HB 2037 - DIGEST

(SEE ALSO PROPOSED 1ST SUB)

Declares an intent to support a pilot program that will help immigrant students in the state's transitional bilingual program continue to pursue a high school diploma beyond the twelfth grade by enrolling in an integrated program of academic and language skills development that is offered by a community college or technical college, in cooperation with the office of the superintendent of public instruction and local school districts.

Establishes the forward start pilot program. The purpose of the program is to provide, in an age-appropriate setting, an integrated program of academic and English language skills development for students who both are eligible for the state's transitional bilingual program and have met all state and district graduation requirements with the exception of the acquisition of a certificate of academic achievement. Instruction may be offered either in a community college or technical college, or in a school district facility through a community college or technical college.

Provides that phase one of the pilot shall occur during the 2005-06 and 2006-07 school years. During phase one, up to fifty students may be selected to participate in the pilot.

Provides that phase two of the pilot shall occur during the 2007-08 and 2008-09 school years. During phase two, up to two hundred fifty students may participate in the first year, and up to a maximum of four hundred students may participate in the second year of the pilot.

Requires the office of the superintendent of public instruction to track the progress of participants and, in collaboration with the state board for community and technical colleges, to evaluate the results of the pilot program. By October 31, 2009, the office shall provide a final report on the pilot program to the governor, the house of representatives and senate education and fiscal committees, and other interested parties. The report shall include an evaluation of student success and recommendations on whether the program should be continued, modified, or eliminated.

Creates the joint select committee on immigrant education.

Authorizes the joint select committee to form one or more advisory committees that may include, but need not be limited to, representation from the Washington state commissions on African-American affairs, Asian Pacific American affairs, and Hispanic affairs.

Requires the joint select committee to report its findings and recommendations, by December 15, 2005, to the governor, the house of representatives and senate fiscal and education committees, the superintendent of public instruction, the state board of education, the professional educator standards board, and the higher education coordinating board.