Poorly performing Washington schools now on notice
May 8, 2013, 5:41 AM | Updated: 9:21 am
Schools with consistently bad test scores and student graduation will now be given three years to turn themselves around or be put on a plan by the state. (AP Photo/file)
(AP Photo/file)
The state’s chronically under-performing schools will be given three years to shape up or face being put on a state-run turn-around plan and possible closure under a bill signed into law by the governor on Tuesday.
The state will create a list identifying the low-performing schools and then provide additional funding to help schools turn themselves around.
But if they don’t get results, the state will be able to create its own plan that could include firing teachers, changing curriculum, and eventual school closing.
Senator Steve Litzow introduced the bill and said something had to be done about low-performing schools.
“We know we have chronically, persistent failing schools,” Senator Litzow told a hearing during the legislative session. “We’ve know it for years. Right now, there’s about 50 on the list. This is a last resort.”
This law is a watered-down compromise of the original bill, which would have put these failing schools in a new school district run by a non-profit and overseen by the state.
