The State Board of Education (SBE) is charged with advocacy and oversight of Washington’s education system, provides leadership for a system that es education based on each student’s needs, develops policies and structures designed to create an accountability system to improve student achievement, and promotes the achievement of state goals for basic education. The Board is comprised of sixteen members, including two student members, the Superintendent of Public Instruction, one member elected by the private schools, five members elected by local school boards, and seven members appointed by the Governor. The Board holds six regularly scheduled public meetings each year. Core areas of work include: ADVOCACY AND STRATEGIC OVERSIGHT OF PUBLIC EDUCATION: The Board provides a public forum to develop policies and provide advocacy to support a system of education that responds to individual student goals and community needs. BASIC EDUCATION COMPLIANCE: The Board adopts rules and monitors compliance with a standards-based program of basic education, approves private schools operating in Washington, and approves and monitors districts wishing to authorize charter schools. HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS: The Board establishes credit and non-credit requirements for high school graduation, determines threshold scores for assessments, and alternatives to meet graduation requirements. ACCOUNTABILITY AND IMPROVEMENT: The Board adopts goals for the system, consults with OSPI to develop, maintain, and report on the state assessment system, establishes the index for system accountability and metrics for system health, and identifies criteria and approves districts for recognition and improvement.

The mission of the State Board of Education is to provide transparent leadership in K-12 education policy-making; effective oversight of schools serving Washington K-12 students; and, assertive advocacy for student personal growth and success. These three areas of responsibility will support a system that personalizes learning for each student and values diverse cultures, abilities, and learning styles.