At the end of another transformative year at the Alliance, we have been reflecting on our impact and what makes it possible.
We’re proud of our work to advance racial equity and educational justice in Seattle Public Schools, and it’s clear we make the most progress when we’re working in partnership. I am so grateful for what we’ve been able to accomplish in 2023 alongside incredible stakeholders. In the midst of challenging times, we have good news to share about progress made on behalf of Seattle students.
Every day, thousands of students across Seattle learn with the graduates of our Seattle Teacher Residency program. The Residency recruits, trains and retains Seattle educators that reflect the rich diversity of our city’s classrooms. Nationally, year over year educator attrition has doubled since the COVID-19 pandemic, and is even higher in Title I schools. Recent studies indicate that here in Washington state, more teachers left the classroom after last school year than at any point in the last three decades. But recent data from Seattle Public Schools shows that over 80% of the Residency’s 250+ graduates have stayed in the teaching profession for five years or more, 19% above the district average. Our unique ability to retain excellent teachers in the classroom increases student learning outcomes, strengthens school culture with consistent adults and role models, and saves the school district the costs associated with hiring and onboarding new educators each school year.
In the 2022-23 school year, our Right Now Needs Fund continued to support Seattle students and families when they encountered gaps in access to food, shelter, medical care and more, fulfilling over 13,150 requests for support for immediate basic needs. In total, the Fund has provided a staggering 68,866 instances of support since it was created, distributing a total of $4.7M to Seattle students and families. Now in its fifth year, the Fund is continuing to adapt to better meet the needs of our school community. In 2023 we increased accessibility by providing translated information to students and families, designing stronger marketing materials for educators and school staff, and making new connections with community-serving organizations for family referrals.
The Alliance committed to raising $3M over three years to create the first-ever Office of African American Male Achievement (AAMA) for Seattle Public Schools as a part of the district’s vision to invest in the brilliance of Seattle’s Black male students. This year, we surpassed that fundraising goal, raising more than $3.7M to date, with many donors interested in funding the Office beyond the third year. There is more work to be done to support Black male boys and teens in Seattle Public Schools, but it’s relevant to note that since the Office was created in 2019, the district has seen significant progress in student outcomes for Black male students. Among large urban public school districts nationwide, Seattle Public Schools have the third highest graduation rate for Black male students. Black male students in the district are taking AP tests at the third highest rate in the nation, completing Algebra I at the fourth highest rate in the nation, and scoring a B average GPA or better at the fourth highest rate in the nation. There are many factors that have influenced these outcomes. They reflect the hard work and brilliance of Seattle’s Black male students, the district’s overarching vision, and the excellent work of the Office of AAMA in moving systems and practices to better support Black male success.
This past year has been marked by inspiring stories of resilience, hope, and positive change. Whether it’s through our Right Now Needs Fund or Seattle Teacher Residency programs, increased community outreach efforts, or investments in district initiatives like the Office of African American Male Achievement, we have continued to work toward our mission: to support excellence in education by advancing educational justice and racial equity for students in Seattle Public Schools.
While we can celebrate success, as we look toward the future, we know there is much more work to be done. Creating true educational justice and racial equity for students in Seattle Public Schools is essential, and our commitment to that work is steadfast. We have ambitious goals for continuing to make progress in the years ahead. The continued support of our community is pivotal in making these aspirations a reality.
Please consider contributing to the Alliance for Education to continue fueling proven strategies.
Your gift will fuel strategies proven to increase equity for our students and families across the city. Whether it’s a one-time contribution or a recurring monthly gift, every dollar brings us one step closer to fulfilling our vision: to ensure all students in Seattle Public Schools experience a sense of belonging, receive an excellent and equitable education, and reach their fullest potential.
Click here to make your tax-deductible donation online.
Thank you so much for your commitment to students, families and educators of Seattle Public Schools; to racial equity and educational justice; and to the work of the Alliance for Education. Your support is essential to our school community’s success!
With gratitude,
Lisa Chick
Proud Parent, Seattle Public Schools
President, Alliance for Education