Holding State Government Accountable for Education Goals

In November 2006, Washington Learns issued the first complete review of our state’s education system from preschool through higher education and workforce training. Washington Learns’ final report establishes long-term goals for raising overall education attainment within our state.

One of the report’s specific recommendations is to create a P-20 Council to evaluate early learning, K-12, higher education and workforce preparation with the goal of increasing accountability in our education system. Governor Gregoire signed an executive order creating the P-20 Council on August 2, 2007.

To improve education accountability, the P-20 Council will ask and act on these and other questions:

• Are more children ready to learn when they enter kindergarten?
• Are more students adequately prepared in math and science—the language of international competition?
• Are more students graduating from high school ready for work or higher education?
• Are more students completing college programs that prepare them for work or further education and training?
• Are students receiving personalized learning experiences that complement their learning styles?
• Are students experiencing a truly seamless education system?

During its 2007 session, the legislature made significant investments in education in early learning, K-12 and higher education. Many of these investments are the result of Washington Learns. The P-20 Council’s task is to track progress on the Washington Learns long-term goals and on the specific investments that have been made. The P-20 Council will track progress on the long-term goals of Washington Learns and on the specific investments that have been made. They will collect data and track changes. The accountability process Governor Gregoire uses with state agencies will be applied to education as well.