1941-S2.E

AN ACT Relating to the improvement of reading literacy; amending RCW 28A.300.138 and 28A.165.040; adding a new section to chapter 28A.630 RCW; and creating new sections.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds that the ability to read with comprehension and skill is essential for success in school, and for success in future life. As we enter into the 21st century, the ability to read is critical to personal and family prosperity. It is the intent of the legislature to improve student learning by focusing on reading literacy in our public schools.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 28A.630 RCW to read as follows:

(1) The elementary grades assessment developed by the commission on student learning under RCW 28A.630.885(3)(b)(i) shall ensure that all students are assessed for reading literacy skills no later than the middle of third grade and at other appropriate grade levels. Notwithstanding the assessment implementation dates in RCW 28A.630.885, the reading assessment required before the middle of third grade shall be implemented state-wide in the 1996-97 school year.

(2) The information provided by the reading assessment shall be used by all school districts to improve reading programs to meet identified student needs, and to identify students who are reading below state reading standards. School districts shall provide reading assistance to students who are identified in the assessment as reading below state standards. The type of assistance to be provided shall be determined by schools and school districts.

(3) Districts shall annually reassess students who have not achieved state reading standards. Districts shall continue to provide appropriate reading assistance until students meet or exceed state standards.

Sec. 3. RCW 28A.300.138 and 1994 c 245 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:

(1)(a) To the extent funds are appropriated, the office of the superintendent of public instruction shall provide student learning improvement grants for the 1994-95 through 1996-97 school years. The purpose of the grants is to provide funds for additional time and resources for site-based planning activities and staff development and planning intended to improve student learning for all students, including students with diverse needs, consistent with the student learning goals in RCW 28A.150.210.

(b) State evaluations and findings on the schools for the twenty-first century program, as well as national research, indicate that extra time for site-based planning activities and staff development and planning for school improvement efforts is critical to the success of such efforts. It is the intent of the legislature that school districts use the funds under this section to provide time and resources for site-based planning activities and staff development and planning that is in addition to locally funded extra time and resources provided for purposes of improving student learning. Districts are strongly encouraged not to supplant local funds with state funds provided under this section.

(2) To be eligible for student learning improvement grants, school district boards of directors shall:

(a) Adopt a policy regarding the involvement of school staff, parents, and community members in instructional decisions;

(b) Submit school-based applications that have been developed by school building personnel, parents, and community members. Each application shall:

(i) Enumerate specific activities to be carried out as part of the grant;

(ii) Identify the technical resources desired and availability of those resources;

(iii) Include a proposed budget; and

(iv) Indicate that the application was approved by the school principal and representatives of teachers, classified employees, parents, and the community.

(3) Before the 1996-97 school year, elementary schools receiving student learning improvement grants shall take actions designed to ensure that students meet or exceed the essential academic learning requirements for reading.

(4) The school board shall conduct at least one public hearing on schools' plans for using the grants before the board approves the plans. Boards may hear and approve more than one school's plan at a hearing. The board shall only submit applications for grants to the superintendent of public instruction if the board has approved the plans.

((~~(4)~~)) (5) If the application is consistent with the purposes of the grant program and the requirements of subsections (2) and ((~~(3)~~)) (4) of this section are met, the superintendent of public instruction shall approve the grant application.

((~~(5)~~)) (6) To the extent funds are appropriated, and for allocation purposes only, the amount of grants for the 1994-95, 1995-96, and 1996-97 school years shall be based on time equivalent to up to four days depending upon the number of grant applications received and on the number of full-time equivalent certificated staff who work in the school. Funds from the grant may be used to pay for staff development and planning for certificated and classified staff and site-based planning activities. Site-based planning activities and staff development and planning conducted pursuant to this section also may be conducted during the months of July and August preceding each school year for which the school has received a grant. Expenses occurring as a result of these summer site-based planning activities and staff development and planning may be paid from the school year grant. School districts shall use all funds received under this section solely for grants to schools and shall not use any portion of the funds for indirect costs.

((~~(6)~~)) (7) The state schools for the deaf and blind may apply for grants under this section.

((~~(7)~~)) (8) The superintendent of public instruction shall adopt timelines and rules as necessary under chapter 34.05 RCW to administer the program. The superintendent may modify application requirements for schools that have schools for the twenty-first century projects under RCW 28A.630.100.

((~~(8)~~)) (9) The superintendent of public instruction shall report annually to the legislature by December 1st the following information:

(a) The use of the funds granted under this section;

(b) An estimate of any increase in staff development and planning in the 1994-95, 1995-96, and 1996-97 school years respectively, above that in the 1993-94 school year; and

(c) An estimate of any increase in site-based planning activities in the 1994-95, 1995-96, and 1996-97 school years respectively, above that in the 1993-94 school year.

((~~(9)~~)) (10) Funding under this section shall not become a part of the state's basic program of education obligation as set forth under Article IX of the state Constitution.

Sec. 4. RCW 28A.165.040 and 1990 c 33 s 149 are each amended to read as follows:

Each school district which applies for state funds distributed pursuant to RCW 28A.165.070 shall conduct a needs assessment and, on the basis of its findings, shall develop a plan for the use of these funds. The plan may incorporate plans developed by each eligible school. Districts ((~~are encouraged to~~)) shall place special emphasis on addressing the ((~~needs~~)) reading skills of students in the early grades. The needs assessment and plan shall be updated at least biennially, and shall be determined in consultation with an advisory committee including but not limited to members of the following groups: Parents, including parents of students served by the program; teachers; principals; administrators; and school directors. The district shall submit a biennial application specifying this plan to the office of the superintendent of public instruction for approval. Plans shall include:

(1) The means which the district will use to identify participating students to receive additional services or support under the proposed program;

(2) The specific services or activities which the funds will be used to support, and their estimated costs;

(3) A plan for annual evaluation of the program by the district, based on performance objectives related to basic skills achievement of participating students, and a plan for reporting the results of this evaluation to the superintendent of public instruction;

(4) Procedures for recordkeeping or other program documentation as may be required by the superintendent of public instruction; and

(5) The approval of the local school district board of directors.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 5. If specific funding for the purposes of this act, referencing this act by bill number, is not provided by June 30, 1995, in the omnibus appropriations act, this act is null and void.