Brief Description: Regarding the center for the improvement of student learning and the education ombudsman.

Sponsors: By House Committee on Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives Santos, Hasegawa, McCoy, P. Sullivan, McDermott, Upthegrove, Pettigrew and Morrell).

House Committee on Education
House Committee on Appropriations
Senate Committee on Early Learning, K-12 & Higher Education
Senate Committee on Ways & Means

Background:

Establishment of the Center for Improvement of Student Learning

In 1993, as part of education reform, the Legislature created the Center for Improvement of Student Learning (CISL) under the auspices of the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). The Legislature directed the CISL to serve as an education information clearinghouse. The Legislature also created a non-appropriated account to be used for any gifts, grants, or endowments for the CISL. In 1996, the Legislature expanded the CISL's role to include providing best practices research on programs and practices for improving reading instruction.

CISL's Funding History

When the CISL was created in 1993, the Legislature appropriated $400,000 from the State General Fund for the 1993-95 biennium to support its operations. An additional $500,000 was appropriated in the 1994 supplemental budget. For each of the 1995-97, 1997-99, and 1999-01 biennia, the CISL received a dedicated appropriation of $1.26 million. Each budget proviso stated that the funds were provided for technical assistance related to education reform through the OSPI, in consultation with the CISL.

In the 2001-03 biennial budget, the Legislature ceased providing dedicated funding for the CISL.

Summary:

The Center for Improvement of Student Learning

The CISL is reactivated within the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).

The CISL is directed to: (1) serve as an information clearinghouse, including maintaining a website; (2) provide best practices research; (3) help inform educators regarding school boards' powers; (4) provide training and consultation services; (5) identify strategies to improve success rates of students in certain ethnic and racial groups; and (6) establish a model procedure to notify parents when students have not attended class or missed a day of school. The CISL may contract with others to help provide these services. Beginning September 1, 2007, the OSPI must report to the Legislature biennially regarding the CISL.

The Education Ombudsman's Office

The Office of Education Ombudsman is created within the Office of the Governor. The ombudsman must be qualified in public education law and policy, dispute resolution, and community outreach. Before appointing an ombudsman, the Governor must share information about the appointment with a six-person legislative committee. If sufficient funds are provided, the ombudsman must delegate and certify regional ombudsmen.

The duties of the ombudsman include providing information to the public regarding the public education system; developing parent involvement materials; identifying obstacles to greater parent and community involvement in schools; identifying strategies for improving success for student groups with disproportionate academic achievement; and referring or facilitating the resolution of complaints. The ombudsman will consult with various organizations and group in the conduct of its work.

The ombudsman and regional education ombudsmen will not be liable for acts associated with the good faith performance of their ombudsman's duties. The ombudsman must keep all matters under investigation confidential, except as necessary to perform the ombudsman's duties.

Annually, beginning September 1, 2007, the ombudsman will advise and make recommendations to the Legislature, Governor, and State Board of Education regarding use of the ombudsman's services, methods for the ombudsman to increase community involvement in public education, and ways to improve educational opportunities for all students.

Votes on Final Passage:

House   57   41
Senate   28   15   (Senate amended)
House         (House refused to concur)
Senate         (Senate receded)
Senate   27   21   (Senate amended)
House   60   38   (House concurred)

Effective: June 7, 2006

Partial Veto Summary: The Governor vetoed the null and void clause because funding was appropriated in the Supplemental Budget for the act.