SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6464

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

                  Education, January 26, 2000

Title:  An act relating to early learning.

Brief Description:  Requiring information on selecting early childhood education programs and kindergarten readiness.

Sponsors:  Senators McAuliffe, Kohl‑Welles, Goings, Eide, Patterson and Kline.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Education:  1/17/2000, 1/26/2000 [DPS].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6464 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

  Signed by Senators McAuliffe, Chair; Eide, Vice Chair; Bauer, Brown, Finkbeiner, Goings, Kohl-Welles, Rasmussen and Swecker.

Staff:  Kelly Simpson (786-7403)

Background:  The Center for the Improvement of Student Learning is a research arm of the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction established to facilitate access to education information.  The primary purpose of the center is to provide assistance and advice to parents, school board members, educators, and the public regarding strategies for assisting students in learning the Essential Academic Learning Requirements.

Summary of Substitute Bill:  The Center for the Improvement of Student Learning must, after consulting with stakeholders, provide information to parents concerning:  (1) how to select early childhood education programs for children; (2) how best to prepare children for kindergarten; and (3) guidelines for preparing children for success in school.

The information must include special education programs for preschool children with disabilities.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:  Kindergarten standards were changed to guidelines.  Information regarding programs for preschool children with disabilities was added.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  Information regarding programs for preschool age children is very important to parents and should be easily accessible.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  PRO:  Joan Yoshitomi, Debra Williams-Appleton, OSPI; Judy Hartman, Julie Tevis, Tacoma Public Schools.