SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5975

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.

As of December 9, 2011

Title: An act relating to grant opportunities for high school aerospace assembler, skill center manufacturing, and high school project lead the way STEM career courses.

Brief Description: Regarding grant opportunities for STEM career courses.

Sponsors: Senators McAuliffe, Litzow, Eide, Fain, Kastama, Hewitt, Tom, Chase, Kohl-Welles, Frockt and Conway; by request of Governor Gregoire.

Committee Activity: Early Learning & K-12 Education: 12/14/11.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EARLY LEARNING & K-12 EDUCATION

Staff: Stephanie Christensen (786-7405)

Background: Careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are important to Washington's economy. There are current employment opportunities and projected high employer demands in STEM careers. Implementing STEM curriculum at Washington high schools will help ensure an adequate workforce for STEM jobs in Washington.

Project Lead the Way (PLTW) is a provider of STEM education curricular programs used in middle school and high schools across the United States. STEM education programs like PLTW provide hands-on classroom experiences, and expose students to STEM fields through mentorships and workplace experiences.

Summary of Bill: The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) will allocate grants to high schools and skill centers to create three different STEM programs (1) an aerospace assemblers program; (2) an enhanced manufacturing skills program; and (3) a PLTW program that will offer specialized courses in STEM careers.

Grants will be allocated on a one-time basis, and may be used to purchase course curriculum or equipment and support professional development for course teachers.

The grant process is competitive. SPI selects grant recipients based on several criteria including faculty support, capacity to offer and continue the program, connections to higher education programs, a plan for program implementation, and partnerships within the community.

The education data center in the Office of Financial Management will collect student participation and completion data for grant recipients, following students for two years after they complete the program. The findings must be reported annually beginning in January 2014, through January 2018.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on December 7, 2011.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

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