Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Higher Education Committee |
HB 2801
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 Description: Implementing a tracking and early alert system to improve student success at community and technical colleges.
Sponsors: Representatives Stambaugh, Orwall, Haler, Riccelli, Valdez, Bergquist, Muri, Tarleton, Van Werven, Goodman and Pollet.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/23/18
Staff: Trudes Tango (786-7384).
Background:
Most institutions of higher education have some form of student success program to increase retention and graduation rates. These programs typically include new student orientations, academic advising, tutoring services, and career counseling.
Some institutions of higher education use data collection technology that, among other things, help advisors track their students' progress. For example, Eastern Washington University recently implemented certain student success strategies, including an early tracking computer program that tracks students' testing and scores and alerts advisors if a student fails an exam or is no longer on track for completion.
Summary of Bill:
Subject to the amounts appropriated, each community and technical college (CTC), as part of a student success program, must implement a tracking and early alert system designed to:
track students' progress;
notify faculty, advisors, or other staff when a student may need additional academic support, advising, or other interventions; and
connect the student to appropriate and available support services.
The State Board of Community and Technical Colleges must work with the CTCs to implement this requirement and may use purchasing consortium for the purchase of software or other technical assistance.
Every CTC must have a system in place by August 1, 2021. A CTC that is using a tracking system, as of the effective date of the act, that meets the requirements of the act, will be considered in compliance.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 5, 2018.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.