Title: An act relating to quality public schools.

Brief Description: Implementing the Washington state quality award program and/or the Baldridge national quality program as the public school accountability system.

Sponsors: Senators Kastama, McAuliffe, Franklin, Rasmussen and Oemig.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Early Learning & K-12 Education: 1/31/08.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EARLY LEARNING & K-12 EDUCATION

Staff: Susan Mielke (786-7422)

Background: In 2006 the Legislature directed the State Board of Education (SBE) to implement a standards-based accountability system to improve student academic achievement. The accountability system must include:
   1)   criteria to identify schools and school districts that are successful;
   2)   criteria to identify schools and school districts in need of assistance;
   3)   identification of schools and school districts in which state intervention measures will be needed;
   4)   a range of appropriate intervention strategies. (However, no intervention can take place until the Legislature authorizes the intervention strategies.); and
   5)   identification of performance incentive systems that have improved or have the potential to improve student achievement.

Summary of Bill: The SBE must implement the Washington State Quality Award Program and/or the Baldrige National Quality Program as the state accountability system for public schools and school districts. The SBE must also take appropriate actions to ensure that the accountability system addresses all of the components in the original direction from the Legislature.

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.