SENATE BILL REPORT

                            SB 5225

        AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON TRADE, TECHNOLOGY &

            ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, FEBRUARY 1, 1994

Brief Description:  Adopting the work‑based learning for youth act.

SPONSORS: Senators Skratek, Erwin, M. Rasmussen, Winsley and Barr

SENATE COMMITTEE ON TRADE, TECHNOLOGY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Majority Report:  That Second Substitute Senate Bill No. 5225 be substituted therefor, and the second substitute bill do pass. 

     Signed by Senators Skratek, Chairman; Sheldon, Vice Chairman; Bluechel, Cantu, Erwin, M. Rasmussen and Williams.

Staff:  Jeff Baird (786‑7444)

Hearing Dates: January 29, 1993; February 23, 1993; January 27, 1994; February 1, 1994

BACKGROUND:

Employers, students, educators, and parents have expressed concern that students are not very well prepared to obtain a job when they graduate from high school.  This is especially true for students who do not attend college, for whom the school-to-work transition is often very poor.  This has a substantial impact on our economy and the ability of Washington businesses to compete on a global basis.

It is suggested that work-based learning programs are one way to address this concern.  They are central to the education system in several European countries, and are now being implemented in a number of states in this country.  The Clinton administration has indicated that development of these programs will be a high priority on the federal level.

SUMMARY:

A 15-member council on work-based learning is established, with representatives from business, labor and appropriate state agencies.  The council is responsible for planning the expansion and institutionalization of a statewide work-based learning system for youth, and ongoing review of the system once established.

"Work-based learning" is defined as a competency based program that coordinates and integrates classroom instruction with a structured, work-based employment experience in which the participant remains a student and receives training in a skilled occupation.

The office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) is the administrative agency for the council, and will provide administrative oversight for the program, including approving competency and assessment standards.  SPI is to appoint a director of work-based learning programs to carry out these responsibilities.

Work-based learning programs are to be operated by school districts in partnership with industry and labor pursuant to the guidelines established in the bill.  Among other things, the guidelines detail the responsibilities of participating employers, establish the conditions under which a student may participate, and describe the type of instruction that is to be provided.  Entrance, continuation and completion assessment guidelines are also provided.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SECOND SUBSTITUTE:

All language in the former substitute is eliminated and RCW 28A.650.864 is amended by directing the Superintendent of Public Instruction to give consideration to projects that specifically include work place learning.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested

TESTIMONY FOR:

The second substitute provides desirable discretion to the Superintendent of Public Instruction.  Work place experience is particularly important but in-school training must be thorough.  There may be problems with business liability for the work place component.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  PRO:  Ellen O'Brien Sanders, WTECB; Bill Anderson, State Building Trades Painters DC No. 5; Tom Lopp, OSPI