The Washington Senate has approved an education reform measure meant to bolster the state’s application for federal dollars through the Race to the Top competition.
On a 41-5 vote, the Senate on Thursday passed a bill that looks to make low-performing schools more accountable and creates a new teacher and principal evaluation system. The measure now heads to the House for further consideration.
The bill would extend the probationary period of teachers from two years to three; approve the new school accountability plan from the State Board of Education; and establish the first state evaluation criteria for principals, who have been evaluated under general administrative guidelines.
It also adds alternative new ways to become a teacher, and creates a plan to pay teachers more for innovation, improving achievement gaps or developing a program that focuses on science and technology.
The $4.3 billion Race to the Top competition is the federal government’s carrot for school reform. States will be rewarded for adopting innovative and progressive reform that will lead to more kids graduating from high school with the skills they need to succeed in college and work.
The state’s application is due in June.
