OSPI to seek $10M from WA Legislature as ‘down payment’ to improve math scores

OLYMPIA — Washington student scores are showing improvements across many key metrics, the state’s top public education official announced Wednesday.

But one subject in particular could still use some extra attention: math.

Given the state’s ongoing math challenges, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) will seek $10 million from Washington lawmakers as a “down payment” on improving math education, State Superintendent Chris Reykdal told reporters at a Sept. 10 news conference.

The state Legislature faced financial challenges this past session, he added: “But this is basic education.”

“This is the future of our kids,” Reykdal said. “This is the future of our economy, and our inability in the past to focus on core academic content, particularly math and science, that