District news
Public K-12 Education Priorities Survey
Let your voice be heard!
You have a wonderful opportunity to provide to the state of Washington specific feedback to influence the education resources that Arlington and other districts across the state may receive.
Our state’s lead office for education – the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), led by State Superintendent Chris Reykdal – just opened a survey to the public asking for input on public K-12 education investments for the future. Please take this opportunity to give input about the areas where state leaders should focus funding.
The answers you give have the potential to impact what the Governor and State Legislature prioritize for years to come! For example, if you place student mental health services high on your list, we may end up with more funding for school counselors and other services. This is an opportunity to influence decisions about funding for our schools in the state.
The survey will be open through Friday, June 8 and is available in nine languages in addition to English. The survey takes FIVE MINUTES to complete and it is completely ANONYMOUS.
I hope you will be able to take a few moments to make your voice heard and be part of the conversation at the statewide level. Your feedback is essential!
You can take the survey on the OSPI website. If you have any questions about the survey, call OSPI Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at (360) 725-6000.
Passionate for student learning,
Dr. Chrys Sweeting
Superintendent
Arlington Public Schools
Washington School Improvement Framework results released
Washington’s new accountability system has launched, and schools are being identified under the new Washington School Improvement Framework (WSIF), as called for in the federal 
Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). But what is the Framework, and what does it mean for Arlington schools?
The WSIF is the framework for accountability in Washington state. Each school is measured on the Framework, and the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) has identified schools for additional supports, called Comprehensive and Targeted supports.
The goal of the ESSA Plan, developed after the passage of the law in 2015 and which underlies the WSIF, is equity and flexibility. Every student deserves the opportunity to finish school ready for post-secondary aspirations, career, and life. New guidance under Washington’s ESSA Plan allows districts to shift the paradigm, and break down funding silos to develop programs that will help our students finish school prepared for our changing world.
What makes up the WSIF scores? There are nine measures in total. Growth and proficiency still make up a big part of the scores, for both English language arts and mathematics. Also important are graduation rate and English learner progress. Additionally, there are three new school quality and student success (SQSS) measures meant to help parents and families, as well as school districts, understand the overall school climate, which goes beyond academics. These measures are regular attendance, 9th graders on track to graduation, and dual credit or advanced course-taking opportunities.
Link to Arlington Public Schools' scores
School attendance should be a priority every day
School is well underway and we want to see your child each day! Attending school regularly helps children feel better about school – and themselves. This habit should be started at a young age so they learn right away that going to school on time, every day is important. Good attendance will help children do well in high school, college and work. Learn more about our attendance campaign.