BILL REQ. #:  H-2309.1 

READ FIRST TIME 03/05/03.   

     AN ACT Relating to a special services pilot program; adding a new section to chapter 28A.630 RCW; creating a new section; providing an expiration date; and declaring an emergency.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   Research has shown that early, intensive assistance can significantly improve reading and language skills for children who are struggling academically. This early research-based assistance has been successful in reducing the number of children who require specialized programs. However, by being effective in reducing the number of students eligible for these programs, school district funding is reduced.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 28A.630 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) The special services pilot program is created. The purpose of the program is to encourage participating school districts to provide early intensive reading and language assistance to students who are struggling academically. The goal of such assistance is to effectively address reading and language difficulties resulting in a substantially greater proportion of students meeting the progressively increasing performance standards for both the aggregate and disaggregated subgroups under federal law.
     (2) A maximum of two school districts may participate. Interested districts shall apply no later than May 15, 2003, to the superintendent of public instruction to participate in the pilot program established by this section. The superintendent shall make a decision no later than June 15, 2003, regarding which two school districts may participate in the program.
     (3) The pilot program is intended to be six years, to begin in the 2003-04 school year and conclude in the 2008-09 school year, unless the program is extended by the legislature.
     (4) School districts participating in the pilot program shall receive state special education funding in accordance with state special education funding formulas and a separate pilot program appropriation from sources other than special education funds equal to the district's special education funding for its average percentage enrollment in the 2001-02 and 2002-03 school years minus the district's annual actual funding for special education.
     (5) It is not the intent of this act to increase or decrease a district's ability to access the safety net for high cost students by virtue of the district's participation in this pilot program. Districts participating in this pilot program shall have access to the special education safety net using a modified application approach for the office of the superintendent of public instruction Worksheet A -demonstration of financial need. The superintendent shall create a modified application to include all special education revenues received by the district, all pilot program funding, and include expenditures for students with individual education plans and expenditures for students generating pilot program revenue. Districts participating in this pilot project that seek safety net funding shall convincingly demonstrate to the committee that any change in demonstrated need on the Worksheet A is not attributable to their participation in this pilot project.
     (6) School districts participating in the program must agree to:
     (a) Implement a tiered set of research-based instructional interventions addressing individual student needs that address reading and language deficits;
     (b) Use multiple diagnostic instruments to identify the literacy needs of each student;
     (c) Assure parents are informed of diagnosed student needs, and have input into designed interventions;
     (d) Actively engage parents as partners in the learning process;
     (e) Comply with state special education requirements; and
     (f) Participate in an evaluation of the program as determined by the superintendent of public instruction. This may include contributing funds and staff expertise for the design and implementation of the evaluation. Districts shall annually review and report progress to the office of the superintendent of public instruction.
     (7) By December 15, 2007, the superintendent of public instruction shall submit a report to the governor and legislature that summarizes the effectiveness of the pilot program. The report shall also include a recommendation as to whether or not the pilot program should be continued, expanded, or otherwise modified.
     (8) This section expires June 30, 2010.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately.