December 2009
Technology Alliance Urges Washington Education and Policy Leaders to Maintain Commitment to Meaningful Math and Science Graduation Requirements
On November 19th, the Technology Alliance issued a public statement in response to State Superintendent of Public Instruction Randy Dorn’s proposal to further delay math and science graduation requirements.
Calling any retreat from the commitment to provide Washington’s students with a meaningful high school diploma “unconscionable,” the Technology Alliance urged state leaders to stay the course and highlighted key actions identified during our Technology Institute retreat which, if implemented, would positively impact upon our students’ achievement.
Statement by the Technology Alliance:
The Technology Alliance is very concerned that Superintendent Dorn’s proposal signals a retreat from the state’s commitment to ensure all students possess the foundational knowledge and skills they need to be successful in post-secondary education and 21st century careers. As a state education strategy, repeated delays and watering down of expectations – at the expense of driving reforms that would prepare our students to meet those expectations – would be unconscionable and a grave disservice to Washington’s children, with far-reaching consequences for their futures and the future economic competitiveness of our entire state.
The Technology Alliance urges our state leaders to pursue with urgency the set of actions necessary to raise student achievement and provide a quality education to all Washington students. This means alignment of minimum course-taking requirements with the expectations of college and the workplace through implementation of the “CORE 24” curriculum approved by the State Board of Education; a concerted focus on teacher quality, including an evaluation system that enables school leaders to manage personnel in the best interests of students; and data and accountability systems that will empower teachers, school leaders, parents and policymakers to take the steps necessary to ensure our K-12 system is fulfilling our commitment to prepare students to be successful after high school.
“We have been through this – we have delayed the assessment requirement before, and I am deeply concerned that, with yet more foot-dragging, we are sending the wrong message to educators, students, parents, and employers, not to mention the federal government at a time when it is looking to invest in state education systems that demonstrate a commitment to rigorous standards and innovation,” observed Technology Alliance Chair Jeremy Jaech, CEO of Verdiem. “Washington education and policy leaders need to maintain the commitment to a meaningful graduation requirement in math and science, and direct their energy toward making the transformative changes that our system requires in order to provide our students with the knowledge and skills they need to be informed, engaged citizens and compete for family-wage jobs.”
“Our students can dramatically improve their performance, but only if they have a system committed to their success, not one that continues to make excuses and delays on meaningful reform,” said Susannah Malarkey, executive director of the Technology Alliance. “We have explained to state leaders in the past that our state’s increasing reliance on attracting outside talent as our sole strategy for creating a high tech workforce puts our emerging businesses at a big disadvantage and is not sustainable. But beyond the economic development argument is one of basic fairness: when are we going to get serious about ensuring Washington students directly benefit from the opportunities our economy is creating?”
“We can not afford to retreat on math or science,” stated Jaech. “If we do, Washington simply would not be fulfilling its obligation to prepare our students to take the next step in their educational or career paths.”
“If, as Washington likes to say, ‘innovation is in our nature,’ then a high school diploma that actually prepares students for an innovation economy should be the natural choice for us to make.”
Washington 3.0: Innovation and Policy Leaders Focus on Learning and Leadership at the 2009 Technology Institute
In September, leaders from state and federal government, technology-based businesses, education organizations and research institutions gathered at the Technology Alliance's biennial policy retreat to identify strategies for strengthening Washington education, research and entrepreneurship in a climate of economic uncertainty.
One thing is certain: it is time to hit the reset button and focus on learning and leadership for the new new economy.
Research into Results: Innovation Showcase Aims to Connect Innovators with the Entrepreneur and Investor Community
How can we unleash the promise of innovations developed at our public and private research institutions and turn them into commercially viable products, services and companies?
A brand new Technology Alliance program, the Innovation Showcase, may be the answer.
Two New Fellows Spread Their Wings at Alliance of Angels
It is a rite of passage for a select few entrepreneurial-minded MBA students: every autumn, Alliance of Angels welcomes two new fellows, offering a unique opportunity for them to work side-by-side with experienced investors and entrepreneurs at one of the most active angel groups in the nation.
Meet Read Maloney and Zach Okun, the latest University of Washington MBA candidates to get their wings.
Technology Alliance Welcomes Old Friends and New Faces
The Technology Alliance is pleased to announce the addition of four outstanding business and community leaders to our board: Stephan Coonrod of K&L Gates; Sid Ferrales of RealNetworks; Ned Sander of AH&T Insurance; and Peter van Oppen of Trilogy Partnership.
Rise and Shine! Don’t Miss the Science & Technology Discovery Series
What better way to start the day than with a generous helping of science and technology for breakfast?
So far, members of the 2009-2010 Discovery Series have been treated to presentations on computer security, new protein development, and advances in treating influenza and AIDS. Read on to discover our exciting lineup of speakers for the remainder of the season, and be sure to set your alarm clock.
Save the Date: 5.17.2010
Mark your calendars and plan to join us on May 17th from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm at the Sheraton Seattle for the State of Technology Luncheon, the premier annual event for Washington's innovation community!
The 2010 luncheon will feature a keynote presentation by Clayton M. Christensen, author of The Innovator's Dilemma and Disrupting Class: How Disruptive Innovation Will Change the Way the World Learns.
We offer a variety of sponsorship packages that include reserved seating, extensive visibility for your company or organization, and other exciting benefits. For more details, click here.
Important Dates
- December 11
- Science & Technology Discovery Series
- Featuring: Denise Calloway, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
- 7:30 am - 9:00 am
- Rainier Club, Seattle
- January 8
- Science & Technology Discovery Series
- Featuring: Bruce Montgomery, Gilead Sciences
- 7:30 am - 9:00 am
- Rainier Club, Seattle
- January 11
- Alliance of Angels 10 Minute Pitch Clinic
- 2:30 - 5:30 pm
- 1301 5th Avenue #2500, Seattle
- January 21
- Technology Alliance Board Meeting
- 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
- RealNetworks, Seattle
- January 25
- Innovation Showcase
- Registration: 3:00 pm
- Showcase: 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm
- Reception: 5:30 - 6:30 pm
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle
- May 17
- State of Technology Luncheon
- Featuring: Clayton M. Christensen
- 11:30 am - 1:30 pm
- Sheraton, Seattle
