HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

                 HB  2604

Title:  An act relating to parent participation in education.

Brief Description:  Requiring a study of the impact of parental involvement on academic achievement.

Sponsors:  Representatives Mason, Radcliff, Johnson, Carlson, Kessler, Sheahan, Van Luven, Cole, Dickerson, Butler, Hatfield, Kenney, O'Brien, Chopp, Keiser, Anderson, Ogden, Costa, Quall and Gombosky.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Meeting Date:  January 29, 1998.

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

Background:  The 1995 National Education Goals Report states parental involvement in a child=s education is a critical component in the scholastic success of that child.  It also states that a growing body of research suggests that increased family involvement in a child=s education is associated with higher mathematics and reading scores; decreased likelihood that a student will be suspended or expelled from school, and greater student participation in extracurricular school activities.   A parent and teacher partnership in a child=s education can have a dramatically positive impact on student test scores, behavior, attitudes toward school, and graduation rates.  It can also lead to better grades; improved attendance; improved attitudes in middle and high school; and a reduced likelihood that a student will repeat a grade or be in the lower half of the student=s class.

The U.S. Department of Education reported in its publication, "Strong Families, Strong Schools,@ that (1) teachers rated strengthening parental involvement in their children's education as the most important educational policy priority in the coming years; (2) that nearly half of 14- to 17-year-olds reported that they would like to talk to their parents more about school work; and (3) that nine out of 10 business executives rated lack of parental involvement as the biggest obstacle to school reform.  Many family involvement programs involve long-term intervention to help students complete high school and continue on to higher education.  

Summary of Bill:   The legislature finds that there is a need for greater parental participation in a child=s education.  The office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) will study and make recommendations to the Legislature on parents= involvement in their children=s prekindergarten through college education.  In its study, OSPI will evaluate the methods used in other states to increase academic achievement and levels of college enrollment.  OSPI will also evaluate and recommend models and best practices for assuring effective communication between parents and the education system.  The agency will work with the Higher Education Coordinating Board on the study. By December 1,1998, the OSPI will provide to the House and Senate Higher Education Committees a final report describing the agency=s findings and recommendations.

The study and reporting requirements expire on December 30, 1998.

Appropriation: 

Fiscal Note:  Requested January 23, 1998.

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