HOUSE BILL REPORT

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 Summary of Bill

Requires the public community and technical colleges to implement a tracking and early alert system that can, among other things, track students' progress and notify faculty, advisors, or staff when a student may need additional academic support.

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 9 members: Representatives Hansen, Chair; Pollet, Vice Chair; Holy, Ranking Minority Member; Van Werven, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Haler, Orwall, Sells, Stambaugh and Tarleton.

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, helps 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' test scores and alerts advisors if a student fails an exam or is no longer on track for completion.

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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 a 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.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) This bill helps ensure that there are support services for students, including Running Start students. The bill is not just for Running Start students. It benefits all students in the school. The goal is to make sure no student falls through the cracks.

(Opposed) None.

(Other) Tracking students' progress and early alerts systems are important pieces of Guided Pathways. Money appropriated from the Legislature allowed one college to purchase the Starfish program that will be part of Guided Pathways. The community and technical colleges have a good track record of leveraging all 34 institutions as a purchasing consortium. The current ctcLink program does not have all the features for a student tracking system. ctcLink is for enrollment, personnel, and budgeting. There are thousands of students enrolled in the colleges, and the use of technology helps catch students early and keep them on the path. Colleges need additional resources to provide services to students, as well as to track students.

Persons Testifying: (In support) Representative Stambaugh, prime sponsor.

(Other) Michele Johnson, Pierce College District; and Jan Yoshiwara, State Board for Community and Technical Colleges.