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Two important legislative cut-off dates are February 20 and February 27. The first date is when all policy bills have to have been heard by a committee(s) and the latter date is the similar deadline for all bills from fiscal committees.

Prior to the first major cutoff date of the 2015 legislative session, 32 bills moved out of the House Education Committee. Five bills that continue to churn through the process important to principals include:

Way to go, Bethel! So inspiring to hear a principal (along with teachers and central office leaders) remind us of the power of vertical alignment, powerful instruction, and communication and collaboration with families in leading to positive outcomes for students. It’s so refreshing to hear their honest acknowledgement of the challenges at first – for everyone, including students. Yet, students today are being touted as “engineers” who are “farther ahead” than they have previously been in their mathematics learning. It’s noted that, “kids love the challenge,” and are willing to tackle work they may not know how to take on at the outset. Now that’s a skill that will help them be college and career ready!

The beauty of the democratic system is that citizens have access to their political leaders. And often, those leaders listen and respond. This has certainly been the case in addressing the lack of substitute teachers for school districts. But, this only occurs if and when legislators hear from those in their communities. (See remarks below on SB 5148 for an important opportunity to be heard.)

Monday, the House Education Committee held a public hearing on two bills of importance to principals state wide