OEO is a small state agency under the Governor’s office that was created to reduce educational opportunity gaps and racial injustice in WA public schools. They help share information with families and communities about our state’s k-12 public schools, assist in collaborative dispute resolution between families and schools, offer training to the community and support the work of policymakers.
They do not
– have the power to investigate schools or districts
– make findings or decisions
– enforce any laws or regulations.
Services to the public include
- Guidance for parents and schools: e.g a Back to School checklist for Remote Learning (many other languages available).
- Multi-Language Telephone consultation and support for individual families, youth or community professionals: Individuals can contact the OEO by phone, online or email, to have a confidential conversation, find information and receive help with issues relating to k-12 public schools. There’s more info about the current process here (in multiple languages).
- Free workshops and trainings in English and Spanish for groups on a range of k-12 education topics: See some examples of trainings on their site such as “Youth in Foster Care”. They can do ‘brownbag’ trainings for community partners – sharing updates on the latest in regards to student discipline, truancy, special education or supports for homeless youth and also regularly do workshops for groups of families.
Facebook Links:
English: https://www.facebook.com/WAEducationOmbuds/
Spanish: https://www.facebook.com/OmbudsdeEducacion/