The agenda and materials for the State Board of Education's October 11-12 meeting are available online. The Board is excited to have several special guests presenting on various topics including:

A special welcome (Wednesday, October 11 at 9:00) from Senator Nikki Torres (Pasco) and Dr. Trevor Greene, Superintendent (Yakima School District).

An update on mastery-based learning from members of the Mastery-based Learning Collaborative and partners (Wednesday, October 11 at 11:00 - schools present during lunch):

• Eliot Levine, Research Director, Aurora Institute
• Chris Nesmith, Superintendent, Elma School District
• Angie Mason-Smith, Program Director, Career Pathways, Washington STEM
• Val Jones, Principal, GATES High School, Franklin Pierce School District
• Dr. Peter Finch, Superintendent, West Valley School District 208 (Yakima)
• Jedediah Watters, Executive Director of Innovation, West Valley School District 208 (Yakima)

A presentation on computer science education (Wednesday, October 11 at 1:00) featuring Hadi Partovi, the CEO of Code.org.

A session featuring community voices (Wednesday, October 11 at 4:00) with guest Suzy Diaz, (Yakima Valley Partners for Education).

A learning experience on financial education (Thursday, October 12 at 9:20) with Tracy Godat, Executive Director of the Financial Education Public-Private Partnership.

Business items up for discussion and possible action during this meeting include:

• Public Disclosure and Records Management
• Private School Approvals
• Certification of Basic Education
• Legislative Platform
• Proposed Rules for Chapter 180-19 - Charter Schools
• Proposed Rules for Chapter 180-90 - Private Schools

Birthday Wishes Coloring Sheet Contest
Help us celebrate our mascot's birthday by completing an official birthday coloring sheet! We want students to tell us what lawmakers should know - so on each sheet there are some questions about school. Coloring sheets will be entered into a state-wide drawing. Prize: a visit by Board officials (and Snorkels) to the winning student's class, a feature about the good things happening at this school, and of course, birthday cake! 

Sheets are available in multiple languages. If you need assistance or have questions, contact Stephanie Davidsmeyer. Please email your completed sheets to Stephanie by November 4!

Who is Snorkels?
Adopted on behalf of the Board in summer 2022 with 100 percent donated funds, the State Board’s seal, Snorkels, is an educational interactive symbol for SBE. Snorkels was named by a fourth-grader (Peyton) and has their own Instagram account (instagram.com/therealsbeseal) where they document their journeys throughout Washington schools, attend Board meetings and report back, and share relatable resources that help educate the public on what the Board is and what the Board does—all while residing officially in its home: the Old Capitol Building in Olympia. Check out the Snorkels highlights on Instagram!