SENATE BILL REPORT

                            SB 5617

                    AS OF FEBRUARY 23, 1993

Brief Description:  Expanding the use of skill centers.

SPONSORS: Senators Pelz, Oke, A. Smith and von Reichbauer; by request of Superintendent of Public Instruction

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Staff:  Susan Mielke (786‑7439)

Hearing Dates: February 26, 1993

BACKGROUND:

Eight secondary vocational skill centers have been established as interdistrict cooperatives to provide vocational training for high school students.  These skill centers are used primarily during the morning and early afternoon.  Allowing the skill centers to operate during the late afternoon and evening would provide additional training opportunities for high school students and adults since community colleges have more individuals applying for admission than they can accommodate. 

SUMMARY:

High school students who have completed a high school program during the normal school day and adults will be allowed to enroll in skill centers in the late afternoon and early evening.  Enrollment priority shall be given to high school students.  High school students who are enrolled in the skill center program in excess of six hours will pay tuition to the skill center to cover the full cost of the student's program. 

Community colleges will act as agents for the skill centers in the enrollment of adults.  Enrollment of the adult students shall not count toward the community college enrollment lid.  Adults may attend day classes on a space available basis.  Adults will pay tuition to the community college to cover the full cost of the student's program plus a 5 percent management fee to the college.  The community college shall transfer the tuition payment to the skill center.

State institutions of higher education may award postsecondary credit for skill center courses successfully completed by an adult or a high school student who has enrolled in the skill center course through the community college.  The higher education institution may not charge a fee for awarding the credits.

The provisions of this act may be implemented in up to five community college districts during the 1993-94 school year.  Any skill center and school district within the participating community college districts may participate in the program.  The act will be effective statewide beginning in the 1994-95 school year.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  requested February 16, 1993