NEWSFLASH: K-12 learning loss leaving our kids behind

Recent test scores for Washington’s fourth and eighth graders show that learning loss in K-12 education continues to be a serious problem. This is due to a lasting impact from the pandemic, but it’s also a result of the Legislature forcing ideological content into the curriculum, which takes class time and educator focus away from teaching academics.

Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal has repeatedly downplayed these concerns. First, he dismissed the idea of learning loss altogether, claiming students in Washington were no worse off than their peers nationwide. Then, instead of addressing falling test scores, he suggested eliminating assessments entirely. Most troubling, his office has yet to explain how millions in federal COVID aid were spent—or whether students saw any real benefit from those funds.

This failure of leadership has diverted attention from the core issue: student achievement.

The latest numbers show that 60% of fourth graders are not performing at grade level in math. Even worse is that 68% are not proficient at grade level in reading.

The results for eighth graders are even worse, with 70% of them not performing at grade level in math and 69% not performing at grade level in reading.

This is unacceptable. Our kids deserve better.

We need to set social ideology aside and come up with solutions that will give teachers the space and the tools they need to help our kids perform at grade level and higher.

If we’re serious about improving K-12 outcomes, we need to take another look at ideas like year-round school and scrutinize the ever-growing list of legislative mandates on the public school curriculum. It’s time to prioritize what truly matters, ensuring Washington’s kids get the education they deserve.

Senate Democrats pass bill that would erode parents’ rights

During floor action on Wednesday, Feb. 5, Senate Democrats passed Senate Bill 5181, which includes provisions that undermine the Parents’ Rights Act that the Legislature passed last year.

If you recall, nearly 500,000 Washington voters signed the petition for Initiative 2081, putting it before the Legislature (along with five other initiatives.) SB 5181, and several other bills sponsored this session, aim to weaken the requirements for parental notification.

SB 5181 specifically removes rights related to notifying parents when their child receives medical services or treatment. We offered two amendments to correct this in the bill — both were rejected.

Democrats argue that it isn’t always safe for parents to be given certain information about their kids, which is true, but their revisions to the Parents’ Rights Act assume every parent is a potential danger to their child and that the state should interfere in the parent-child relationship.

Additionally, SB 5181 contains an emergency clause, which means that the bill will take effect once the governor signs it — eliminating the opportunity for the people to overturn it through referendum. It sidesteps the democratic process.

SB 5181 now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. If the House Education Committee gives it a hearing, we will let you know. It would be an opportunity for you to testify against the bill. You can do so in person or remotely via Zoom. Alternatively, you could submit written testimony.

Learn more about why we oppose SB 5181.

Learn how to testify before a legislative committee.

PODCAST: Reducing Sentences for Violent Crimes?

In this episode of the Elephant in the Dome, Senate Republican Leader John Braun talks about the shocking new bills that would reduce sentences for violent crime,
including those involving the use of firearms.

Washington taxpayers weigh in on the deficit and new taxes

According to a recent poll of Washington taxpayers, people are not buying the Democrat argument about how we ended up with a budget deficit and what it will take to get out of it.

A hefty 62% of the people believe the uncontrolled spending by the Democrat-controlled state Legislature is to blame.

By a 20-point margin, Washingtonians oppose raising taxes by $2 billion per year to fund a salary increase for state employees.

Other findings:

• 56% think it’s a bad idea for the Legislature to dramatically increase state spending even to fund programs to create more affordable housing or improve education.
• 63% think Washington will lose good-paying jobs because employers will be less likely to expand in Washington if their tax burden increases.

What is clear from this poll is that Washingtonians aren’t buying the Democrat line that the Legislature  need billions in additional revenue and do not want higher taxes.

We hope the Democrats are paying attention.

Learn more about what taxpayers think of state spending in Washington.

Important committee meetings this week