Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Education Committee |
HB 1304
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: Concerning career and technical education in alternative learning experience programs.
Sponsors: Representatives MacEwen, Stonier, Santos, Harris, Steele, Griffey, Reeves, Stokesbary, Sells, Dolan, Eslick, Lekanoff, Bergquist, Jinkins, Leavitt, Thai and Wylie.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/14/19
Staff: Ethan Moreno (786-7386).
Background:
Alternative Learning Experience Courses.
Alternative learning experience (ALE) courses provide a way for students to be enrolled in public education without being required to meet the in-class seat-time requirements for regular instruction. ALE courses may be delivered via online courses, remote courses, or site-based courses. Courses offered through ALE programs may be provided to students residing outside of the district offering the course, and may be provided to full or part-time students.
Districts providing ALE programs may claim state basic education funding for students enrolled in ALE courses, and are obligated satisfy annual reporting requirements. The Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) separately calculates and allocates monies appropriated by the Legislature to school districts for each full-time equivalent student enrolled in an ALE course provided by the district.
Career and Technical Education.
Career and technical education or CTE is a planned program of courses and learning experiences that begins with an exploration of career options and supports basic academic and life skills. As articulated in statute, CTE enables the achievement of high academic standards, leadership, options for high skill, high wage employment preparation, and advanced and continuing education.
Career and technical education instruction is provided in two general course classifications—exploratory and preparatory—both of which must comply with numerous standards established by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. Career and technical education instruction is delivered through programs at middle and high schools, through approved online courses, and at skill centers, the regional CTE instructional venues established and operated by a host school district.
Students enrolled in vocational courses are funded at an enhanced rate that reflects lower class sizes and higher funding for materials, supplies, and operating costs. Any CTE funding allocations that exceed general funding allocations may only be used for specified CTE purposes.
Summary of Bill:
State funding that is calculated and allocated by the SPI for vocational ALE courses must include the vocational program funding enhancement. Restrictions that limit the uses of CTE funding allocations that exceed general funding allocations to specified CTE purposes continue to apply.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.