HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

                  HB 1084

Title:  An act relating to authorizing parents to inspect classroom materials.

Brief Description:  Authorizing parents to inspect classroom materials.

Sponsors:  Representatives Mulliken, Johnson, Koster, Backlund, Sump, Talcott, Crouse, Thompson, Mielke, Bush, Boldt, Benson, Sherstad, Carrell, Smith and Van Luven.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Meeting Date:  January 21, 1997.

Bill Analysis Prepared by:  Pat Shelledy (786-7149).

Background: 

Parent=s right to inspect materials:

School districts must have policies to ensure that a parent has access to the child=s classroom and school sponsored activities to allow the parent to observe class procedure, teaching material, and class conduct.  The parent must not disturb the class.  RCW 28A.605.020.

Parental notification and consent to certain courses:

Various statutes and rules direct or allow schools to provide specific materials and information to students on certain topics.  For example:

Teachers must stress the importance of minimum requisites of good health, including methods to prevent exposure to and transmission of sexually transmitted diseases. RCW 28A.230.020.

Public schools must teach a course on the life threatening dangers of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and its prevention.  The school district must conduct at least one presentation for the students= parents about the course at least one month before teaching the course in any classroom.  The school must notify the parents that the materials are available for inspection.  The school may not require a child to attend if the child=s parent objects in writing after the parent attends the presentation.  RCW 28A.230.070.

Local school district board of directors have the discretion whether to adopt a program about sex education or human sexuality.  School districts must involve parents and school district community groups in developing the program.  Any parent who does not want his or her child to attend a course in human sexuality or sex education may file a written request with the board.  WAC 180-50-140.

Summary of Bill: 

Parent=s right to inspect materials:

Upon a parent=s request, a public school must make all educational materials that are associated with the education of the parent=s child available during school hours for the parent=s inspection.  A parent may make the request in writing or by appearing at the school.  The school must make the materials available for inspection within five working days if the materials are located within the school and within fourteen working days if the materials are located within the district.  A parent=s right of inspection applies to teaching materials of any guest speaker.

School district employees may not encourage a student to withhold from the student=s parents classroom materials or information about classroom activities, discussions, or programs. 

Parental notification and consent to certain classes:

A student may not attend certain classes unless the school has on file a signed confirmation that a parent has received notification about the class and that the parent consents to the child=s participation in the class.  The classes that require notification and consent involve the following topics:

<Suicide or euthanasia

<Human sexuality issues:

<sex education

<sexually transmitted diseases

<contraception

<sexual orientation

A school district may comply with the notification requirement by notifying a parent once a year of the class.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on January 15, 1997.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.