AWSP Blog

I think something every adult needs to hear right now is that students are struggling. Just as teachers are most definitely overwhelmed with the new virtual learning process, Covid-19 has taken a toll on students as well. As a band kid, I can personally say that not getting to play in different music ensembles and concerts this year has been a huge bummer and gotten me down several times. I got so bored and lonely without music that I went as far as creating my blog, MusicandMentality, to educate others, even if it is from my desk at home. The same goes for just about most students with any activity. This all goes back to the importance of mental health. Covid-19 affects youth mental health and how schools and administrations should start thinking about putting in systems and plans to help all students within a community stigmatize mental health.

As the pandemic continues pressure-testing the system, many people are expressing concern about the possibility of a “lost generation”. The notion of learning loss has gained traction as a problem to be solved via new policies, procedures, and practices. Research firms are publishing reports citing precise calculations of learning loss. It’s become a central educational feature of the pandemic.

The new Washington Digital TeachKit offers educators over 20 guides to using educational technology tools ranging from Audacity to Zoom, curated by Washington State teacher librarians. With links to training resources, user communities, and lesson plans, this new professional learning guide is designed to meet Washington educators where they are -- providing both basic and advanced resources to help educators use the right tools to help learners whether they are learning from home or the classroom.

High-quality childcare and early learning experiences are essential for children and their families. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, finding care has been very difficult for many and the Legislature intends to address this issue through the Fair Start Act (HB 1213/SB 5237 which are companion bills).  The Fair Start Act, sponsored by both Rep. Tana Senn and Sen. Claire Wilson, establishes a new fund that would expand access to affordable childcare by increasing eligibility and decreasing copayments in the Working Connections Child Care Program and in the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program.

Here in Olympia, there seems to be a constant stream of bills that will eventually have hearings dropping each day. There are also budget discussions taking place for how and when districts will receive the second round of federal dollars for K–12 education along with how the state funding will continue to support schools. And, we are hearing from President Biden there might be a third round of funding from the federal government. The short version, I believe, is that funding will be stable for next school year. How that all gets sorted out, however, remains to be seen. An important concern we’ve shared with legislators is making sure the dollars driven to specific programs that are dependent upon enrollment numbers like levy equalization (LEA), learning assistance (LAP), skills centers, institutional education, special education, hi-cap, and more, stay steady as well.