Ed Advocate eNews, April 2014 | League of Education Voters

Greetings

Chris Korsmo, CEO

Thank you to those who attended our March 11 annual LEV Breakfast. We enjoyed an insightful panel discussion with early learning experts and advocates that highlighted the exciting policy work happening at the state and local level. A big thank-you, as well, to the two student groups who sang during the breakfast: Lincoln High School's Studio Choir and South Shore PK–8 School's 3rd & 4th Grade Choir.

The 2014 legislative session ended in mid-March, and while it was a short session, it was a busy one. We supported a number of successful bills, including two big wins with the passage of the Dream (or Real Hope) Act and the College & Career Ready Diploma. Read our summary of the session on our blog.

This month, I am pleased to highlight the work of three women for our Activist of the Month series: Sarah Butcher, Jennifer Karls, and Beth Sigall. Sarah, Jennifer, and Beth are tireless advocates for special needs students. These activists made huge differences during the legislative session through their own work and by empowering parents and communities across the state.

Thanks for all you do for kids. We couldn't do it without you.

Chris Korsmo signature

Chris Korsmo

LEV's Activist(s) of the Month

Above: Jennifer Karls (left) and Sarah
Butcher; Below: Beth Sigall with her son

At the League of Education Voters (LEV), we recognize all of the hard work that you do toward improving public education across Washington state. We are pleased to announce our Activists of the Month for April: Sarah Butcher, Jennifer Karls, and Beth Sigall. Read more about their experiences as strong advocates for special education.

Sarah and Jennifer formed the Bellevue Special Needs PTA in 2012, where Jennifer serves as President and Sarah as co-Vice President. Beth serves as the Vice President of Advocacy for the Lake Washington PTSA Council.

Read more about their experiences as strong advocates for special education. Read more

Transforming School Discipline

During the 2013 legislative session, many of you helped us pass a law (SB 5946) that makes school discipline data public and limits the number of days that students can be removed from class. That was the first step in transforming school discipline policies. Now it's time to take another.

The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) is inviting public comment on its implementation of the new law.

There are a few ways you can get involved. Learn more

Save the Date for GiveBIG, May 6

Connect with the League of Education Voters Foundation on May 6 through the Seattle Foundation's annual GiveBIG online giving event! The Seattle Foundation's GiveBIG is a one-day, online charitable giving event to inspire people to give generously to nonprofit organizations that make our region a healthier and more vital place to live.

The LEV Foundation will participate again this year, and you can join the fun by visiting our page on the GiveBIG website. The event runs for 24 hours, from midnight to midnight, on Tuesday, May 6, 2014. Learn more

Get Involved

SAVE THE DATE

May 1, 2014 | The Battle Over School Funding, Seattle
May 6, 2014 | GiveBIG by the Seattle Foundation, Online giving event

LUNCHTIME LEVINARS

April 2014 | Transforming School Discipline: The Next Step, Online

GIVE TO LEAGUE OF EDUCATION VOTERS | Donate online

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