| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Education Committee | |
HB 2458
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
Brief Description: Regarding the basic education funding allocation for certificated instructional staff.
Sponsors: Representatives Sullivan, Fromhold, McIntire, Lantz, Conway, Appleton, Green, Haler, Quall, Priest, Sells, VanDeWege, Upthegrove, Haigh, Hunt, Barlow, Simpson, Williams, McCoy, Rolfes, Morrell, Ormsby, Armstrong, Jarrett, Moeller, Wallace, Seaquist, Linville, Pedersen, Blake, Hasegawa, Hurst, Goodman, Kenney, Santos, Kessler, Nelson, Chase, Liias and Darneille.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/31/08
Staff: Barbara McLain (786-7383).
Background:
By statute, the formula for distributing Basic Education funds to school districts is to be based on
a staffing ratio of 49 Certificated Instructional Staff (CIS) per 1,000 average annual full-time
equivalent (FTE) students in grades K through three and 46 CIS per 1,000 FTE students in
grades four through 12. This is equal to one CIS for every 20.4 students in grades K through
three, and one CIS for every 21.7 students in grades four through 12.
The formula in the operating budget for the General Apportionment Program provides an
enhanced staffing ratio for grades K through four of 53.2 CIS per 1,000 FTE students, or one
CIS for every 18.8 students. The enhancement is not considered part of Basic Education, and
school districts must document actual staffing ratios at least equal to the allocation in order to
receive the funds. If a district documents certain minimum staffing ratios for CIS, a portion of
the enhanced funding can be used to employ additional classified instructional assistants, and in
some cases to reduce class size through grade six.
The term CIS includes teachers, counselors, librarians, nurses, school psychologists, and other
individuals who must be certified by the state to provide instruction and instructional support
services in public schools. The funding formulas are for allocation purposes only, and there is
no direction to school districts about prioritizing among the various staff. As a result, the
staffing ratios do not provide an accurate indicator of class size.
Many researchers who study the impact of class size on student achievement rely on the
Tennessee STAR study because of the unusual rigor of its research design. This study indicated
that students in grades K through three who were in classes of 14 to 17 students achieved at a
significantly higher level than those in larger classes.
Summary of Bill:
The statutory formula for distributing Basic Education funds to school districts includes an
enhanced CIS staffing ratio for grades K through three, in addition to the 49 CIS per 1,000 FTE
students in the base allocation, to be phased in as follows:
School districts must document actual staffing ratios at least equal to the allocations in order to receive the enhanced funds and may use enhanced funds to provide facility improvements or additions related to class size reduction in grades K through three.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 22, 2008.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.