Deal reached on K-12 reform

OLYMPIA – State lawmakers moved ahead with major education reforms.

One of the biggest changes is allowing the state to intervene in schools that are failing.

That bill also changes the way teachers and principals are evaluated, tacks on an extra year for most teachers to get tenure, and allows nonprofit organizations to issue teacher certifications.

Another bill makes additional changes in the way Washington pays for basic education. It builds on recommendations from the state’s Quality Education Council.

Associated Press