Goals of a basic education

AN ACT Relating to modifying the goals of a basic education; and 1
amending RCW 28A.150.210, 28A.300.112, and 28A.655.300.2
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:3
Sec. 1. RCW 28A.150.210 and 2011 c 280 s 2 are each amended to 4
read as follows: 5
A basic education is ((an evolving )) a program of instruction 6
that is intended to provide students with the opportunity to ((become 7
responsible and respectful global citizens, to )) gain knowledge and 8
skills to become globally competitive citizens. A basic education 9
should contribute to their economic well-being and that of their 10
families and communities, ((to explore and understand different 11
perspectives,)) and enhance their opportunity to enjoy productive and 12
satisfying lives. Additionally, the state of Washington intends to 13
provide for a public school system that ((is able to evolve and adapt 14
in order to better focus on strengthening )) will strengthen the 15
educational achievement of all students, which includes high 16
expectations for all students and gives all students the opportunity 17
to achieve personal and academic success. To these ends, the goals of 18
each school district, with the involvement of parents and community 19
members, shall be to provide opportunities for every student to 20
develop the knowledge and skills essential to: 21
S-0848.1
SENATE BILL 5564
State of Washington 69th Legislature 2025 Regular Session
By Senators McCune, Fortunato, J. Wilson, Boehnke, and Harris
p. 1 SB 5564
(1) Read with comprehension, write effectively, and communicate 1
successfully in a variety of ways and settings and with a variety of 2
audiences; 3
(2) Know and apply the core concepts and principles of 4
mathematics; social, physical, and life sciences; civics and history, 5
((including different cultures and participation in representative 6
government)) emphasizing the foundations of our constitutional 7
republic form of government in this sovereign state and country ; 8
geography; arts; and health and fitness . The core concepts and 9
principles must focus on academic accuracy and a sound understanding 10
of mathematical and scientific facts; 11
(3) Think analytically, independently, logically, and creatively, 12
and to integrate technology literacy and fluency as well as different 13
experiences and knowledge to form reasoned judgments and solve 14
problems; and 15
(4) Understand the importance of work and finance and how 16
performance, effort, and decisions directly affect future career and 17
educational opportunities. 18
Sec. 2. RCW 28A.300.112 and 2020 c 59 s 2 are each amended to 19
read as follows: 20
(1) ((By September 1, 2021, the )) The office of the 21
superintendent of public instruction shall identify and make 22
available ethnic studies materials and resources for use in grades 23
kindergarten through ((twelve)) 12. The materials and resources must 24
be designed to prepare students to ((be global citizens in a global 25
society with an appreciation for the contributions of multiple )) 26
appreciate and admire differing cultures. The materials and resources 27
must be posted on the office of the superintendent of public 28
instruction's website. 29
(2)(a) Public schools with students in grades seven through 30
((twelve)) 12 are encouraged to offer an ethnic studies course that 31
incorporates the materials and resources identified under subsection 32
(1) of this section. 33
(b) Public schools with students in grades kindergarten through 34
six are encouraged to incorporate the materials and resources 35
identified under subsection (1) of this section. 36
Sec. 3. RCW 28A.655.300 and 2020 c 59 s 1 are each amended to 37
read as follows: 38
p. 2 SB 5564
((By September 1, 2021, the )) The office of the superintendent of 1
public instruction shall identify existing state learning standards 2
that address the knowledge and skills that all public school students 3
need to ((be global citizens in a global society with an appreciation 4
for the contributions of diverse )) appreciate and admire differing 5
cultures. These state learning standards must be periodically updated 6
to incorporate best practices in ethnic studies. 7
--- END ---
p. 3 SB 5564