The Washington state Senate has advanced a measure to create a panel advising Gov. Jay Inslee on how to improve science, technology, engineering and math education in the state.

Under the measure passed Monday, the new "STEM education innovation alliance" would develop an overarching state science education plan. Together with the state's Office of Financial Management, it would then periodically put out report cards detailing the state's progress in hewing to the plan.

Inslee has declared improving science, technology, engineering and math education to be among his priorities.

The measure passed the Senate unanimously and heads next to the House.