The goal of Washington's K–12 education system is to prepare every student for postsecondary pathways, careers, and civic engagement. Led by Superintendent Chris Reykdal, OSPI is the primary agency charged with overseeing public K–12 education in Washington state. Working with the state's 295 public school districts and 6 state-tribal education compact schools, OSPI allocates funding and provides tools, resources, and technical assistance so every student in Washington is provided a high-quality public education. OSPI is housed in the Old Capitol Building in Olympia.


waOSPI

School buses are back on Washington roads! And that means it's time for a refresher on when to stop. 🚌🛑

During a single day in 2026, Washington school bus drivers reported 960 illegal passes. If that pace continued across the 180-day school year, it would amount to more than 172,000 violations.

With nearly 341,000 Washington students riding the bus each day, knowing the rules matters.

🛑Flashing red lights or stop arm out? STOP.
🛑On a two-lane road, traffic in both directions must stop.
🛑On roads with three or more marked lanes, drivers traveling in the opposite direction generally do not have to stop, but drivers traveling in the same direction as the bus always do.

Illegally passing a stopped school bus carries a mandatory $500 fine.

Check out the graphic for a quick guide and read our full press release here: lnkd.in/gzyx-VCJ to learn more about school bus safety, Washington's stopping laws, and what drivers should know as students head back to school.

When in doubt, stop!

#WAedu #BackToSchool #BusSafety

1 day ago (edited) | [YT] | 1

waOSPI

Today, we join people across Washington and around the world in mourning the loss of Dolly Parton. She was an extraordinary artist, philanthropist, and champion for children.

In 2023, Superintendent Reykdal interviewed Dolly as Washington celebrated the statewide expansion of her Imagination Library. Watch their conversation here: https://youtu.be/apOxWvLsvQs

Learn more about Imagination Library of Washington ‪@imaginationlibraryofwashin4184‬ and its work to provide free books to children from birth to age 5.

One meaningful way we can honor Dolly's legacy is to carry it forward. OSPI is again asking Governor Bob Ferguson and the Legislature to fully restore the state's share of funding for the Imagination Library, helping ensure young children across Washington can continue receiving free books each month.

#WAedu #ImaginationLibrary #DollyParton

3 days ago | [YT] | 1

waOSPI

At a time when the overall percentage of the state budget reserved for public schools is declining, local communities are stepping up to support their students.

In the last calendar year, communities across our state provided a much-needed boost to their schools by passing levies to fund a variety of educational opportunities and projects.

#WAedu

5 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 0

waOSPI

Happening now is a brief update from State Superintendent Chris Reykdal on recent federal actions and their impacts on Washington's schools, recent local school board actions related to student civil rights, and funding for K–12 education.

1 year ago (edited) | [YT] | 0

waOSPI

Step beyond traditional education with Career & Technical Education (CTE), where students acquire the tools and skills needed to succeed in tomorrow's workforce.

In Washington state, 17 skill centers serve students from various school districts, offering a wide range of classes designed to help students explore different career paths. These centers provide hands-on learning in areas such as Health Science, Manufacturing, Architecture & Construction, and much more.

Through CTE, students gain valuable career insights while earning high school credits, college credits, or industry-recognized credentials.

In CTE classes, students are immersed in real industry working environments, where they use industry-standard tools and gain practical, hands-on experience. These classes don't just teach technical skills—they also focus on developing soft skills and work ethics, essential for success in any career.

Interested in learning more about CTE and how it can help shape your future? Visit ospi.k12.wa.us/student-success/career-technical-ed… for more information.

1 year ago (edited) | [YT] | 1

waOSPI

There are 29 federally recognized Tribes in Washington state, each with its own history and culture.

"Tribes are not a monolith," said Maxine Alex, OSPI Office of Native Education Tribal Consultation Program Supervisor.

In 2004, then-Senator John McCoy started work on what is now the John McCoy lulilaš Since Time Immemorial (JMLSTI) curriculum. 📚✍️ Tribes from across the state collaborated on the multi-year product to help create a localized, placed-based curriculum. 🏞️🤝

Current and former staff at OSPI recently sat down with ‪@TVW_Washington‬ ‪@teachwithtvw360‬ to talk about the history of JMLSTI and its importance.

#WAedu

1 year ago | [YT] | 2

waOSPI

"I felt respected. I felt heard, I felt cared about," said Valerie, a parent, about her experience working with the McKinney-Vento liaisons at the ‪@FranklinPierceSD‬

McKinney-Vento is a federal law that provides schools with resources to support students experiencing homelessness.

The assistance provided by the McKinney-Vento program opens doors for students, reducing barriers to pursue education and providing opportunities to discover their passions.💡 Joshua, the student in this video, cultivated a love of cooking after taking a culinary class. 🍳

#WAedu

1 year ago (edited) | [YT] | 1