BILL REQ. #:  H-1871.1 

Read first time 02/25/2003.   Referred to Committee on Education.

     AN ACT Relating to developing a P-16 governance structure for preschool through postsecondary education for the benefit of all learners; and creating a new section.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The legislature finds that education is the fundamental building block of a democracy and that education must be extended to all Washington students in a way that encourages and supports higher achievement levels and lifelong learning. Education provides the state's citizens with the capacity, knowledge, and skills to foster a thriving economy and to provide the foundation for a harmonious society.
     The legislature finds further that a comprehensive, coherent, integrated, and flexible approach to education from preschool through college is the best means to be responsive to Washington's needs. The legislature intends to develop a P-16 governance structure to improve student flow and raise student achievement through improved collaboration and coordination across education levels. Components of Washington's P-16 system should include early care and education programs, grades kindergarten through ten, and grades eleven through sixteen, including career and technical education, and adult education. The system should incorporate clear standards, aligned and rigorous curricula, effective assessments, clear expectations, and widely shared responsibilities.