5447

AN ACT Relating to tying the use of student learning improvement grants to attaining the student learning goals and essential learning requirements developed by the commission on student learning; and amending RCW 28A.300.138.

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

Sec. 1. 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 associated 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. The superintendent of public instruction shall provide planning assistance to schools and districts through the center for the improvement of student learning and other offices.

(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) 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) If the application is consistent with the purposes of the grant program and the requirements of subsections (2) and (3) of this section are met consistent with the student learning goals in RCW 28A.150.210 and current best practices research, the superintendent of public instruction shall approve the grant application.

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

(7) 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) 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) 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.

(10) Beginning with the 1995-96 school year, each school receiving a student learning improvement grant shall keep on file a comprehensive plan to attain the student learning goals and essential learning requirements developed by the commission on student learning and documentation of staff development and other activities undertaken to implement the plan over time.