Brief Description: Regarding the Washington community learning center program.

Sponsors: Senators Eide, McAuliffe, Keiser, Franklin and Rasmussen.

Senate Committee on Early Learning & K-12 Education
House Committee on Education

Background: The federal 21st-Century Community Learning Centers program supports the creation of community learning centers that provide academic enrichment opportunities for children, particularly students who attend high-poverty and low-performing schools. The program helps students meet state and local student standards in core academic subjects, such as reading and math; offers students a broad array of enrichment activities that can complement their regular academic programs; and offers literacy and other educational services to the families of participating children. Formula grants are awarded to state educational agencies, such as the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), which in turn manage statewide competitions and award grants to eligible entries.

In 2007 the Washington State Legislature established the Washington Community Learning Center Program, to provide students with tutoring and educational enrichment when school is not in session. Three million is provided in the 2007-09 biennium budget for program grants based on the 21st-Century Community Learning Centers model. OSPI must give priority to grant requests that focus on improving reading and mathematics proficiency for students who attend schools that have been identified as in need of improvement based on the federal No Child Left Behind Act and include a proposal related to providing free transportation for those students in need that are involved in the program. The after-school grant funds may be used to carry out a broad array of out-of-school activities that support and enhance academic achievement.

Summary: The current purpose of the Washington Community Learning Center Program is expanded to support after-school intermediary organizations in their efforts to provide professional development to community learning centers.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate      49   0
House      96   0

Effective: June 12, 2008