The Advocate
The Advocate is updated in the first week of every other month September through May, containing articles relating to private school issues, representation, and local-to-national news relevant to independent schools.
OSPI debate goes virtual on September 17
The Washing State Wire has announced it is hosting a virtual debate between the general election candidates for Superintendent of Public Instruction. The 2020 OSPI General Election Debate is scheduled for Tuesday September 17th from 7-8pm and advance registration is...
Updated Immunization Guidance for K-12 Schools from WA Department of Health
Yesterday OSPI sent joint guidance from DOH and OSPI to all public school superintendents. In the guidance applicable for the 2020–21 school year and K–12 programs only, DOH and OSPI state: In light of the pandemic, if a student cannot meet the immunization...
Pierce County adds private schools to COVID-19 school cash bailout. It’s only fair
THE NEWS TRIBUNE EDITORIAL BOARD The constant twists and turns of the COVID-19 crisis are more than South Sound schools bargained for, more than they budgeted for and certainly more than they can afford to navigate on their own. When summer vacation ends in a few...
Hobbled by 1,000 closures, Washington’s child care industry thrust into de facto teaching
Nina Shapiro for the Seattle Times nshapiro@seattletimes.com A day after the Seattle Public Schools superintendent announced she would recommend all remote learning in the fall, Angelia Hicks-Maxie, a South Seattle child care provider, said she was “freaking out.” ...
It’s unsafe for most of Washington students to return to school buildings this fall, state says
Unlike the spring, when Inslee mandated school closures first in several counties, and then statewide, these recommendations aren’t binding. Inslee said he is concerned schools that open too quickly could spur outbreaks or worsen community spread but is confident most districts will follow the new guidance. He said he decided against local or statewide mandates because school boards in Washington have traditionally had authority to make such decisions.
State Board of Education notice on safe return to school plans
Public and private schools in Washington are developing plans for a safe return to school this fall so they can deliver the best possible educational experience to their students. All schools will follow safety guidelines of official state and local health agencies. While following the same guidance, each school and community is different so schools may make different decisions on opening and on how to teach and interact with students.
Despite COVID-19, some Puget Sound schools prepping for in-class learning this fall
“The health departments have been doing extraordinary jobs in keeping us informed on how and what to do in these scenarios. Luckily, private schools have some agility and size that allows them to make those determinations within their buildings” stated Suzie Hanson, executive director of the WA Federation of Independent Schools.
School Immunization Record Requirements & WA IIS
Beginning August 1, 2020 all new students are required to have medically verified immunization records on day one for entry into any public or private school and child care center. Learn what your school is required to do and how you can use DOH resources to streamline your efforts in this regard.
Education Freedom Scholarships in Next Stimulus Bill?
President Trump is expected to ask Congress for a “one-time, emergency appropriation” for a grant proposal that would allow states to distribute funds to nonprofits that give scholarships to students to attend private schools.
DeVos Demands Public Schools Share Pandemic Aid With Private Institutions
“The CARES Act is a special, pandemic-related appropriation to benefit all American students, teachers and families, …There is nothing in the act suggesting Congress intended to discriminate between children based on public or nonpublic school attendance, … The virus affects everyone.”
9 Ways Schools Will Look Different When (And If) They Reopen
While remote learning continues, summer is a question mark, and attention is already starting to turn to next fall.