SENATE BILL REPORT

                            SB 5396

                    AS OF JANUARY 26, 1993

Brief Description:  Providing for the education 2001 program.

SPONSORS: Senator Winsley

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Staff:  Larry Davis (786‑7422)

Hearing Dates:

BACKGROUND:

In 1992, the Legislature passed SSB 5953 (Chapter 141, Laws of 1992, PV), setting forth a process to move the common school system to one based on performance-based learning and assessment.  Experience and research findings indicate that educational reform at the school building level is a long-term proposition that requires a sustained commitment of time and resources.  Systemic reform is an even larger endeavor.  If the state is to move to a performance-based learning and assessment education system, additional resources will be necessary.  A referendum is proposed to raise taxes for a multi-year period to make an investment in systemic education reform of the state's school system.

SUMMARY:

Referendum.  A six-year program is established to provide funds to support local educational restructuring efforts tied to statewide student learning goals.  The program will go into effect only if the people of the state approve the proposal at the November 1993 state general election.  The six-year program terminates July 1, 2000.  Continuation beyond this date will require reauthorization by the Legislature and/or the people of the state of Washington.

Funding Source.  The Education for 2001 Act is funded by six incremental increases in the state sales tax.  The increased revenues are deposited into a special account created in the state treasury.  The present state sales tax of 6.5 percent is increased February 1, 1994 to 6.77 percent, increased on July 1, 1995 to 6.85 percent, increased on July 1, 1996 to 7.04 percent,  increased on July 1, 1997 to 7.26 percent, increased on July 1, 1998 7.28 percent, and reduced on July 1, 1999 to 7.27 percent.

Estimated revenues from the increases are:  $153 million in year one, $201 million in year two, $309 million in year three, $437 million in year four, $447 million in year five, and $443 million in year six.  The cumulative six-year total increase in revenues is approximately $2.0 billion.

Student Learning Goals.  The Legislature endorses the student learning goals recommended by the Governor's Council on Education Reform and Funding and directs the State Board to adopt the goals in rule.  The goals become effective for all districts beginning with the 1993-94 school year.  The State Board must review the goals at least once every ten years.

Extended Contract Year for Staff.  During the 1994-95 through 1997-98 school years, the contract year for each certificated and classified staff person shall be an average of ten days beyond the student school calendar.  In the 1998-99 and 1999-2000 school years, the contract year shall be an average of five days beyond the student school calendar.  The additional non-student days shall be used for planning, staff development, and training related to restructuring efforts.

Education for 2001 Grants.  A grant program is created to help districts throughout the six-year program with costs related to local restructuring initiatives.  Grant funds may be used to pay for planning and staff development and training; purchasing or developing instructional materials, supplies and resources; and developing new measures to assess student performance.

Longer Student School Year.  Beginning the 1996-97 school year the student school calendar is increased from 180 days to an average of 185 days.  Beginning the 1997-98 school year and continuing through the 1999-2000 school year, the student school calendar is increased from an average of 185 days to an average of 190 days.

Class Size Reductions.  Funds are provided to reduce class sizes in K-12.  The current K-3 funding ratio is increased from 54.3:1,000 to 55:1,000 beginning the 1994-95 school year and maintained throughout the six-year term of the act.  Beginning with the 1995-96 school year, and each year thereafter, the current 4-12 funding ratio is increased incrementally from 46:1,000 to 50:1,000 by the 1998-99 school year.

Expanding the Fair Start Program.  Supplemental funds are provided annually throughout the six-year program to increase the level of prevention and early intervention services to eligible students under the Fair Start Program.

Certification Requirements.  The State Board of Education is directed to adopt rules to implement the recommendations of the certification study conducted jointly with the Governor's Council.  The recommendations include establishing three levels of certificates: the residency certificate, the professional certificate, and the professional career certificate.

The State Board is required to report to the Legislature by December 31, 1993 on the board's study of outcomes-based standards for teacher preparation programs.

Principal Internship Program.  The Washington State Principal Internship Support Program is created to enhance the preparation and leadership training of prospective school principals.  Under the program, persons in a principal preparation program will complete an internship with a mentor principal.  Beginning with the 1994-95 school year, up to 200 principal internships will be funded annually for the duration of the six-year program.

Selection criteria are delineated and the State Board of Education appoints an advisory task force to develop and recommend to the board performance-based standards for the principal internship support program.

Technology.  Grant funding is available throughout the six-year program to districts to enhance the training and teaching of staff and students about technology and technology-related applications.

Vocational and Science Equipment Upgrade.  Grants are available throughout the six-year program to assist school districts in upgrading vocational and science equipment.

Accountability.  The current required annual school district descriptive guide is repealed and districts are required to publish annually a school district accountability report.  Information in the report shall include items such as:  enrollment and student demographic data; expenditures per pupil for the school year; average compensation for teachers; student dropout, absenteeism and graduation rates; and a summary of student scores on all mandated tests.  The report remains in effect until the Legislature acts on recommendations of the Commission on Student Learning to create a statewide accountability system.

Deregulation.  The statutory requirement that a district's ratio of students to teachers in grades K-3 cannot be greater than the district's ratio of students to teachers in grades 4-12 is repealed.

The state Superintendent is directed to adopt rules allowing districts to blend basic education, learning assistance, special education and bilingual program funds.

The state Superintendent is required to work with other organizations to ensure every teacher, district and building administrator, and school director is aware of districts' broadened school board powers and the waivers from statutory self-study, program hours offerings, and teacher classroom contact hours requirements.

State Technical Assistance.  Funds are provided annually to the Superintendent of Public Instruction to provide on a request basis technical assistance to schools and districts.  The state Superintendent's office may provide technical assistance relating to:  applications for Education for 2001 grants; developing measures of assessing student performance; curriculum development, instructional strategies and program evaluation; and planning and implementing modified school calendars.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  yes

Fiscal Note:  requested January 25, 1993

Effective Date:  Subject to vote of the people at the state general election in November 1993.  If passed, bill becomes effective February 1, 1994.