| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Education Committee | |
E2SSB 5843
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 educational data and data systems.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Oemig, Tom, Rockefeller, Zarelli and Keiser).
Brief Summary of Engrossed Second Substitute Bill |
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Hearing Date: 3/20/07
Staff: Andrew Colvin (786-7304).
Background:
In 2002, the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) began developing the Core
Student Record System (CSRS) which assigns each student a unique student identification
number and collects demographic and other information to comply with the federal No Child
Left Behind Act (NCLB). The OSPI has continued to develop state data and reporting systems.
In the 2006 supplemented budget, the OSPI received a $2.9 million appropriation along with a
grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, to begin developing a statewide longitudinal
data system.
The long-term goal of this system is that reliable information will be regularly submitted and
available for analysis and use by school districts and others regarding student course-taking
patterns, student transcripts, teacher qualifications and assignments, and other information. The
OSPI has just completed a pilot phase of the new system with selected school districts and one
Educational Service District.
The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee (JLARC) issued a preliminary report in
January 2007 on K-12 data. The JLARC recommended improved collection of information
about teachers and student courses, including development of a statewide naming convention for
courses.
Summary of Bill:
By November 1, 2008, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) is directed to
conduct a feasibility study on establishing a longitudinal student-teacher data system. The stated
intent for this is to establish better linking of data on students, teachers, and student achievement
aimed at providing better information regarding effective programs and interventions. The
feasibility study will involve a piloting component in two school districts to assess the potential
data collection impacts on schools. The OSPI must consult a variety of research and education
organizations in conducting the study.
The OSPI is authorized to share data for educational purposes and studies under certain
circumstances. The circumstances include: educational studies authorized or mandated by the
Legislature; studies initiated by other state educational authorities and authorized by the OSPI;
studies initiated by other state agencies and authorized by the OSPI; and studies initiated by
private study groups authorized by the OSPI. The sharing must be consistent with the Federal
Family Educational Rights Privacy Act and other relevant state laws.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Preliminary fiscal note available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.