OSPI Reports to the Legislature

The legislature provided funds for OSPI to examine how free and reduced-price school meal data is used as a funding driver for programs such as the Learning Assistance Program and provide recommendations for metric or alternative metrics. This report outlines the process and outcomes for evaluating the existing low-income metric used as a funding and program driver, and identifies and recommends alternative metrics.

OSPI has formulated a comprehensive set of recommendations aimed at expanding the universal online High School and Beyond Plan (HSBP) platform in Washington state to engage students from the fifth grade onwards. Additionally, the report discusses future considerations regarding resource allocation, including the potential involvement of elementary school counselors in facilitating and supporting this expanded access. 

The 2022 legislature passed House Bill 1664 (HB 1664), which increased allocations for specific types of personnel in the prototypical school funding model. This report analyzes the implementation of RCW 28A.150.260 (5)(b), related to physical, social, and emotional support staff.

This annual report examines statewide Running Start enrollment for school year (SY) 2023–24. Running Start enrollment slowed during and immediately following the COVID-19 pandemic, but has rebounded to pre-pandemic levels. The 30,959 Running Start students reported as enrolled by colleges in fall of 2023 compares favorably to the program’s high-water mark of 31,991 reflected in the OSPI Report Card for 2020–21. According to SBCTC’s Enrollment Data Dashboard, Running Start enrollment has steadily increased over the past three years in almost every college and term. 

In accordance with legislative direction, OSPI conducted a feasibility study to evaluate the implementation of a statewide Individualized Education Program (IEP) system. The study explored the current state of IEP systems in Washington, identified challenges to delivering high-quality, equitable special education services, assessed potential vendors and costs, and a recommended path forward to improve outcomes for students with disabilities across the state.

The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) is required by RCW 28A.250.040 to report annually on online learning. Public school districts and online school programs expressed concerns about the established multidistrict approval process, prompting OSPI to consider changes based on feedback from the Online Learning Advisory Committee (OLAC). OSPI is evaluating the impacts of current definitions and approval types on districts' ability to offer online school programs and is exploring ways to address the needs and recommendations of school districts.

(OSPI) annually submits a report outlining the method used in determining the coefficients for each site characteristic used to establish the transportation allocation for the following year. The 2025–26 regression analysis for coefficients will use data elements from the previous school year. The coefficients are then used in the Student Transportation Allocation Reporting System (STARS) formula which will determine the 2025–26 school year allocation. 

Every year on January 16, Washington public schools participate in Temperance and Good Citizenship Day (TAGCD) in accordance with Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 28A.230.150. On this day, Washington social studies teachers must provide instructional time for high school seniors to register to vote. OSPI developed a set of recommendations to continue increasing youth voter registration. 

OSPI is required to report every three years on funding, services, and educational outcomes for students served under Washington’s ESSA Consolidated Plan (the Plan), Title I, Part D. This report covers schools and programs receiving Title I, Part D grants, including juvenile detention centers, the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), Juvenile Rehabilitation facilities1, Education Advocates (EAs), and other prevention, treatment, and medical programs. This report is to inform the Legislature of progress toward the goals established in the Plan and provide recommendations to ensure the education needs of youth and post-resident youth are met. It examines education outcomes for students enrolled in Title I, Part D programs during school years 2021–22, 2022–23, and 2023–24.