HB 1541 focuses on closing the educational opportunity gap.
March 30, 2016

SEATTLE– Gov. Jay Inslee will visit Aki Kurose Middle school this Wednesday, where he will sign House Bill 1541: Implementing strategies to close the educational opportunity gap, based on the recommendations of the educational opportunity gap oversight and accountability committee.

In the Seattle Public Schools “Closing Opportunity Gaps Action Plan 2015-2020,” Superintendent Larry Nyland notes:

At Seattle Public Schools, our fundamental aim is to ensure that each and every student entrusted to us attains high levels of academic achievement. While this is already a reality for some of our students, it remains a dream deferred for many others. That is why our top priority is to eliminate opportunity gaps and accelerate achievement for all students, without exception.

This work is being seen throughout the district. In last year’s analysis of the most successful opportunity gap closing schools, Aki Kurose was one of those identified. Principal Mia Williams was recently named the Washington State Middle School Principal of the Year, and under her leadership, Aki Kurose has consistently been one of the highest growth schools in the entire district.

Mia recently spent time at the White House after being one of the few principals across the nation, invited by the Johns Hopkins University’s Everyone Graduates Center. She participated in a panel where she shared her experience and expertise using early warning systems, student success mentors and enhanced student support systems to reduce chronic absenteeism.

Where:       Aki Kurose Middle School , 3928 S. Graham St., Seattle, WA 98118

When:        Wed., March 30, 2016, 1:30pm – 2:00 pm

For more information on SPS Closing Opportunity Gaps: http://www.seattleschools.org/cms/One.aspx?portalId=627&pageId=1406959