Washington students are struggling in math and science. Only 51 percent of our high school students passed the most recent test of 10th grade math skills. Many college freshmen are unprepared for college-level coursework – 44 percent of the class of 2003 required remedial classes in math, English or both. Our high school students not only are unprepared to go on to college, but they also miss out on top-paying careers and jobs.

Employers are demanding more workers with math and science, technology and engineering skills. It is essential that our math and science curriculum meet that demand. In order for Washington to continue to be competitive in the global economy, we need to hold our students to math and science standards as high as those in other states and other nations.

This past year, I had the opportunity to be a member of the Washington Learns Steering Committee, Gov. Chris Gregoire’s education initiative, to try to find ways to make sure all students get the education they need to succeed in life.

On Nov. 13, Gov. Gregoire released the Washington Learns final report, the result of a top-to-bottom review of our state’s education system. The proposal addresses five major initiatives: 1) Early Learning: A Smart Investment; 2) Math and Science: A Competitive Edge; 3) Personalized Learning: Helping Every Student Succeed; 4) College and Workforce Training: Increasing Opportunities; 5) Quality and Accountability: Keeping the Promise. The report lays out the rationale, multiple strategies and expected results for each of the bold reforms, all with the goal of ensuring Washington citizens get the rigorous education needed to succeed in today’s economy.

The Math and Science Initiative of the Washington Learns report has recommended several strategies to address the need to increase math and science skills, including: 1) develop math and science materials to train child care and early education teachers; 2) establish a limited list of math and science curricula that is globally competitive; 3) increase graduation requirements to ensure adequate math and science preparation for their careers or college classes; 4) build expertise in math and science by increasing the college course requirements for all prospective teachers; 5) ensure that all teachers are trained and prepared to teach and use the state curricula materials in math and science; 6) attract more math and science teachers by expanding alternative routes to teacher certification for business professionals and instructional assistants; 7) expand incentives and opportunities for students seeking high-demand math and science related certificates and degrees; and 8) partner with after-school programs to assist in math learning.

In January 2007, the Washington Learns’ recommendations will be sent to the Legislature. The future of our children in Washington state is in its hands.

The principles of the Washington Learns report are designed to transform our entire education system. The recommendations are bold. A tremendous amount of research has been done, and the investments needed are substantial. It is a long-term goal, and it will require sustained participation by state and local governments, parents, caregivers, teachers and community members, businesses and students – all of us working together.

We need to ensure all students get the education they need to succeed, one that includes a rigorous math and science curriculum that prepares them to be successful and competitive citizens.