Improve Early learning and early Intervention services across washington

Action Area:
Promoting Community Health

Key HSIN Measure:
High School Graduation Rates

In 2005, Washington ranked 35th among the 50 states in high school graduation rates with no more than 68.5% graduating on time.1 This greatly contributed to a lower overall health ranking for our state. The only lower rankings Washington received were in per capita public health funding, immunization rates and receipt of timely prenatal care.

A large body of evidence links early childhood development and early learning with higher literacy rates, fewer placements in remedial education, fewer behavioral problems, better grades and greater educational attainment, including greater rates of high school graduation. High school graduation is a key social determinant of health.

1The National Center for Education Statistics, reported by the United Health Foundation 2005 State Health Rankings. www.unitedhealthfoundation.org

Washington Learns Testimony, September 20, 2006


2006 Washington State Legislative Bill Watch:

SHB 1107 Providing for early intervention services for children with disabilities
2SHB 2964 Creating the Department of Early Learning
SHB 3013 Requiring an inventory of kindergarten readiness assessments
SSB 5141 Providing for early intervention services for children with disabilities
2SHB 2964 Creating the department of early learning
E2SHB 2489 Assisting students to graduate from high school on time
E2SHB 2582 Expanding high school completion programs
 
Contact WHF:
Washington Health Foundation
600 Stewart Street, Suite 601
Seattle, WA 98101

206-285-6355 phone
206-284-0274 fax

HealthiestState@whf.org