Brief Description: Creating the Washington community learning center program.

Sponsors: Representatives McDermott, Hasegawa and Santos.

Hearing Date: 2/24/05

Staff: Susan Morrissey (786-7111).

Background:

During 2004, the Washington Afterschool Network and School's Out Washington drafted a plan intended to help students succeed in school and life through increased and improved afterschool programs. The two organizations were assisted by staff from the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) and the Division of Childcare and Early Learning in the Department of Social and Health Services.

The two organizations sought advice from a variety of different groups involved in afterschool programs through surveys and 23 focus groups that were held in communities throughout the state. Four focus groups sought advice from over 100 middle and high school students.

The plan created through this process recommends that the legislature appropriate an additional $5,000,000 during the next biennium for afterschool programs. The funds would create fifty additional afterschool programs serving 9000 students. It would also provide training and professional development for afterschool program staff, support afterschool intermediary organizations, and increase public awareness of the benefits of afterschool programs.

Summary of Bill:

The Washington Community Learning Center program is established. The program will be administered by the OSPI. The program has four purposes, one of which is the support or expansion of community learning centers that provide students with afterschool tutoring and educational enrichment. Other purposes include training and professional development for community learning center staff, support for statewide afterschool intermediary organizations, and increasing public awareness of the availability and benefits of afterschool programs.

To the extent that funding is available, OSPI may provide grants to organizations that meet the eligibility criteria of the federal 21st Century Community Learning Centers program. A priority will be given to grant requests that focus on improving the reading and mathematics skills of students in Title I schools that have been identified as being in need of improvement. A priority may be given to requests that are submitted jointly by school districts with non-school partners. The grants may be used to carry out a broad array of activities that support and enhance academic achievement. A list of activities is included.

The sum of $5,000,000, divided equally between both years of the biennium, is appropriated to OSPI to support the program.

Appropriation: $5,000,000 for the program for the 2005-07 biennium.
.

Fiscal Note: Requested on February 14, 2005.

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