State of Washington PASSES Bold, Comprehensive STEM Legislation (Model the Practice!)

BOLD, COMPREHENSIVE STEM LEGISLATION PASSES WITH STRONG BIPARTISAN SUPPORT

House and Senate take action on Governor’s Request Legislation House Bill 1872, with Senate approving 47-0

JULY 1, 2013 | SEATTLE, WA – Last week the House and Senate prioritized comprehensive science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) legislation, paving the way for House Bill 1872 to become law. This bill will spur greater coordination, innovation, and accountability of STEM education efforts across Washington state.

“I applaud the Legislature for delivering on their commitment to prioritize STEM education,” said Governor Jay Inslee, who made passing comprehensive STEM legislation a top priority for his administration’s first legislative session. “STEM is critical to our student’s success and state’s economic future by ensuring a high-quality, homegrown workforce.”

HB-1872 provides a bold and results-driven approach to align state agencies and resources around a comprehensive PK-20 STEM strategy and evidence-based framework for accountability. Specifically, HB-1872 will:

• Provide tools to align the state’s STEM education efforts and target state dollars towards promising innovations and best practices.
• Ensure STEM outcomes are embedded in existing state policy and planning efforts, such as the Washington Student Achievement Council’s 10-year education roadmap.
• Establish a multi-sector Governor's STEM Education Innovation Alliance.
• Create a pathway for future state investments to accelerate STEM efforts and impact currently led by the nonprofit Washington STEM. These efforts include supporting the growing number of regional STEM networks around the state and making competitive investments to improve STEM teaching and learning.  

The bill's unanimous passage in the Senate demonstrates that STEM education is a bipartisan issue in Washington state. Key Republicans and Democrats spearheaded this ambitious legislation at the Governor’s request: Rep. Marcie Maxwell, D-41st Legislative District and member of the House Education Committee led the charge as prime sponsor of HB-1872; Sen. Steve Litzow, R-Mercer Island and chair of the Senate Education Committee introduced companion legislation, SB 5755.

Recent public opinion polling by Washington STEM shows an almost universal perception among Washington voters that STEM skills enhance opportunity for students and economic vitality.

“The Governor recognizes that STEM education equals jobs and opportunity in our state," said Rep. Marcie Maxwell. "With a framework for strong leadership, voice, and vision, my House Bill 1872 is about aligning best practices and coordinating STEM initiatives for greater impact. Regional STEM Networks will be a critical anchor to this effort by providing a statewide infrastructure from South King County to Spokane to both generate and exchange insights on how best to accelerate student success in STEM skills that will grow our economy."

With a growing STEM skills gap in Washington state, this legislation could not be timelier. A recent report conducted by the Boston Consulting Group found that there are currently 25,000 unfilled jobs in Washington due to lack of qualified candidates. That number could grow to 50,000 by 2017 with the majority in STEM fields.

“The governor's championship of this bill demonstrates his campaign commitment to be the nation's first STEM governor,” said Patrick D’Amelio, Washington STEM CEO. “This is a significant step forward in providing Washington students with the robust STEM foundation that needs to be inherent in our state’s basic education. The bill also provides a strong foundation that future legislative sessions can build upon to advance STEM education.”

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About Washington STEM
 

Washington STEM is a statewide nonprofit advancing excellence, equity, and innovation in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education. Launched in March 2011 with support from the business, education, and philanthropic communities, our goal is to reimagine and revitalize STEM education across Washington. Join us at www.washingtonstem.org, and pass along the power of STEM on Facebook and Twitter@washingtonstem.