SB 5973-S2 - DIGEST
(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

Requires disaggregation of all student data-related reports required of the superintendent of public instruction under Title 28A RCW (common school provisions) by certain subgroups of students.

Creates an achievement gap oversight and accountability committee to synthesize the findings and recommendations from the 2008 achievement gap studies into an implementation plan, and to recommend policies and strategies to the superintendent of public instruction, the professional educator standards board, and the state board of education to close the achievement gap.

Requires the professional educator standards board, in consultation and collaboration with the committee, to identify a list of model standards for cultural competency and make recommendations to the education committees of the legislature on the strengths and weaknesses of those standards.

Requires the office of the superintendent of public instruction to identify school districts that have the most significant achievement gaps among subgroups of students and for large numbers of those students, and districts that should receive priority for assistance in advancing cultural competency skills in their workforce.

Requires the superintendent of public instruction to take all actions necessary to secure federal funds to support enhancing data collection and data system capacity in order to monitor progress in closing the achievement gap and to support other innovations and model programs that align education reform and address disproportionality in the public school system.