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February 2025 Recap: Highlighted Updates from SBE |
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Before we talk about what the Board has been up to this month, we wanted to share a brief message regarding recent federal executive orders and non-regulatory guidance:
The Washington State Board of Education reaffirms its commitment to an equitable and inclusive K-12 education system—one that empowers every student with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in a changing world. For nearly 150 years, we have been entrusted with advocating for the needs of all students, and that work remains at the core of our mission.
We are coordinating with the Governor’s Office, the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, and other state education agencies to assess the impact of recent federal executive orders and non-regulatory guidance. We will provide further information as it becomes available.
At a time of heightened division on social and educational issues, Washington’s leadership—including the Governor and the Superintendent of Public Instruction—has stood firmly in support of our students. The State Board of Education remains equally committed to ensuring that every student receives the support they need to grow and thrive, with access to an inclusive education that prepares them for the future.
Here's a recap of what the Board has been up to this month:
At its February meeting, the Board swore in new member Jen Chong Jewell, who was elected to represent Western Washington Position 4. Board Members also received an update on the FutureReady Task Force and provided input on its work to modernize high school graduation requirements. Additionally, the Board reviewed and gave feedback on the 2025 Basic Education Report, which will be finalized in the coming weeks.
Before the meeting on February 12, members visited New Market Skills Center in Tumwater to learn how its hands-on training programs prepare students for success after graduation.
The next Board meeting is scheduled for April 16-17 in Olympia or South Pierce County.
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What makes a high school student ready for life after graduation? The State Board of Education wants to hear what you think!
The Board will be hosting two virtual community listening sessions on Tuesday, March 11. These sessions are an opportunity to share your thoughts on what Washington's students need to be ready for life after high school — academically, professionally, and as engaged community members. Students, parents, and community members are especially encouraged to attend!
Your input will help shape the Board’s work to update graduation requirements. This is the start of a multi-year process guided by a task force and ongoing community engagement. In this early stage, we’re focused on developing a shared vision for what “ready for success” means for life after high school. This vision will lay the foundation for more detailed policy work to come. There will be more opportunities to share your perspective along the way.
Registration is required. Please sign up for the session that works best for you.
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Time is running out for interested students to apply for a position on the State Board of Education.
The Board is seeking a current high school sophomore eager to make a difference in the state’s education system by serving as the Board's Student Representative for the 2025–2027 term. Interested students can visit the Association of Washington Student Leaders (AWSL) website to access the application and learn more about this opportunity.
Applications are open until March 28, 2025.
Student Representatives will:
- Represent over one million students statewide.
- Influence policies that shape K–12 education in Washington.
- Collaborate with state leaders and expand your network.
- Receive a $100/day stipend during official meetings and reimbursement for travel.
- Must reside and attend school in Washington State.
- Current sophomore (rising junior) in the 2025 school year.
- Passionate about improving education and ready to dedicate time to Board responsibilities.
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The Board was in Olympia on February 11 to advocate for Mastery-based Learning and funding to support FutureReady, the Board's initiative to update graduation requirements. We’ve pulled together a video highlighting key moments from the day.
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Upcoming Events & Meetings
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April Board Meeting
The Board's next meeting is scheduled for April 16-17 in Shelton.
Find the agenda and materials for all SBE meetings. New ones will be posted one week in advance of the meeting on SBE’s meetings page.
FutureReady Community Listening Session
March 11, 2025. Sessions will take place over Zoom. Registration required.
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FutureReady Task Force March Meeting
The next FutureReady Task Force Meeting is set for March 21, 2025. A location will be announced soon. Check the task force's webpage for more information.
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