Network Services

ESDs lead schools in a powerful and effective accreditation process. To date, more than 200+ schools throughout the state have successfully completed AESD’s initial/renewal accreditation process – a process open to all schools in Washington. The AESD Network plans to expand accreditation services in order to meet demand and ensure that our state’s schools are meeting high quality standards. Read More >

All nine Educational Service Districts (ESDs) in Washington are launching programs for science teacher training around Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and climate science, thanks to grant money made available to the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) by Governor Inslee. Distributed by OSPI, the ESDs are sharing $3 million from the state’s general fund for teacher professional development, development of instructional materials and student events. With an additional $1 million provided to community-based nonprofits to partner with public schools around NGSS, the $4 million appropriation makes Washington the first state in the country to dedicate significant funding for climate science education and NGSS.

ESDs deliver common core training in English/Language Arts and Mathematics to districts statewide. Jointly sponsored by ESDs and OSPI, over 3,745 educators from 183 school districts have attended English Language Arts (ELA) trainings, and more than 6,424 educators from 231 school districts participated in Mathematics trainings. The continued funding of the Math and Science Coordinators and K-4 Early Literacy Coordinators is critical for the success of the CCSS initiative.

ESDs partner with districts and communities to provide direct service through Early Learning opportunities including Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP), Early Head Start and Head Start. ESDs provide grant management, liaison with state agencies, training, technical assistance, and overall program coordination for programs that serve income-eligible families and their children, prenatal to age five. Continued funding will ensure statewide capacity to o er comprehensive education, health, nutrition, and family support services to ensure all students are kindergarten ready.

ESDs provide the latest evidence-based research and best instructional practices in literacy instruction and assessment, consistent with OSPI’s transition plan to the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts (ELA). Work is targeted at building teacher leadership capacity through the inclusion of ELA Fellows in regional literacy teams. In 2013-14, year two of the three year transition plan, ESDs provided continued training, collaborative study opportunities, and worked with educators to implement changes to instructional practice. Continued funding for K-4 Early Literacy Coordinators is crucial to the progress and success of this initiative and statewide full implementation in 2014-15.

ESDs improve math and science instruction by providing equitable access to technical assistance and quality professional development. Current research confirms teaching practices aligned to math and science standards increase content knowledge among students. Algebra, geometry and biology students of teachers who participated in professional development demonstrated higher levels of achievement. Continued funding will sustain this comprehensive, coherent system of improving math and science performance.