SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 2580

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.

As of February 16, 2010

Title: An act relating to secondary career and technical courses.

Brief Description: Concerning secondary career and technical education courses.

Sponsors: House Committee on Education (originally sponsored by Representatives Liias, Simpson and Sullivan).

Brief History: Passed House: 2/13/10, 94-0.

Committee Activity: Higher Education & Workforce Development: 2/23/10.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Staff: Aldo Melchiori (786-7439)

Background: One of the provisions of comprehensive career and technical education (CTE) legislation enacted in 2008 directed the community and technical colleges to create agreements with high schools and skill centers to offer college credit for secondary CTE courses, with agreements subject to approval by the Chief Instructional Officer of the college, the principal, and the CTE director of the high school or skill center. The legislation also required that, if a community or technical college created a dual credit agreement with a high school or skill center, then all community and technical colleges must accept that course for an equal amount of college credit. Some colleges may offer to grant the credit, but only after charging the student a fee.

Summary of Bill: Dual credit agreements between high schools or skill centers and community or technical colleges must be approved by, rather than subject to the approval of, the Chief Instructional Officer of the college and the CTE director of the high school or skill center. A community or technical college may not charge a student more than a standard transcription fee when asked to grant college credit for a secondary CTE course where another college has agreed to offer such credit.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.