Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Education Committee

HB 2149

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Summary of Bill

Directs the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, if funds are appropriated, to award a planning grant for the implementation of up to three Millennium Schools in areas with high concentrations of students who statistically lag behind in achievement.
Describes the characteristics of Millennium Schools, which focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and showcase best practices in instruction and community involvement.
Requires a progress report and implementation plan by September 1, 2010.

Background:

The 2008 Legislature commissioned five distinct studies of the achievement gap for groups of K-12 students. Four of the studies were directed by budget provisos in the 2008 supplemental operating budget, and one of the studies was directed by a separate bill. The agencies assigned to conduct the studies were:

the Center for the Improvement of Student Learning and an advisory committee to conduct the study for African American students;
the Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs to conduct two distinct studies for Asian American students and Pacific Islander American students;
the Governor's Office of Indian Affairs to conduct the study for Native American students; and
the Commission on Hispanic Affairs to conduct the study for Hispanic students.

The study groups submitted final reports on December 30, 2008. Recommendations from one or more of the achievement gap studies include:

adopting a data collection, research, and evaluation plan to assess the reduction of gaps in achievement over time;
revising school improvement plans to focus on efforts to close the achievement gap;
improving collaboration between K-12 and higher education for preparation of teachers and recruitment and retention of diverse teachers and other educators;
providing professional development in working with diverse students, parents, and communities; and
improving parent and community involvement and engagement in public schools.

Another recommendation was to allocate a grant for the development of a plan for implementation of demonstration Millennium Schools that would focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics and showcase rigorous, structured, and culturally-responsive curriculum; strong leadership; high-quality teachers; supplemental student support; and parent training.

Summary of Bill:

If funds are appropriated, the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) awards a planning grant to design and create a phased-in implementation plan for up to three Millennium Schools, which are to be implemented beginning in the 2011-12 school year in areas with high concentrations of students who statistically lag behind in achievement.

A Millennium School is one that provides:

preparation of students for careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics;
integration of best practices;
early outreach to parents to help them provide early learning for infants and toddlers as well as early learning programs for children that begin at age three;
parent involvement and planning for postsecondary education;
rigorous curriculum including dual enrollment options;
instructional strategies that address multiple learning styles and cultural contexts;
highly qualified teachers;
technology;
transitional assistance to ensure all students are prepared for college-level work;
partnerships with local businesses; and
after-school enrichment programs.

The recipient of the planning grant must report to the Governor, the Legislature, and the OSPI by December 1, 2010, on its progress and plans for implementation of the Millennium Schools.