BILL REQ. #:  H-3251.3 

Read first time 01/12/12.   Referred to Committee on Education.

     AN ACT Relating to modifying the goals of a basic education; and amending RCW 28A.150.210.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1   RCW 28A.150.210 and 2011 c 280 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
     A basic education is ((an evolving)) a program of instruction that is intended to provide students with the opportunity to ((become responsible and respectful global citizens, to)) gain knowledge and skills to become globally competitive citizens. A basic education should contribute to their economic well-being and that of their families and communities, ((to explore and understand different perspectives,)) and to enhance their opportunity to enjoy productive and satisfying lives. Additionally, the state of Washington intends to provide for a public school system that ((is able to evolve and adapt in order to better focus on strengthening)) will strengthen the educational achievement of all students, which includes high expectations for all students and gives all students the opportunity to achieve personal and academic success. To these ends, the goals of each school district, with the involvement of parents and community members, shall be to provide opportunities for every student to develop the knowledge and skills essential to:
     (1) Read with comprehension, write effectively, and communicate successfully in a variety of ways and settings and with a variety of audiences;
     (2) Know and apply the core concepts and principles of mathematics; social, physical, and life sciences; civics and history, ((including different cultures and participation in representative)) emphasizing the foundations of our constitutional republic form of government in this sovereign state and country; geography; arts; ((and)) health and fitness; and a focus on academic accuracy and a sound understanding of mathematical and scientific facts;
     (3) Think analytically, independently, logically, and creatively, and to integrate technology literacy and fluency as well as different experiences and knowledge to form reasoned judgments and solve problems; and
     (4) Understand the importance of work and finance and how performance, effort, and decisions directly affect future career and educational opportunities.