HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

                 HB  2512

Title:  An act relating to improving mathematics proficiency.

Brief Description:  Establishing an excellence in mathematics grant program.

Sponsors:  Representatives Keiser, Johnson, Cole, Veloria, Linville, Poulsen, Constantine, Chopp, Cooper, Gardner, Kenney, Wolfe, Wood, Conway and Anderson.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Meeting Date:  February 3, 1998.

Bill Analysis Prepared by:  Susan Morrissey (786-7111).

Background: A number of reports have suggested that the mathematics instruction provided to elementary and middle school students in Washington and throughout the rest of the country needs to be improved.  The Third International Mathematics and Science study shows that, although fourth grade students scored above average in mathematics, eighth grade students scored below average.  The study also found that the mathematics curriculum in middle and junior high schools may be a weak link in public education throughout this country. 

In addition to the findings of these studies, reports from the Commission on Student Learning indicate that Washington=s fourth grade students scored poorly on the mathematics component of the 1997 fourth grade assessment.  Students who took the assessment, on average, had their lowest scores on that component of the test, with fewer than 22 percent of the students meeting the fourth grade proficiency standard. 

Summary of Bill:  The SPI will establish an Excellence in Mathematics Grant program.  One purpose of the program is to assist elementary and middle school students in mathematics instruction.  The other purpose is to improve student learning by helping teachers use research based instructional methods that have proven successful .  SPI will appoint a committee to develop an application and review process for grant awards and oversee the design and implementation of the evaluation of the program.  The types of expertise that must be represented on the committee are described.  The committee may receive milage and per diem.

If funding is appropriated, the SPI will make grants available to schools and school districts by September 1, 1998, and September 1 of each ensuing year.  Grants will be awarded for a three year period.   In order to qualify for a grant, each applicant must meet three conditions.  An applicant must document that the instructional model the applicant intends to use has proven results gathered through empirical research.  An applicant must agree to assist in evaluation of the effectiveness of the instructional models selected.  Finally, the applicant must provide evidence of a significant number of students who are not achieving mathematics proficiency at grade level, as measured by the fourth grade assessment.  If results from the fourth grade assessment are not available, the applicant may use results from the fourth grade CTBS.

SPI will contract with an independent contractor who will distribute a literature review of best practices in mathematics instruction and staff development for elementary and middle school students.  If funding is provided for this purpose, the contractor will conduct a multi year evaluation of the effectiveness of the instructional models.  The contractor will use achievement on the fourth and seventh grade assessments for the evaluation.  The contractor=s other responsibilities are also described. The SPI will share with participants relevant information and reports provided by the independent contractor.

By December 1, 2000, and every two years thereafter,  the SPI will report on the program to the Legislature and the governor.  The reports will include information on the following aspects of the program: implementation strategies, instructional methods, and results.

The SPI may use up to 5 percent of any appropriated funds for program administration.  Funding appropriated for the program is not part of the state=s basic education program.  Any funds appropriated for this program must be used to supplement and not supplant federal or state instructional monies.

A null and void clause is attached.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on January 29, 1998.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.  However, the bill is null and void unless funded in the budget.