HB 1818-S2 - DIGEST

(AS OF HOUSE 2ND READING 3/15/99)

     Declares that, if a parent enrolls a child six years of age and under eight years of age in the public school of the district in which the child resides, that parent has the responsibility to ensure the child attends, and the child has the responsibility to attend, for the full time when that school is in session, unless one of the exceptions in this act is met.  This provision does not apply to a child enrolled in a public school part-time for the purpose of receiving ancillary services.  An exception shall be made to this requirement for children whose parents formally remove them from enrollment in kindergarten.

     Directs the superintendent of public instruction to provide, to the extent funds are appropriated, start-up grants for alternative programs and services that provide instruction and learning for truant, at-risk, and expelled students.

     Declares that, if funds are appropriated by the legislature for this specific purpose, the superintendent of public instruction shall contract with the institute of public policy or a similar agency to:  (1) Evaluate the effectiveness of the petition process and community truancy boards in chapter 28A.225 RCW in reducing truancy;

     (2) determine whether students who do return to school after being subject to court action create disruptions for other students in the school, establish patterns of improved attendance, and successfully complete their education program; and

     (3) determine the costs imposed on school districts by the petition process and other truancy-related procedural requirements required by the legislature in 1992 and thereafter.

     Requires the cost determination to be submitted to the appropriate committees of the legislature by December 15, 1999.  The evaluation shall be submitted to the appropriate committees of the legislature by December 15, 2000.