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Initiative 728 Report to the Community
for the 2005-06
School Year
In November 2000, Initiative 728 (I-728) was approved by Washington State voters for the purpose of improving public education and enabling all students to achieve higher academic standards through smaller class sizes and other improvements. The educational reform movement in Washington State that inspired this change rests upon the belief that all students can achieve high standards. The Auburn School Board of Directors is also committed to the rigor of high standards; therefore, the funds provided by I-728 are used to achieve higher standards with the implementation of several key strategies.
The potential use of I-728 funds is diverse and wide-ranging. After seeking public input, which the Board of Directors does on an annual basis, the Auburn School District decided to focus the funds on the extension of the first and second grade school day for the 2001-02 school year. The extended learning day for primary students has continued. In the 2005-06 school year, the focus was on first and second graders receiving additional instruction in literacy and mathematics. A learning specialist model provided strategic interventions for students that were below standard. Schools had extended day programs before and after school, as well as extensive summer school programs.
During the 2005-06 school year, I-728 funds allowed class size reductions to be a priority. Auburn School District used I-728 funds to target class size reduction by enriching staffing in grades K-12.
Auburn School District used I-728 funds to provide increased professional development opportunities for teachers that assist students in meeting grade level expectations. The district’s beginning teacher support program was extended to a two-year model with emphasis on instruction, assessment and curriculum that align to grade level expectations. All teachers were trained in content reading comprehension strategies. Each school’s staff development was based upon its data-driven School Improvement Plans. District, school and individual staff development strategies increase the capacity of all professionals to raise student achievement to the highest standards.
2005-06 expenditures of I-728 funds by Auburn School District:
Extended Learning for Students $2,549,356 Class Size Reduction (K-12) $625,759 Professional Development for Teachers $605,680