BILL REQ. #: H-1990.1
State of Washington | 59th Legislature | 2005 Regular Session |
Read first time 02/25/2005. Referred to Committee on Education.
WHEREAS, Student achievement is improving at a much faster pace in
elementary schools than in secondary schools, and in international
comparisons of student achievement, American students do better at the
elementary level than in middle and high schools; and
WHEREAS, The achievement gap between students from Caucasian and
Asian heritages and students from other ethnic groups grows as students
progress through the public school system; and
WHEREAS, High schools and, to a lesser extent, middle schools are
afflicted with persistently high dropout rates; and
WHEREAS, There is broad recognition that the structure and design
of secondary schools are among the reasons for their achievement
declines and dropout rates; and
WHEREAS, There is a body of research and experience that suggests
more effective ways to design and structure secondary education; and
WHEREAS, The state has increased achievement pressure on high
schools and their students by strengthening high school graduation
requirements and demanding evidence that, before they are granted
diplomas, students have learned the essential academic learning
requirements in reading, writing, mathematics, science, social studies,
the arts, and health and fitness;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, By the House of Representatives of
the state of Washington, the Senate concurring, That a joint select
committee on secondary education be formed to examine the basic
structure of middle schools and high schools and to recommend, if
found, more effective organizational structures; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the joint select committee consist of
two members of each major caucus of the senate, appointed by the
president of the senate; and two members of each major caucus of the
house of representatives, appointed by the speaker of the house of
representatives; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the joint select committee examine the
rates of student academic improvement in middle and high schools, the
state and national literature and research on secondary school
redesign, the degree to which state high schools have organized or
reorganized to support student learning and improved academic
achievement, and the effect of the current delivery model on
achievement gaps and dropout rates; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the joint select committee examine
successful models for middle and high school organization, in
Washington, nationally, and internationally. Successful models include
those that successfully reduce dropout rates, have no or small
achievement gaps, accelerate achievement and improvement of state
academic standards, successfully teach mathematics and science, and
provide both challenging options for students who meet standards early
and more flexible options for students who are juniors and seniors; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the joint select committee consult
educational experts and stakeholders, directly or through such
subcommittees as the committee may form; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the joint select committee report its
findings and recommendations to the house of representatives and senate
committees responsible for education policy by January 15, 2006; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the joint select committee receive
staffing support from senate committee services and the house of
representatives office of program research; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That members of the joint select committee
receive per diem and travel as provided in RCW 44.04.120; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the joint select committee expire on
June 30, 2006.