WHEREAS, Harry S. Truman High School is an alternative school that opened in the 1970s in the Federal Way School District; and
     WHEREAS, Each year teachers and staff at Truman High School have raised their expectations for the alternative high school students. Attendance requirements were more strictly enforced and academic requirements were raised to better prepare students for life after high school. However, the level of academic performance from students did not match the expectations that teachers and staff held; and
     WHEREAS, In 1999 Truman High School was awarded a Gates Foundation Small Schools Project grant to restructure the way Truman High School delivered instruction; and
     WHEREAS, In 2001 Truman High School opened its doors to a brand new learning environment where a team of 12 teachers personalized education and acted as advisors staying with no more than 17 students until they graduated, worked with parents to make them active partners in their children's high school experience, and helped students locate experiences and internships that matched their interests and passions; and
     WHEREAS, Truman High School is now a college preparatory school. Students must apply to Truman as a school of choice. The students come from all different ethnic, economic, social, and educational backgrounds; and
     WHEREAS, In order to graduate, students must demonstrate proficiency in a number of academic areas that are determined by the state standards and the Essential Academic Learning Requirements. Student work is collected in a portfolio and reviewed regularly by teachers, administrators, parents, and students. Students must present their work through a public exhibition for a panel made up of students, staff, parents, and mentor/community members; and
     WHEREAS, Truman staff believe all students should have the opportunity to attend posthigh school academic education, and prepare students for this opportunity. Students are required to make college visits and go through the application process. Students' academic expectations are high and are consistent with college preparation. All students must take the SAT and the ACT; and
     WHEREAS, For the first time in school history, one hundred percent of the 2004 Truman High School graduating class was accepted to posthigh school academic training;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate acknowledge and honor the Harry S. Truman High School teachers, staff, and student Class of 2004, who demonstrate the teachers' and staffs' commitment to students and the students' commitment to themselves; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to Truman High School.