SENATE BILL REPORT

EHB 2618

BYRepresentatives G. Fisher, Walker, Peery, Betrozoff, Kremen, Cole, Belcher, Phillips, Brumsickle, Hine, H. Myers, Leonard, Nelson, Jones, Anderson, Jacobsen, Wineberry, Winsley, May, Ferguson, Moyer, Todd and Spanel

Creating the parent-teacher partnership task force.

House Committe on Education

Rereferred House Committee on Appropriations

Senate Committee on Education

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 15, 1990; February 19, 1990

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

      Signed by Senators Bailey, Chairman; Lee, Vice Chairman; Bender, Benitz, Craswell, Fleming, Metcalf, Murray, Rinehart.

Senate Staff:Susan Mosborg (786-7439)

                  February 20, 1990

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION, FEBRUARY 19, 1990

BACKGROUND:

Research has shown that parents play a vital role in the education of their children, and that students are more likely to succeed in school and society when their parents actively participate in their education.

The Legislature has created parental involvement programs such as Project Even Start, which focuses on parental literacy (RCW 28A.130), and the Legislature encourages community involvement programs which include activities for parents (RCW 28A.58.640 through 648). In addition, some school districts and nonprofit organizations have specific programs to increase parental involvement.

SUMMARY:

The Parent-Teacher Partnership Task Force is created to make recommendations on how to get parents more involved in the education of their children.  Recommendations of the task force must be submitted to the Legislature by December 1, 1990, and the task force terminates on May 1, 1991.

The task force must identify and evaluate current parental involvement programs in the state, evaluate programs in other states, investigate the relation between student achievement and parental involvement, and make specific recommendations.

The task force must consist of representatives from the Legislature, the Governor's office, state agencies, parents, school teachers, and administrators.  Provisions are made to ensure representation from western and eastern Washington.  The chair of the task force is chosen by the members, and the office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction provides staff support.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED SENATE AMENDMENT:

Students are added to the task force.

Senate Committee - Testified: No one