SENATE BILL REPORT
SHB 2852
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 of February 26, 2010
Title: An act relating to college-level online learning by high school students.
Brief Description: Concerning college-level online learning by high school students.
Sponsors: House Committee on Education (originally sponsored by Representatives Parker, Wallace and Schmick).
Brief History: Passed House: 2/12/10, 97-0.
Committee Activity: Early Learning & K-12 Education: 2/24/10 [DP-WM].
Ways & Means:
SENATE COMMITTEE ON EARLY LEARNING & K-12 EDUCATION |
Majority Report: Do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.
Signed by Senators McAuliffe, Chair; Kauffman, Vice Chair, Early Learning; Oemig, Vice Chair, K-12; King, Ranking Minority Member; Brandland, Gordon, Hobbs, Holmquist, McDermott, Roach and Tom.
Staff: Alicia Kinne (786-7784)
SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS |
Staff: Elise Greef (786-7708)
Background: Legislation enacted in 2009 established new state regulation of online learning in K-12 schools. The 2009 legislation requires that, beginning with the 2011-12 school year, school districts can only claim basic education funding for students enrolled in online courses or programs if the provider is one of the following:
an approved multi-district online provider, as defined;
a school district providing the courses only to its own students or to students from multiple districts where fewer than 10 percent are from outside the district; or
a program offered by multiple districts or an educational service district through an inter-district agreement.
Under these provisions, a school district could not use or claim basic education funding for a student enrolled in a public or private college online course. These entities do not fall within the list of allowable providers for this purpose unless they are approved as a multi-district online provider. Laws that provide for funding of students enrolled in college courses through Running Start, which may be offered online, are separate and not affected by these provisions.
Summary of Bill: The following entities are excluded from the definition of a multi-district online provider, but only if the online course or program they provide generates both high school and college credits:
in-state public institutions of higher education; and
in-state private institutions of higher education that are accredited by an accrediting association recognized by the Higher Education Coordinating Board.
Beginning in 2011-12, school districts are authorized to claim basic education funding for students enrolled in high school and college credit-bearing courses offered by one of these types of higher education institutions.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony (Early Learning & K-12 Education): PRO: The bill helps provide flexibility and offer a wider range of courses available to students. This will be particularly helpful in rural areas, as well.
Persons Testifying (Early Learning & K-12 Education): PRO: Representative Parker, prime sponsor.