Gregoire proposes math and science funding
Governor Chris Gregoire and Superintendent of Public Instruction Terry Bergeson have unveiled their proposal to improve math and science education.
All the conservative angst about delaying the WASL graduation requirements is unfounded. Nobody is "giving up" on education, this Democratic governor seems intent on improving it. Smaller class sizes in math are a very good goal.
There are also professional development incentives for teachers in the package. If you want good teachers you need to compete in the labor market for them.
We'll see what the reaction will be in the Legislature. Money is always an issue, but if we're serious about quality math and science education, it's a good investment in our future.
Gov. Chris Gregoire today urged lawmakers to plow nearly $200 million into Washington's classrooms to help students who are struggling with math and science.The article says one goal would be to reduce the average size of middle and high school math and science classes to 25. That's a laudable and sensible goal.
The governor's sweeping proposal includes smaller middle school and high school math and science classes, recruiting hundreds of new math and science teachers, offering master teachers up to $10,000 in annual pay bonuses, and expanding tutoring and other help for struggling students. She also wants to beef up local districts' curriculum to "world-class" standards and then design achievement tests accordingly.
The proposal is a major new initiative in the state budget that Democrat Gregoire will send to the Democratic-controlled Legislature next week. The education plan is the first of a series of budget rollouts planned this week across the state.
All the conservative angst about delaying the WASL graduation requirements is unfounded. Nobody is "giving up" on education, this Democratic governor seems intent on improving it. Smaller class sizes in math are a very good goal.
There are also professional development incentives for teachers in the package. If you want good teachers you need to compete in the labor market for them.
We'll see what the reaction will be in the Legislature. Money is always an issue, but if we're serious about quality math and science education, it's a good investment in our future.
