SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5574

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 February 15, 2019

Title: An act relating to addressing data gathering of student participation in K-12 computer science education.

Brief Description: Concerning K-12 computer science education data.

Sponsors: Senators Salomon, Bailey, Wellman, Walsh, Takko, Hobbs, Short, Warnick, Mullet, Keiser, Brown, Becker, Kuderer, Nguyen and Wilson, C..

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Early Learning & K-12 Education: 2/13/19.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Requires each school district to submit a yearly report on computer science programs to the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.

  • Directs district reports to include the number of computer science programs offered in each school, as well as disaggregated data on student enrollment and instructors in programs.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EARLY LEARNING & K-12 EDUCATION

Staff: Benjamin Omdal (786-7442)

Background: Computer Science. Computer science generally refers to the science entailing the theory and methods of processing information in computers, as well as the design of computer hardware, software, and applications. In 2013, the Legislature directed school districts to approve advanced placement computer science as a math or science equivalent. In 2015, SHB 1813 directed the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) to adopt computer science learning standards.

Summary of Bill: Each school district must submit an annual report on computer science data for the preceding year to OSPI by April 30. Each report must include the total number of computer science and related math programs offered in each school, including program type. Reports must be posted conspicuously on OSPI's website.

The report to OSPI must also include the number and percentage of students who are enrolled in a computer science program, disaggregated by gender, race and ethnicity, special education status, English language learner status, eligibility for the free and reduced-price lunch program, and grade level. Numbers in the data are to be replaced by a symbol if the number of students in a category is between one and five.

Districts must also report the number of computer science instructors at each school, disaggregated by gender, highest academic degree, and by certification if applicable

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The bill would shed some light on demographic data on the disparities in computer science education, especially with respect to women. All girls should have access to computer science, and the bill could help to provide greater access across the state. The effectiveness of current policies cannot be known without more data. Data on computer science can lead to better allocation of resources to address existing gaps.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Jesse Salomon, Prime Sponsor; Giselle Cordero, Girls Who Code; Brenna Nieva, Girls Who Code Alumni; Charlie Brown, Girls Who Code; Maggie Glennon, Code.org; Shannon Thissen, OSPI.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.