HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

                  HB 2300

Title:  An act relating to educational pathways.

Brief Description:  Changing provisions relating to educational pathways.

Sponsors:  Representatives Johnson, Keiser, Huff, Talcott, Hickel, Carrell, Linville, Lisk, Veloria, Skinner, Cairnes, Mason, Lambert, Mulliken, Backlund, Mitchell and Wolfe.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Meeting Date:  January 13, 1998

Bill Analysis Prepared by:  Suz Morressey (786-7111)

Background:  The 1993 education reform act assumed that most students would successfully pass their high school assessment when the students are about 16 years of age.  Successful completion would lead to the acquisition of a Acertificate of mastery@.  While students must have a certificate of mastery in order to earn a high school diploma, the legislation suggested that its acquisition would not be the sole criterion for graduation. The reform act directed schools to provide students who had earned a certificate of mastery with an opportunity to pursue career and educational objectives.  The schools would provide these opportunities through educational pathways that emphasize the integration of academic and vocational preparation.  The pathways could include a variety of programs such as work-based learning, tech-prep, running start, school-to-work transition, vocational-technical education, and preparation for entrance to an institution of higher education.

Summary of Bill:  Schools that use educational pathways shall ensure that all pathways will provide students with access to any courses and instruction needed to meet entrance requirements for baccalaureate institutions. 

Students must be permitted to enter the educational pathway of their choice.

Before a student is accepted into an educational pathway, the school will provide the student=s parent with information on three facets of the pathway.  The information will include:  the pathway chosen, opportunities available to the student through the pathway, and any career objectives that the student will be exposed to while pursuing the pathway.  If students or their parents are not satisfied with the opportunities available through a selected pathway the students must be permitted to transfer to any other pathway provided in the school.

Schools are not permitted to develop educational pathways that retain students in high school beyond the date that the students are eligible to graduate.  In addition, schools are not permitted to require students who transfer between pathways to complete pathway requirements beyond the date that the students are eligible to graduate.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested

Effective Date:  June 30, 1999.