Randy Dorn

Public education honchos gather in anti-charter schools camp

Gabriel Spitzer — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 19:22:48 +0000

Some prominent education officials, including the top dogs in Seattle and in Washington State, want voters to reject a ballot measure that would allow up to 40 charter schools in Washington. Superintendent of Public Instruction Randy Dorn is announcing his opposition to Initiative 1240 Thursday morning, the day after Seattle School Board members voted unanimously to oppose the ballot measure. Seattle Superintendent Jose Banda recently reiterated his personal disapproval of the initiative as well.

Washington gets wiggle room under No Child Left Behind

Gabriel Spitzer — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 23:31:18 +0000

Washington schools will be able to sidestep some of the toughest standards and punishments in the federal No Child Left Behind law. The federal government announced Friday it will give waivers to Washington and Wisconsin.

Washington Superintendent of Public Instruction Randy Dorn has said under the current law, nearly every school in the state would get socked with penalties. Schools are supposed to have all of their students meeting learning standards by 2014, or else lose control over big chunks of federal money.

State superintendent gives his proposal for school funding

The Associated Press and KPLU News Staff — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 22:37:29 +0000

The good news in this week's new Washington state revenue forecast has drawn the attention of everyone who wants some money for their department or program.

But in a statement put out by Superintendent of Public Instruction Randy Dorn, Dorn says the state Constitution and the Supreme Court give Washington only one choice: pay for education first.

Despite data, state supe Dorn says new evaluation system needed for teachers and principals

Bellamy Pailthorp — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 13:12:29 +0000

If you listen to the numbers, there's no need for any change in the way teachers and principals are evaluated in public schools here in Washington State.

Data is in from a first-ever statewide survey about their performance. It says very few teachers are a problem: not even 500 were rated unsatisfactory in all of Washington.

Gregoire makes another push for 'Education Czar'

Austin Jenkins and KPLU News Staff — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 15:50:53 +0000

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kplu/local-kplu-955577.mp3

Governor Chris Gregoire is making another push to create a cabinet-level Department of Education. The idea appears to be faltering in the Washington legislature.

Gregoire makes rare appearance before legislature to tout education system reforms

Gary Crawford — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 23:21:00 +0000

Christine Gregoire says she had an "aha moment" last summer about why Washington's education system isn't getting any better.

The governor made a rare appearance before a legislative committee Wednesday to talk about her proposal to create a new cabinet-level Department of Education that would oversee all the state's education efforts, committees and boards, from early learning to college.

Friday morning's headlines

KPLU News Staff — Fri, 28 Jan 2011 14:49:27 +0000

Making headlines this morning:

Key Document Surfaces in Woodcarver Shooting
Education Department Idea Moves Forward in Olympia
Packed Hearing Backs Saving a Tacoma High School

Woodcarver's Shooting: Evidence Surfaces

A city councilman's email plea to Seattle Police Chief John Diaz for an independent investigation following the fatal shooting of John T. Williams by a cop last August was omitted from a public disclosure request.

Thursday morning's headlines

KPLU News Staff — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 14:48:42 +0000

Making headlines this morning:

Flap Over Govenor's Education Proposal Intensifies
Domestic violence victims face system "failures"
Governors meet to discuss Columbia River coal-shipping terminal

Superintendent fumes over Gregoire’s education plan

Austin Jenkins — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 14:00:26 +0000

Washington voters elected him state superintendent of public schools. Now Governor Chris Gregoire wants to takeover his portfolio. Randy Dorn is fuming over the Governor’s proposal to create a cabinet-level Department of Education.

Schools superintendent moves to delay new graduation requirements

Charla Bear — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 21:56:19 +0000

This year’s high school freshman and sophomores might have fewer graduation tests to dread if Randy Dorn has his way.