SENATE BILL REPORT

                           ESHB 2850

   AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION, FEBRUARY 25, 1994

Brief Description:  Changing education provisions.

SPONSORS: House Committee on Education (originally sponsored by Representatives Dorn, Brough, Cothern and Karahalios)

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended. 

     Signed by Senators Pelz, Chairman; McAuliffe, Vice Chairman; Gaspard, Hochstatter, McDonald, Moyer, M. Rasmussen, Rinehart, Skratek, A. Smith and Winsley.

Staff:  Larry Davis (786‑7422); Leslie Goldstein (786-7424)

Hearing Dates:  February 23, 1994; February 25, 1994

BACKGROUND:

Engrossed Substitute House Bill 1209 (1993) included a number of programs and activities intended to improve student learning in the state's K-12 education system.  The bill included, among other things: a Student Learning Improvement Grants Program, the development of a statewide technology plan, the establishment of a Joint Select Committee on Education Restructuring and a (Joint) Education Fiscal Study Committee, a new Center for the Improvement of Student Learning, and redefining the goal of the Basic Education Act.

Student Learning Improvement Grants Program.  Under ESHB 1209, funding for the Student Learning Improvement grants is based on the number of certificated staff, classified instructional aides, and classified secretaries in schools that apply for grants.  However, language in the 1993-95 operating budget provided funding based only on the number of certificated staff in each school.  Also, the budget language has been interpreted to mean that the funds may be used only for certificated staff.  This contradicts language in ESHB 1209 that states that the funding formula is for allocation purposes only and that local school representatives are to determine how the funds will be spent.

Statewide Technology Plan.  ESHB 1209 requires the Superintendent of Public Instruction to develop a statewide technology plan and recommendations on a technology grant program by December 15, 1993.  While progress has been made in both areas, participants have requested that more time be provided before final products are due.

Joint Select Committee on Education Restructuring.  One of the tasks given to the Joint Select Committee is to review all laws pertaining to K-12 education, except laws involving the "health, safety and civil rights" of students and staff.  In the process of the committee's review, some members have found that excluding laws involving health, safety and civil rights prevents the committee from reviewing the entire K-12 education system, and, if needed, from improving health, safety and civil rights laws.

(Joint) Education Fiscal Study Committee.  A (Joint) Education Fiscal Study Committee was created in ESHB 1209 to review the K-12 education funding system.  The due date for the committee's final recommendations is January 16, 1995. 

Center for the Improvement of Student Learning.  The center, which was created in ESHB 1209, replaced the State Clearinghouse for Education Information.  However, several references in statute to the clearinghouse were not removed.

School District Descriptive Guide.  ESHB 1209 requires schools to publish annual performance reports ("report cards") for parents and the community.  Since 1977, school districts have been required to publish annually a district descriptive guide that serves a similar function.

Goal of Basic Education Act.  ESHB 1209 redefined the goal of the state's Basic Education Act by stating it was to provide students the opportunity to become responsible citizens, to contribute to their own economic well-being and to that of their families and communities, and to enjoy productive and satisfying lives.  In support of this goal, district goals must provide opportunities for all students to develop knowledge and skills relating to communication, basic academic subjects, problem-solving, and job skills (student learning goals).

SUMMARY:

Student Learning Improvement Grants.  Changes are made in the Student Learning Improvement grant program to clarify that funds may be used for planning and staff development for certificated and classified staff and for other activities consistent with the purpose of the grant program.  The funds may be used in July and August prior to the ensuing school year.  Funding allocations are based only on the number of certificated staff in each building at the time of application.

Statewide Technology Plan.  The due dates for the statewide technology plan and technology grant program recommendations are changed to September 1, 1994.

Joint Select Committee on Education Restructuring.  The Joint Select Committee is allowed to review K-12 education statutes pertaining to the health, safety and civil rights of students and staff.

(Joint) Education Fiscal Study Committee.  The committee's due date for its final recommendations is changed to December 15, 1995.

Center for the Improvement of Student Learning.  References to the State Clearinghouse for Education Information are deleted in statute.

School District Descriptive Guide.  The requirement that school districts publish annually a district descriptive guide is repealed.

Goal of Basic Education Act.  A list of basic values and character traits is added to the preface of the four student learning goals of the Basic Education Act.  The list includes:  honesty, integrity and trust; respect for self and others; responsibility for personal actions and commitments; self-discipline and moderation; diligence and a positive work ethic; respect for law and authority; healthy and constructive behavior; and family as the basis of society.

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED COMMITTEE AMENDMENT:

Student Learning Improvement Grants.  In 1994-95, the grants may be provided, subject to appropriation, for up to four days instead of up to three days.  In 1995-96 and 1996-97, subject to appropriation, grants may be provided for up to four days instead of five days.  The languages is clarified to avoid repetition and delete obsolete language.

Joint Select Committee on Education Restructuring.  The committee is given an additional year to submit its recommendations on data about schools and school districts.

Basic Values and Character Traits.  The list of basic values and character traits is added as a new section to the code rather than amending the statute creating the student learning goals.  Local communities determine generally how the values are learned through consensus at the local level.  The terminology describing one of the values and traits is changed from "constructive behavior" to "positive behavior".

Technical Changes.  A double amendment is corrected and a contingent expiration date is clarified.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  requested

TESTIMONY FOR:

This will help the implementation of education reform.  The list of values and character traits were very carefully negotiated over a four-day period and received strong support.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  PRO:  Representative Randy Dorn; John Kvamme, Tacoma Public Schools; Susan Patrick, Superintendent of Public Instruction; Lynn McKinnon, Public School Employees; Judy Hartmann, Washington Education Association