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The very short answer is that The State Board of Community and Technical Colleges revised the allocation model that determines the student funding for all 34 colleges. The new allocation model filters out certain student types. The model was passed with a inaccurate understanding of what type of students Parent Education serves. While Parent Education has been considered a Workforce focused program in SBCTC since 1947, the implementation of the new allocation model puts Parent Education under a "community education" designation. This is not, and has never been true. Additionally, this designation was made without input from the Organization of Parent Education programs, as well as the Vice Presidents of Instruction or President at each school that offers Parent Education.
We think it is important to see the context for these changes, as SBCTC's actions do not seem to fulfill the purpose of as described in RCW 28B.50.020(2)
Understanding the Conflict Between OPEP and SBCTC--A Timeline
OPEP Issue Brief on the Inequitable Application of the New Funding Model and Workforce Designation
The state legislature can dictate funding towards programs in the State Community and Technical Colleges they consider important to the health of the state. For example, funding for students in aerospace, nursing, and cyber security programs are all current provisos. The funding comes from the SBCTC budget before the allocation formula determines how the budget will be split among the 34 community and technical colleges.
While provisos can be a temporary measure, it can only be reovked by state legislature--not SBCTC.
Click here to Look Up Your State Senator and Representatives by address: Use your home address, your preschool's address, and the address of your affiliated college
Check if one of your Senators or Representatives sits on an education related committee and consider them a main point of contact
You can also send Governor Ferguson an e-message in support of our programs.
The most important point:
Our solution requires no additional funding from the state. It simply codifies that parents and caregivers in parent education programs should be considered students within the allocation model. This has been the model since 1947.
Adapt one of these templates
Personalize your letter by adding any of the following
Why you value parent education
How it has impacted your family
IF THESE APPLY, PLEASE INCLUDE: if you were able to take your experience as a co-op member and transfer that into the workforce
Did you become a preschool teacher, a paraeducator, or a parent instructor?
Did you use the credits you earned to maintain a certification, like STARS hours or OSPI clock hours?
Did you use your experience as a board member in returning to the workforce or explore a new career?
Did you take additional classes at a community or technical college?
Please fill out this form and we will connect you with an OPEP representative to work with.