Published Jan. 4, 2010
By Michelle Dupler, Tri-City Herald staff writer
The Tri-Cities has emerged from the first decade of the 21st century with expanded options for education, health care, entertainment and leisure.
High points included the completion of trails and nature preserves, the expansion of local hospitals and clinics, construction of two new high schools, a new four-year university and a new convention center.
The decade also was one of shifting political attitudes when Republicans planted even deeper roots in the region, and a time when communities were shocked by unthinkable crimes.
Here’s a look at some of the major ways the area has changed in the past 10 years.
Education
Standardized tests were a hot topic during the past decade as the federal No Child Left Behind law required schools to bring all students up to uniform standards.
The Washington Assessment of Student Learning tests were Washington’s controversial answer to No Child Left Behind, but parents and educators alike complained the test was too expensive, inefficient and that requirements to pass the WASL before graduation were unfair.
Newly elected Superintendent of Public Instruction Randy Dorn announced after taking office in January that he planned to replace the WASL with a series of shorter tests that would save time and money while keeping high standards.
Bilingual classes and English as a Second Language programs have been on the rise as the region’s minority population increased.
Population growth also triggered construction of two new high schools — Southridge in Kennewick and Chiawana in Pasco.
Opportunities for higher education increased as Columbia Basin College expanded facilities and programs until 2009, when state budget cuts forced the closing of some vocational programs.
Washington State University Tri-Cities began offering four-year degrees in 2007, giving students a chance to earn a degree closer to home.
Both schools saw record enrollments through the decade’s last few years.
Read the entire article online at Tri-City Herald.