Brief Description: Studying the expansion of high school skills centers.

Sponsors: Representatives Ormsby, Cox, Haigh, Kagi, Priest, McCoy, Fromhold, Condotta, Chase, Upthegrove, Schual-Berke, Kenney and Morrell.

Hearing Date: 2/2/04

Staff: Sydney Forrester (786-7120).

Background:

High school skills centers are an integral part of the K-12 system and are operated as an extension of high schools within a local region. Skills centers are governed by an administrative council comprised of the superintendents of the participating districts. They provide high school students with job preparation skills, including academic and work skills.

Skills centers are attended by both high academic achievers and students with special needs. Competency-based individualized instruction in applied academics and technology training is used to assist students in reaching a higher level of occupational skills, including basic skills, critical thinking skills, leadership skills, and work skills.

Ten skills centers currently are operating in Washington and 85 school districts across the state are members of a skills center consortium.

Summary of Bill:

The Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) is directed to report to the Legislature by December 1, 2004 regarding: 1) the success of skills centers in preparing high school students for future jobs, including how the centers are utilized, the programs offered, and the placement of students; and 2) the operating and capital funding challenges facing skills centers. The SPI' report also must include recommendations for: 1) strengthening ties between school districts, skills center consortia, apprenticeship programs, and community and vocational colleges; and 2) funding, including whether skills center funding should be similar to funding for the Running Start program.

In developing the report, the SPI is directed to consult with high school skills center consortia, the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges, the Work Force Training and Education Coordinating Board, the State Apprenticeship and Training Council, the Center for Career Alternatives, the Washington Association for Career and Technical Education, and the State Work Force Development Council.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on February 2, 2004.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.