Evergreen Reporter

In the Center for Education Reform's 2024 Parent Power Index, Washington secured the forty-sixth position, with an Overall Parent Power Index Score of 58.9%.

The index, designed to assess the degree of parental power in each state, highlights key indicators such as Choice Programs, Charter Schools and Innovation. 

Washington scored a 50% in Choice Programs, which represents families' ability to access and choose programs that best fit their needs. 

The state's Charter Schools system, which is based on the availability of alternative educational options for students and families, scored a 62%.

In the final category of Innovation, scored on the state's dedication to fostering creative and personalized learning environments, Washington earned a 75%.

While Florida claims the top spot with a 93% overall score, states like Arizona, Indiana, Ohio, and North Carolina follow closely behind in the top rankings, emphasizing a national trend towards prioritizing parental involvement in education.

Kansas, South Dakota, and North Dakota round out the bottom of the list along with six other states that received a grade of ‘F’.

The Parent Power Index serves as a valuable resource for families across the country, offering insights into state-level educational policies and opportunities. 

Through the index's interactive map, parents can explore the status of parental empowerment in their state and discover avenues to advocate for greater involvement and choice in education.

"The Evergreen state is considered a leader in technology, and one might expect the state that birthed the successful Bill Gates would be transformational at every level of education. But despite high spending, education is failing most students, necessitating more and not less opportunity. Time to see the education forest through the trees, Washington!" The Parent Power Index notes.

"Governor Inslee continues to oppose private education options for families and is not supportive of the charter school law which is modest as well. With another year in his final term, major education freedom initiatives will have to wait to see what the next gubernatorial election brings to the table," Parent Power Index said in its assessment of the state’s “Policy Environment.”