Standing Up for Equity

WEA member Michael Peña testified before the State Board of Education

When we speak out for equity in education, we have the power to make change.  This month, Mukilteo educator and WEA member Michael Peña testified before the State Board of Education about changing graduation requirements to address the systemic racism of standardized testing. 

In the past, high school students were required to pass the high-stakes and Smarter Balance assessment (SBA), an exam that has an institutionally racist impact because it was designed with a white culture frame that results in lower passage rates for students of color.  In the 2019 legislative session, WEA leaders lobbied and won a change in the requirements that delinked the SBA as a high-stakes graduation requirement and allowed other pathways to graduation, providing options other than just the Smarter Balance test.

As the State Board of Education considered these new rules, Michael spoke about the importance of breaking down institutional racism and eliminating testing requirements:

"As an antiracist educator, I must ask that education leaders at all levels work to pause standardized testing across the K-12 landscape, along with any and all requirements beyond credits earned as a graduation requirement. This is a necessary step that only begins to address racial inequities in our school system. OSPI, the SBE, and the legislature must do what’s right for all students- with a focus on removing barriers for our most marginalized and oppressed students. To not do so exemplifies structural racism."  

Members of the State Board of Education heard Michael’s message loud and clear.  “We talk a lot about centering equity, student voice and social emotional learning but as educators and policy makers we have to stop being hypothetical about it,” said Holly Koon, a teacher on the State Board of Education. “Michael’s comments address bold, possible solutions.” 

As educators we need to continue showing up and speaking out for our students and for equitable schools.  If you’re interested in testifying or becoming engaged in advocacy, contact WEA@washingtonea.org.