Seattle Public Schools is making changes to help students succeed

AT Seattle Public Schools, our primary goal is to provide an education that prepares each student to graduate from high school ready for college, careers and life.

Elliot Ransom, a National Merit scholar from Ballard High School, plans to study engineering; Kenny Setiao dropped out of Cleveland High School, but returned to receive a scholarship to South Seattle Community College; and Nicole Davis won the prestigious National Merit Scholarship. The graduation of these and thousands of other students from Seattle Public Schools is a critical measure of our success as educators.

If college-ready graduation for all students is the goal, how do we get there? First, we have to admit that what we have been doing is not working for all students. Today, almost four in 10 students in Seattle don't graduate on time. In today's world, the benefits of postsecondary education have never been greater.

Second, we must recognize that getting ready for college starts long before students enter ninth grade. When students meet critical milestones — entering kindergarten ready to learn, reading at grade level in third grade, taking algebra in eighth grade, and passing the WASL in 10th grade — they are more likely to make it to graduation day. Our strategic plan, called Excellence for All, is our guide to reach this goal.

Third, we must give teachers and principals the right tools and support. We adopted new math textbooks and instructional materials for high schools that are consistent with the approach used in elementary and middle schools. A new assessment system will give teachers real-time information about students' strengths and weaknesses so that they can better keep them on track. And we have expanded the number of Advanced Placement classes by more than 30 percent so more students have a chance to enroll in college-level courses.

Not all of these changes have been easy — or without controversy. But they all have been designed so all of our students graduate ready for their next step in life.

One of the biggest changes is improving the way students are assigned to schools. We need a student-assignment plan that is equitable, predictable and easy for families to understand. We expect a new plan to be finalized this fall, with phased implementation beginning in 2010 where each student will have a school assignment based on his or her address. Families who choose to apply to another school will be considered on a space-available basis, with preference given to keep siblings together. This will reduce transportation and administration costs — resources better spent educating Seattle's children.

The bottom line is that all students deserve access to high-quality schools and programs across the city. As a result of our work this year, we will strengthen advanced learning, bilingual education and special-education services so they are offered in more schools next year.

Instead of a handful of "good" schools, we are creating a district where every school is excellent. We are setting clear goals for each school, and we will provide support to help those that are struggling. Only by raising the bar across Seattle will we ensure that all students are challenged and supported every step of the way so they graduate ready for all that life can offer.

As I wish the Class of 2009 the best of luck, I am also committed to ensuring that next year's class is even better prepared to succeed.

To get involved and learn more about the new student assignment plan and Excellence for All, visit www.seattleschools.org.