AWSP Blog

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming education, especially for students with disabilities. A recent Associated Press article highlights how AI tools are helping students like 14-year-old Makenzie Gilkison, who struggled with dyslexia, succeed academically.

Since covering pension/retirement/health insurance issues on behalf of WASA and AWSP, there are a few important points we have learned. This is just a brief summary of selected retirement related topics. One needs to check with the Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) and the Health Care Authority (HCA) for definitive answers to questions about their own situation. Policies change so this document is just a broad overview highlighting some issues.  The importance of advance planning cannot be overstated. These are not issues to put off until the last months of either one’s impending retirement or approaching Medicare eligible age. Start by requesting an official benefit estimate from DRS 3-12 months prior to your retirement date.

Here is a list of January recognitions and holidays, along with suggestions on how to observe and celebrate them within your school community.

OSPI has posted proposed rule changes to WAC 392-157-125, requiring a minimum 20-minute seated lunchtime in K-12 public schools. This was done in response to a state audit from 2019. We know that while some of you meet this requirement already, for many of you, these suggested rules would create significant challenges for buildings and districts as an unfunded mandate. To ensure building and district perspectives are heard, we strongly encourage you to submit feedback to OSPI by the January 14 deadline.

The Attorney General’s Office is recruiting youth to serve on a statewide Youth Advisory Group for the HearMeWA Program. HearMeWA is a free statewide program for youth up to age 25 who are dealing with a range of challenges, from stress and anxiety to threats and abuse.