HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 901

BYRepresentatives Brough, Jacobsen, R. King, Ballard, Prince, Basich and Wineberry

Providing support for academically gifted high school age students attending the University of Washington.

House Committe on Higher Education

Majority Report:     Do pass with amendment.  (10)

     Signed by Representatives Jacobsen, Chair; Heavey, Vice Chair; Barnes, Basich, Jesernig, Nelson, Silver, Unsoeld, K. Wilson and Wineberry.

House Staff:Susan Hosch (786-7120)

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION FEBRUARY 27, 1987

BACKGROUND:

The University of Washington has a special program for academically gifted high school age students.  The Early Entrance Program (EEP) is administered by the University's Center for the Study of Capable Youth.  Students under fifteen years of age who have outstanding school achievement records and who score in the very top ranges of standardized ability and achievement tests may be admitted into the program if their educational needs are not being met by the schools available to them.

Students admitted to the program first attend a year long transition school which provides intensive coverage of advanced high school material, an opportunity to take a limited number of university courses, and counseling on ways to successfully transition to life at the university.  Enrollment in the transition school is typically limited to 15 students.  After successfully completing the transition school, students attend regular university classes as Early Entrance Program participants.  These EEP students may continue to receive counseling and support services from the Center.

The University does not receive basic education funds for any students participating in the program.  Program participants pay $6000 for the year of transition school, and double the amount of tuition for the first two years of attendance in regular university classes.  Subsequent tuition is at regular university rates.  Nonresident students are charged the nonresident differential when taking regular university classes.  Financial aid is available for needy students.

SUMMARY:

BILL AS AMENDED:  The Legislature finds that the specialized program at the University of Washington for academically gifted high school age students is unique, challenging, and provides these students with opportunities that they would not receive in a regular high school.  The program includes both a year of studies in a transition school, and an early entrance program for high school age students enrolled for credit in regular university courses.  Students in the transition school receive intense coverage of advanced high school material.  Students in both program phases receive counseling and academic support.

Students in the program are not enrolled in any school district, and are not receiving state support for their education.  The Legislature finds that paying the costs associated with the transition school and with the counseling and academic support received by all program participants will help participating students receive their education.  The Legislature does not intend to provide support for tuition for students in the early entrance program, however.

AMENDED BILL COMPARED TO ORIGINAL:  The 1987-89 biennial appropriation for the program is reduced from $339,000 to $261,000.

Appropriation:  $261,000 is appropriated to the University of Washington for the 1987-89 biennium for the costs associated with the transition school and counseling and academic support for all program participants.

Fiscal Note:    Not Requested.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:     Nancy Robinson, Early Entrance Program; Paul Janos, Early Entrance Program; Jeff Parsons, Washington Coalition for Gifted Education; Arthur Fisher, Jennifer Kunkler, Wendy Blair, Margaret Jolly, Nancy Lee, Brian and Louanne Horsfield.

House Committee - Testified Against: None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:     Highly capable children tend to read and speak like adults by ages six or seven.  By the time they are ten, available educational programs become irrelevant to them.  As young adolescents, they need to bond with peers, but often discover that they cannot relate to most peers of their own age.  Without a challenging education, and an opportunity to interact with peers who share their interests, these gifted youth often become frustrated, alienated and turned off to life and the educational process.  Many drop out of school.  Some become criminals.  This program at the University of Washington attempts to overcome this frustration and alienation by providing an optimal match between very bright students and academic challenge and support.  It is the only program of its kind in the country.  The $6000 cost of the transition school is not affordable by some children who could benefit for the program.

House Committee - Testimony Against: None Presented.