FINAL BILL REPORT

2SSB 5676

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.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators McAuliffe, Rockefeller, Jarrett, Fairley, Hobbs, Schoesler and Shin; by request of Superintendent of Public Instruction).

Senate Committee on Early Learning & K-12 Education

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

House Committee on Education

House Committee on Ways & Means

Background: Current state funding formulas for public schools provide an enhancement for high school students enrolled in career and technical education (CTE) courses approved by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). Currently, the enhancement amounts to an average of about $865 per full-time equivalent (FTE) student. Legislation enacted in 2007 authorized the same enhancement, to the extent that funds are provided in the operating budget, for middle school CTE programs approved by the OSPI. Middle schools apply for these funds through a grant process administered by the OSPI.

To receive approval from the OSPI as a CTE course, the course must be taught by a teacher with an endorsement in CTE. There are pathways to state certification and endorsement as a CTE teacher that give credit for occupational experience in the particular specialty area of instruction.

Summary: The limitation is removed that a middle school offering career and technical education receives an enhanced funding allocation only within funds appropriated for this purpose. The CTE program must be in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) to qualify for the enhancement. Middle schools offering qualifying programs are to be funded at the same level as a high school offering a similar program.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate	34	14
House	69	29

Effective:	July 26, 2009
	September 1, 2009 (Section 2)