Mastery-based learning (MBL) is a key strategy to address persistent gaps and support equitable opportunities in Washington. The state launched a demonstration project in 2021 to support schools transitioning to MBL with grants and professional learning. This investment equips educators with professional learning, tools, state supports, and the network necessary to implement MBL. It also identifies policies, practices, and sustainability structures to successfully transition schools to MBL. (General Fund - State)

Current graduation requirements fall short of fully preparing all students for success in our rapidly changing world and have become complex, inequitable, and in some cases, too rigid. Funding is needed for the Washington State Leadership Board's (Board) initiative to update these requirements, including facilitating a task force, subcommittees, and community liaisons and ensuring comprehensive stakeholder input, especially from historically underserved groups, is integrated into the Board's process for developing recommendations for enhancing the graduation requirements framework. (General Fund - State)

Funding is provided for wage increases for state employees who are not represented by a union or are not under a bargaining agreement that is subject to financial feasibility determination. It is sufficient for a general wage increase of 3%, effective July 1, 2025, and a general wage increase of 2%, effective July 1, 2026. This item includes both general government and higher education workers. (Educator Certification Processing A - Non-Appropriated, General Fund - Federal, General Fund - State, other funds)

This item adjusts the employer funding rate for public employee insurance benefits to reflect policy-level decision packages. It increases the rate by $8 per month in the first fiscal year and decreases the rate by $34 per month in the second fiscal year, compared to the maintenance-level update, for a total rate of $1,315 in the first year and $1,355 in the second year. (Dedicated Cannabis Account - State, K-12 Criminal Background Check Acct - Non-Appropriated, Workforce Education Investment Acc - State, other funds)

An adjustment is made for pension contribution rates, including to fund a benefit increase of 3%, up to a maximum of $110 per month for eligible Public Employees' and Teachers' Retirement Systems Plan 1 members. (Educator Certification Processing A - Non-Appropriated, General Fund - Federal, General Fund - State, other funds)

An adjustment is made to the base pension rates, as set out in a proposed bill addressing the calculation of the base rate for the 2025–27 biennium, as well as amortization of Plan 1 benefit increases. (Dedicated Cannabis Account - State, K-12 Criminal Background Check Acct - Non-Appropriated, Workforce Education Investment Acc - State, other funds)