A new legislative proposal aimed at improving academic performance in Washington schools is gaining traction, with a focus on structured literacy and innovative funding strategies. During a recent House State Government & Tribal Relations meeting, Representative Rule highlighted the success of structured literacy initiatives in Puyallup, noting a significant decrease in the need for remedial support over the past two years.

The proposed bill seeks to allocate funding based on student performance, offering $250 per pupil for those not meeting standards in math and reading, while providing $1,000 per full-time equivalent (FTE) for students who do meet the standards. This approach has sparked debate among lawmakers, with some questioning the logic behind allocating more resources to higher-performing students rather than those in need of additional support.

In response, Representative Rule emphasized the importance of directing funds into classrooms to ensure they have a tangible impact on student education. "We want to make sure that the money gets into the classroom," she stated, addressing concerns about previous funding not translating into improved educational outcomes.

As discussions continue, the bill's supporters are optimistic that these changes will help reverse negative trends in public education and ultimately lead to better grades for all schools in the state. The outcome of this proposal could reshape how educational funding is approached in Washington, with a clear focus on accountability and results.