SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6369
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.
As Passed Senate, February 15, 2008
Title: An act relating to the Washington community learning center program.
Brief Description: Regarding the Washington community learning center program.
Sponsors: Senators Eide, McAuliffe, Keiser, Franklin and Rasmussen.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Early Learning & K-12 Education: 2/04/08, 2/06/08 [DP].
Passed Senate: 2/15/08, 49-0.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON EARLY LEARNING & K-12 EDUCATION
Majority Report: Do pass.Signed by Senators McAuliffe, Chair; Tom, Vice Chair; King, Ranking Minority Member; Brandland, Eide, Hobbs, Holmquist, Kauffman, McDermott, Oemig, Rasmussen, Weinstein and Zarelli.
Staff: Kimberly Cushing (786-7421)
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 of Bill: The program must support statewide after-school intermediary organizations in their efforts to provide professional development to support the Washington Community Learning Center Programs and after-school programs throughout the state.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This is a technical clean up to ensure that staff working in any after-school programs have access to professional development opportunities planned by intermediary organizations. Quality staff are very important to after-school programs, and need specific training to help and support academic success.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Janet Frieling, School's Out Washington.