Celebrating 25 Years of Impact: Washington State LASER

For the past 25 years, Washington State LASER has played a transformative role in improving science education across Washington State. Through its strategic partnerships, research-based approaches, and sustained commitment to educational equity, LASER has contributed significantly to creating coherent and high-quality science learning experiences for all students.

 

Established as a public-private partnership, Washington State LASER was built on a vision of systemic reform. It brought together education leaders, scientists, and policy-makers to develop a shared understanding of what effective science education entails and how it can be supported at scale. By promoting a comprehensive, systems-based approach, LASER has addressed every layer of the educational ecosystem—from classroom instruction and curriculum selection to leadership development and community engagement.

 

One of LASER’s most notable achievements has been the development and expansion of a statewide network of regional science leadership alliances. These alliances have provided direct support to school districts, fostering collaboration among educators and ensuring the implementation of research-aligned instructional materials and practices. The regional model has proven to be both scalable and responsive to local needs, ensuring that reforms are sustainable and contextually relevant.

 

Over the years, LASER has been instrumental in facilitating the adoption and implementation of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) in Washington. Through professional learning opportunities, instructional coaching, and leadership institutes, LASER has helped educators understand and apply the three-dimensional learning model—emphasizing science and engineering practices, crosscutting concepts, and disciplinary core ideas.

 

The organization has also maintained a strong focus on educational equity. By identifying and addressing opportunity gaps in science education, LASER has supported initiatives that elevate underrepresented voices in STEM, increase access to high-quality instructional materials, and advocate for inclusive policies and practices.

 

Another key contribution has been LASER’s work in building leadership capacity. Through targeted support for district leaders, science coordinators, and administrators, LASER has helped create coherent instructional visions that align with both state and national science education goals. This leadership development has been critical to sustaining science education reform across changing political and policy landscapes.

 

As Washington State LASER marks its 25th anniversary, the results of its efforts are evident: increased coherence in science education across districts, greater teacher confidence and preparedness, and improved student access to engaging, standards-aligned science instruction. The organization's collaborative, data-informed, and equity-driven approach has become a model not only for other states but also for national efforts to transform science education.

 

While challenges in science education persist, the foundational work of Washington State LASER continues to provide a strong, adaptable framework for ongoing innovation and improvement. As the landscape of science and society evolves, LASER’s enduring commitment to excellence and equity remains a guiding force for the future of science learning in Washington. Click HERE to learn more about the history of Washington LASER.

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An Update on Washington State LASER

Washington State LASER is not funded in the latest state budget for the upcoming biennium.

Please stay tuned as the LASER leadership team considers how to move forward in the current financial landscape. We are hopeful that we will be able to forge new partnerships and continue to support collaborative science/STEM leadership learning across the state.

You may click HERE to access a history of Washington LASER. This page provides examples of how Washington LASER has supported science and STEM leadership and learning across the state for more than two decades.

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The LASER VISION Continues

All K-12 students deepen their understanding of scientific ideas over time, engaging in practices that scientists and engineers actually use, so that students are informed and thriving global citizens and succeed in science/STEM careers if they choose those pathways.

science & STEM Education Support

If you are looking for science education support you can continue to reach out to the WA state science education team at OSPI, the regional science coordinator network available through your local Educational Service District, and the Washington Science Teacher Association (WSTA).

everything you need

Toolbox

The LASER Toolbox contains equity-focused science/STEM education tools, strategies, handbooks, professional learning modules, and other resources.

Events

 

Check back soon for professional learning opportunities for education leaders this school year!

 

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