This is a time of unparalleled opportunity for education reform in the state of Washington — and in the nation as a whole. The possibilities are immense, and the stakes are high. With billions of federal education stimulus dollars on the table, and strong education reform bills passed in 2009 and 2010, the state has both the potential funding and legislative mandate to take huge steps forward. The state’s goal should be to ensure that each and every public school student graduates from high school prepared for the rigors of college and the workplace. The need for reform is clear, and the window of opportunity is open. Now is the time for action: Washington’s students cannot afford to wait.

Unfortunately, far too many of Washington’s students graduate from high school without the skills and knowledge to succeed in college and the workplace. In the 21st century job market, these students will face an increasingly harsh reality: few career options and limited opportunity to earn a living wage. At Partnership for Learning, we believe that every single student should graduate from high school prepared to do college level work. To achieve this goal, our state’s education leaders must take real action in five key education policy areas:

• College and Work Readiness
• STEM and Innovation
• Teachers and Leaders
• Data Systems
• Accountability