Brief Description: Providing for family and consumer science education.

Sponsors: Representatives Quall, Curtis, Anderson, Talcott, Eickmeyer, Kirby, Haigh, DeBolt, Dunshee, McDonald, Morrell, Buri, Miloscia, Rodne, Lovick, O'Brien, Shabro, P. Sullivan, Wood, Sells, Chase, Ormsby and Kilmer.

Hearing Date: 1/27/05

Staff: Sydney Forrester (786-7120).

Background:

In determining its educational programs and adopting curricula, a school district must ensure its course offerings include content meeting or exceeding: (1) the state's basic education goals; (2) the high school graduation requirements established by the State Board of Education (SBE); and (3) the minimum college entrance requirements established by the state's four-year institutions of higher education. Districts also must offer a program for high school students who plan to pursue career or work opportunities other than entering a four-year college after graduation.

Rules adopted by the SBE require school districts to offer high school students the opportunity to take at least one course in the Home and Family Life domain. The family and consumer science frameworks developed by the SPI include instruction and study in the areas of family and its impact on individuals and society; interpersonal relationships; parenting roles and responsibilities; and the integration of multiple life roles and responsibilities in family, work, and community settings. Home and Family Life courses are intended generally to prepare students for family life, work life, and careers, and include topics about interpersonal relationships and parenting.

Summary of Bill:

The Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) must develop a model curriculum for family preservation education. The model curriculum must be posted on the SPI website and must include instruction on developing conflict management skills, communication skills, financial responsibility, and parenting responsibility.

School district boards of directors must adopt a family preservation education curriculum and may develop their own curriculum with input from the community or may adopt the model developed by the SPI. School districts also must offer a one credit family preservation high school course.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 20, 2005.

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