____

Click here to find your local dropout rate

 Did You Know…
 Half of students entering community college
do not have the skills or knowledge
necessary to take college level courses?

In 2006, 52 percent (12,468) of recent high

school graduates who enrolled in community
or technical college had to take pre-college
courses to gain the skills they should have
learned in high school
Source: SBCTC
 Did You Know…
 For every $1 spent on quality early learning
programs, we get at least a $4 return on
investment?
Benefits include:
- higher employment rates and earnings;
- better health outcomes;
- lower crime rates;
- higher levels of verbal and math achievement;
- greater success in school (lower special
education and higher graduation rates); and,
- higher government revenues due to lower
government expenditures and increased economic
activity.
Source: College & Work Ready Agenda
 Did You Know…
 Washington schools are achieving average
results with below average funding?

Washington ranks 43rd nationally in per-student

funding (adjusted for regional cost differences).
Percent Proficient on NAEP, 2007
4th Grade Washington National Average

Reading 36.3% 31.7%

Writing 43 .8% 38.6%

8th Grade
Reading 34.1% 29.2%
Writing 35.9% 31%

Source: Quality Counts 2008: Washington, Editorial Projects in Education, 2008

Did you know the time is
now?
Our state's education system is at an
important crossroads.

Key stakeholders and policymakers are in the

process of making major decisions that will
impact the education system for decades to
come.

Your voice is needed today.

 Did you know the time is
now?
1. The State Board of Education (SBE) is reviewing high
school graduation requirements to better align with
college entrance requirements.

3. The Basic Education Finance Task Force is

reconfiguring the definition of basic education and what
the system needs in terms of funding.

5. The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction is

reviewing math and science standards with the SBE.
 Did you know change
Fivestarts now?
Things You Can Do Today:

3. Help a student. This is about children and their future. One of the most meaningful ways
to give back is by spending time with students and helping them learn. You can do this by
signing up at your local school or preschool as a mentor, homework helper or volunteer
reader. You’ll quite easily change a life, starting with your own.
4. Talk It Up! You are the most powerful advocate in your community. Your friends, family
and community members know and trust you. It is your job to talk to them about the
importance of education issues. Invite them to the next PTA meeting, State Board of
Education meeting, or to the local school where you volunteer.
5. Get Informed. Learn more about the education issues you care about. Stay current on
education news through local and national media. Find websites and organizations that track
the issues you care about.
6. Become a citizen activist. Your government works for you. The only way to ensure
that they represent you is to communicate with them regularly and effectively. Know who
represents you in the state Legislature, the State Board of Education and your local school
board. Call, email, and write to them often. You can also attend your local board and PTA
meetings. They do listen!
7. Sign in! We know you want to give more time and help children succeed—but we also
know that life is busy. That’s why the League sends email updates. They’ll send you brief
updates and key opportunities to take action. That way you’ll never have to wonder what is
going on.
Change the world.
Change our schools.

Did You Know Campaign

DidYouKnowCampaign.com
League of Education Voters Foundation
Levfoundation.org