NEWS BRIEFS

ANAYA RESIGNS; SEARCH BEGINS FOR NEW DIRECTOR

Dr. Alfonso Anaya, the Washington State director of migrant and bilingual education unexpectedly resigned Aug. 27 from his position at the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).  Bob Harmon, assistant superintendent for special programs & federal accountability, will serve as interim director while the agency recruits Anaya’s replacement, according to SPI Chief of Staff Cathy Davidson.

Dr. Terry Bergeson, state superintendent of public instruction, calls for help in recruiting the best candidates. In her recruitment announcement she writes:

 “Our desire is to have a great pool of applicants so we are able to select an excellent person for this critical position. I am seeking a skillful, experienced educational leader with a passion for, and commitment to our wonderful migrant and immigrant students.  With your help, we are confident that we can identify candidates with the experience, passion and background necessary to lead this most important program.”

For more information, contact Joe Lee at Human Resources, 360-725-6272, or look for details on the OSPI web site, www.k12.wa.us.

STATE SAT SCORES AMONG BEST IN NATION

For the fifth consecutive year, Washington state scoring averages on the SAT college readiness assessment are the highest in the nation among states in which more than half of the eligible students took the exam, according to the College Board.

"College readiness is a key measure of our K-12 education system," says Terry Bergeson, Washington state superintendent of public instruction. "So I’m again excited and proud to hear that Washington students are among the best in the nation. The global economy of the 21^st century demands that students become lifelong learners who are equipped to solve problems and build dreams no matter what career path they choose after high school. To be the top state in the nation for students demonstrating their readiness to continue their educational journey is a tribute to teachers, administrators, school boards, communities, parents and, above all, these students."

In 2007, Washington students in public schools averaged 522 in critical reading, 527 in mathematics and 505 in writing. In 2006, the averages were slightly higher -- 523, 530 and 507, respectively – mirroring national results, where public school students averaged 495 on critical reading (down two points from 2006), 509 in mathematics (down five points) and 488 in writing (down four points).

STATE ACT SCORES CONTINUE TO CLIMB

For the fourth consecutive year, Washington state students increased their performance on the ACT college readiness assessment. Washington’s students ranked third in composite scoring, behind Massachusetts and Connecticut.

The exam consists of four content areas: English, reading, mathematics and science, scores scaled from one (lowest) to 36 (highest). Washington’s students averaged a composite score of 23.1, compared to the national average of 21.2. Three students in Washington were among the 114 nationally who achieved perfect composite scores.

WASHINGTON RECEIVES MATH, SCIENCE INITIATIVE GRANTS

Washington has been awarded one of the first-ever grants from the National Math and Science Initiative’s (NMSI) Advanced Placement training and incentive program. NMSI is a major new non-profit designed to help America maintain its global leadership in technological innovation.

"This is a terrific opportunity and resource for Washington students," says Gov. Chris Gregoire. "This award will help us provide significant additional support to teachers and students and, ultimately, will move us closer to a world-class, learner-focused education system."

"For years, we’ve increased the number of students taking Advanced Placement courses,” adds Terry Bergeson, state superintendent of public instruction. “Last year the governor provided state money to bolster enrollment in these courses. The grant will expand those opportunities to more students,"

Washington’s proposal, submitted by Mentoring Advanced Placement (MAP), a non-profit organization headquartered in Vancouver that links business mentors with Advanced Placement (AP) teachers and students, was selected among only seven states to receive the first grants given by NMSI. The grants will each provide up to $13.2 million during the next six years to help fund training and incentive programs for AP and Pre-AP courses.