Politics
What do rising graduation rates tell us about school reform?
Some local high schools have dramatically improved graduation rates, and they've done it without the big structural changes grabbing attention around the country.
Dick Lilly
Dick Lilly is a former Seattle Times reporter who covered Seattle neighborhoods, City Hall and public schools during 14-years with the paper. From 1999 until his retirement in 2015, he worked for Seat
Latest work
Politics
In education, we're getting increments, not excellence
Fundamental questions remain even after a judge rules the state isn't fully funding K-12 education: What should our schools aspire to, and how can we pay for improvement? We'll have to think big.
Politics
What's a local judge doing amid the 'math wars'?
A court decision that the Seattle School Board must reconsider its choice of high school math books is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to curriculum conflicts and inconsistencies in local school districts.
Politics
Seattle school levies: thoroughly hated and extremely effective
The triennial levies have rebuilt and remodeled schools, supplied kids with computers and funded all-day kindergartens. Two levies are up for renewal in a vote-by-mail election ending Feb. 9.
Politics
Cheating on the test
Since states like Washington routinely dilute tests for high school graduation, why do we keep on with the WASL? A case for killing it.