S-4029               _______________________________________________

                                                   SENATE BILL NO. 6693

                        _______________________________________________

State of Washington                              50th Legislature                              1988 Regular Session

By Senators Pullen and Rinehart

Read first time 2/1/88 and referred to Committee on Higher Education.

AN ACT Relating to providing for special programs for academically highly capable students in the common school system; amending RCW 28A.58.217; and creating a new section.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.     The legislature finds that there are some highly gifted young students who would benefit both socially and intellectually by early entrance into college.  Although these students are very small in number, they are likely to be future leaders of our state with accomplishments disproportionate to their small numbers, and it is thus important that their progress be nurtured, supported, and encouraged by the state.  Although the public schools do an outstanding job of education, the needs of the select few highly gifted students are much more difficult to meet, and some of these students can best avoid frustration and a counterproductive educational experience through enrollment at the early entrance program.  The legislature further finds that the early entrance program at the University of Washington has greatly benefited such students, but that unexpectedly early college expenses have placed a severe financial burden on these students and their parents.  Since basic education allocation moneys, state categorical moneys, and federal moneys would be allocated on behalf of these students if they remained in school through the twelfth grade, the legislature intends that these funds be transferred to the University of Washington in partial support of the students' college education expenses, including but not limited to transition school and subsequent college expenses.

        Sec. 2.  Section 222, chapter 518, Laws of 1987 and RCW 28A.58.217 are each amended to read as follows:

          (1) ((School districts are hereby authorized to contract with the University of Washington for the education of eligible academically highly capable high school students at such early entrance or transition schools as are now or hereafter established and maintained by the university.

          (2) School districts may authorize)) The superintendent of public instruction ((to)) shall allocate directly to the University of Washington all ((or a portion)) of the state basic education allocation moneys, state categorical moneys, and federal moneys generated by a student while attending ((a)) the University of Washington under an early entrance ((or transition school pursuant to this section directly to the university)) program:  PROVIDED, That such state moneys shall be expended ((exclusively for instruction and related activities necessary for students to fulfill the high school graduation requirements established by their school district of enrollment.

          (3))) in support of a transition school and the college expenses incurred by a student through what would be the equivalent of his or her senior year in high school or for one year of a transition school plus four years of college, whichever occurs first.

(2) The superintendent of public instruction shall adopt or amend rules pursuant to chapter 34.04 RCW implementing subsection (((2))) (1) of this section before September 1, 1988.