Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Education Committee |
HB 1510
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 Description: Regarding an assessment of students in state-funded full-day kindergarten classrooms.
Sponsors: Representatives Kagi, Maxwell and Kelley; by request of Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/3/11
Staff: Cece Clynch (786-7195).
Background:
School districts receiving all-day kindergarten support must agree to:
provide at least 1000 hours of instructional program;
provide a curriculum that offers a rich, varied set of experiences that assist students in:
developing a variety of communication skills;
learning science, social studies, arts, health and physical education, and a world language other than English;
acquiring large and small motor skills;
acquiring social and emotional skills including successful participation in learning activities as an individual and as part of a group; and
learning through hands-on experiences;
provide learning environments that are developmentally appropriate and promote creativity;
demonstrate strong connections and communication with early learning providers; and
participate in kindergarten program readiness activities with early learning providers and parents.
Summary of Bill:
A new condition is added for receipt of all-day kindergarten funding. Beginning with the 2012-13 school year, school districts receiving all-day kindergarten support must also agree to identify the skills, knowledge, and characteristics of kindergarten students at the beginning of the school year in order to determine kindergarten readiness and inform instruction to meet the needs of individual students. The schools must utilize a kindergarten assessment process specified by the Superintendent of Public Instruction and report the results to the Superintendent.
The Superintendent is required to make the assessment process available on a voluntary basis at the beginning of the 2011-12 school year.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on 1/25/11.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect on September 1, 2011.