Education

Give young journalists protections from school censorship

Give young journalists protections from school censorship

Given the recent controversies over the credibility of and respect for our free and independent press, there has never been a more important time to ensure our future journalists are trained in a culture where they are supported to independently and responsibly practice their craft.

Education funding leads discussion at 47th Legislative District town hall meeting

Education funding leads discussion at 47th Legislative District town hall meeting

District legislators – Sen. Joe Fain, R-Auburn, and Reps. Mark Hargrove, R-Covington, and Pat Sullivan, D-Covington – fielded questions from more than 200 people who packed a room at the Golden Steer Steak ‘n Rib House for the town hall meeting.

Student journalists would get free-speech protection under bill in Olympia

Student journalists would get free-speech protection under bill in Olympia

Senate Bill 5064, introduced by Sen. Joe Fain, R-Auburn, would designate school media as “public forums for expression” and make students responsible for determining content so long as it is not slanderous or libelous, unjustly invades privacy, violates federal or state law or encourages students to break school rules or commit crimes.

“It’s about expanding the culture of freedom of speech and freedom of the press so that more students have an appreciation of that early on,” Fain said. “Beyond that, we need watchdogs.”

Amid national push, state lawmakers consider student free-press protections

Amid national push, state lawmakers consider student free-press protections

Senate Bill 6233, sponsored by Sen. Joe Fain, R-Auburn, follows a wave of efforts nationwide to clarify students’ rights to free speech in publications and broadcasts, regardless of whether students are participating in a class or if schools financially support the media.

Thousands more children to receive full-day kindergarten

Thousands more children to receive full-day kindergarten

"It's our responsibility to ensure all students receive a quality education," Fain said. "All-day kindergarten expansion is prioritized for schools with the most at-risk students from low-income and minority families, who are disproportionately left behind by our current education system. This will help students begin their academic career on the right track and ensure a child's academic achievement is not determined by their zip code."

Kent's first charter school begins serving students

Kent's first charter school begins serving students

State Sen. Joe Fain, R-Auburn, recounted to attendees his first meeting with Sefrioui several years ago when Sefrioui told Fain about his vision for a charter school. "He talked about the technology," Fain said. "He talked about the hurdles and he talked about the people he wanted to get involved. He talked about the steps he was going to take. As much as I am a believer in this model and what we are doing here, I looked at him and I thought to myself, 'My goodness, you're crazy.' And he very quickly made me, and a lot of people, a believer of what is about to start here today."

Fain also addressed the students who will make up the first class at Excel and the challenges they may encounter.

"This is going to be tough because it is new and it is different ...," he said. "You are going to be the ones, you students are going to be the ones to determine whether your friend learns their material and gets their homework done. That is what community is all about. That's what this school is all about."

WA tuition increases second highest in nation before Senate froze rates

WA tuition increases second highest in nation before Senate froze rates

In 2013 Fain was recognized by the University of Washington Impact – the institution’s legislative advocacy organization – as a ‘Dedicated Dawg’ for playing “a key role as an advocate for higher education in budget deliberations, and in securing state funding to help keep tuition rates affordable for Washington students and families.”

 

School safety, construction funds approved in Senate includes revenue for new Auburn High School

School safety, construction funds approved in Senate includes revenue for new Auburn High School

Extensive improvements planned for Auburn High School passed another hurdle today, two weeks ahead of a Feb. 24 groundbreaking ceremony. Sen. Joe Fain, R-Auburn, 47th District, announced  the state Senate passed two proposals to fund school-construction projects and improve school safety.