Washington State Public Education: A Guide for Students and Families

Welcome! This guide offers a basic overview of the public school system in Washington and helps families initiate important conversations with teachers and other school staff.

This guide is intended to help families understand how schools and teachers work, so we can make the most of our partnership with them. It also provides information about what to do when we're having problems with a teacher or school, and information about special programs our children may need.

Lea esta guía en español.

Contents:

• Families and teachers are equal partners
• The culture of public schools
• Communicating with your children about school
• Communicating with teachers about your children
• Attendance
• Behavior and Discipline
• Learning for life
• Everyone can go to College
• Test-taking Tips
• State testing: how students' progress is assessed
• High school graduation requirements
• Special programs and resources
• English as a Second Language and Bilingual Education
• Civil rights and nondiscrimination
• Education, politics and families
• When families and teachers disagree
• Squeaky wheels: speaking up for your child
• Who to contact when you need help
• Quick Reference Card
• About the guide