This article is one of a series of articles produced by Word in Black through support provided by the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative. Word In Black is a collaborative of 10 Black-owned media outlets across the country.
By Aaron Allen, The Seattle Medium
Education continues to be one of the top priorities for Sen. T’wina Nobles (D-Fircrest) as the state legislator has brought forward several proposals to advance educational opportunities, which have passed the state legislature and are now headed to the governor’s desk.
Nobles has successfully championed three bills – SB 5711, SB 5072and SB 5257 – that address extensions in eligibility for college grant programs, universal screenings for highly capable programs and the need for daily recesses for elementary schools as research shows it is essential for healthy child development.
“I am so excited to be able to make an impact on our K-12 education system, and think that this legislation will create some positive outcomes for our students all across our state,” says Nobles.
Senate Bill 5711 extends the terms of eligibility for the Washington College Grant program, which is the state’s largest financial aid program and currently provides students up to five years in aid for the cost of a four-year degree. However, due to any number of reasons, a student may not complete a degree in 5 years. The bill expands eligibility for up to 6 years in aid and aligns it with the federal Pell Grant. By aligning with the federal standard, the burden on administrative college aid offices is reduced.
Senate Bill 5072 applies universal testing for the highly capable program, which has been part of basic education in Washington since 2011. The bill requires districts to universally screen all students in both early and late elementary years for highly capable services. Universal screening does not need to include a new test, and districts can use existing data they already collect about students. Current statutes require teachers or parents to refer individual students for consideration, but without a referral, some students may be left out of the process. According to Nobles, students who are highly capable and don’t receive appropriate curriculum are at risk of being mislabeled as below grade level, disengaging from school, or having behavioral concerns.
Senate Bill 5257 ensures elementary-age students received enough daily recess statewide. There is currently no state law guaranteeing recess for students, and in some cases, recess has been withheld as a form of disciplinary behavior. Research shows that recess can help reduce stress, form social connections and learning inside the classroom. More than 20 states have state recess or physical activity laws already in place, including Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, Illinois, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, and West Virginia.
Nobles says that the bills are a result of her listening sessions and collaborating with her constituents. By soliciting the voices of community experts, parents, teachers and activists, Nobles keeps her ear to the ground in making decisions regarding what concerns to champion.
“The bills are important to me because they are important to the community,” says Nobles. “So, my philosophy around legislation is that I don’t sit around and say ‘oh I have an idea and should write a bill’, I really allow community experts, community leaders, stakeholders, community activist, the folks who are intrenched in this work to bring solutions to me and say that we want you in your role as senator to champion these issues.”
“These are ideas that come from the community,” she continued. “My job is champion this legislation and to get my colleagues on board and to move these bills forward and to also improve them so that they are in their best form, so they can become law.”
As both a mother and former educator, one of Nobles top priorities as a legislator is the keep the welfare and well-being of students on the top of everyone’s mind.
“As a former educator and mom, access to quality education for every student is always a priority to me,” says Nobles. “We identified early in session that one of our priorities this year would be success for every child. That is a goal we take seriously, not just as our duty as a state, but as a constant vision that allows us to keep student welfare top of mind.”
