FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 5940

PARTIAL VETO

C 336 L 01

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Strengthening career and technical education.

Sponsors:  Senate Committee on Education (originally sponsored by Senators Regala, McAuliffe, Carlson, Kohl‑Welles, Eide, Kastama, Rasmussen and Finkbeiner; by request of Superintendent of Public Instruction).

Senate Committee on Education

House Committee on Education

House Committee on Appropriations

Background:  In 1993, the Legislature enacted education reform measures that include four general student learning goals required of school districts.  Goal four requires districts to provide students with opportunities to understand the importance of work and how student actions affect future career opportunities.  Additionally, current high school graduation requirements adopted by the State Board of Education (SBE) require students to take a minimum of one credit of occupational education.

Summary:  The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) must establish standards for career and technical education programs that should include specified components.  Additionally, OSPI may provide technical assistance to school districts regarding career guidance and may work with stakeholders to provide for the coordination of leadership activities with the curriculum of technical education programs.  Finally, OSPI must review and approve school districts' plans for the delivery of career and technical education.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate3712

House     97 0 (House amended)

Senate    37 12 (Senate concurred)

Effective:  July 22, 2001

Partial Veto Summary:  The intent section was removed as it required only those school districts currently offering career and technical education programs to continue to do so, whereas school districts not offering career and technical education programs were encouraged to offer such programs.  The requirement raised concerns regarding local school board decision-making authority.