Passed by the House April 20, 2009 Yeas 67   ________________________________________ Speaker of the House of Representatives Passed by the Senate April 16, 2009 Yeas 26   ________________________________________ President of the Senate | I, Barbara Baker, Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives of the State of Washington, do hereby certify that the attached is ENGROSSED SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL 2261 as passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate on the dates hereon set forth. ________________________________________ Chief Clerk | |
Approved ________________________________________ Governor of the State of Washington | Secretary of State State of Washington |
State of Washington | 61st Legislature | 2009 Regular Session |
READ FIRST TIME 03/03/09.
AN ACT Relating to education; amending RCW 28A.150.200, 28A.150.210, 28A.150.220, 28A.150.250, 28A.150.260, 28A.150.315, 28A.150.390, 28A.150.380, 28A.230.090, 43.41.400, 28A.195.010, 28A.160.150, 28A.160.160, 28A.160.170, 28A.160.180, 28A.160.190, 28A.415.360, 28A.305.130, 28A.165.005, 28A.165.015, 28A.165.055, 28A.180.010, 28A.180.080, 28A.225.200, 28A.185.010, and 28A.185.020; adding new sections to chapter 28A.150 RCW; adding new sections to chapter 28A.300 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 28A.655 RCW; adding new sections to chapter 43.41 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 28A.500 RCW; adding new sections to chapter 28A.160 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 28A.410 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 28A.305 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 28A.185 RCW; adding a new chapter to Title 28A RCW; creating new sections; repealing RCW 28A.150.030, 28A.150.060, 28A.150.100, 28A.150.040, 28A.150.370, and 28A.155.180; providing effective dates; and declaring an emergency.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1 (1) Public education in Washington state has
evolved since the enactment of the Washington basic education act of
1977. Decisions by the courts have played a part in this evolution, as
have studies and research about education practices and education
funding. The legislature finds ample evidence of a need for continuing
to refine the program of basic education that is funded by the state
and delivered by school districts.
(2) The legislature reaffirms the work of Washington Learns and
other educational task forces that have been convened over the past
four years and their recommendations to make bold reforms to the entire
educational system in order to educate all students to a higher level;
to focus on the individualized instructional needs of students; to
strive towards closing the achievement gap and reducing dropout rates;
and to prepare students for a constantly evolving workforce and
increasingly demanding global economy. In enacting this legislation,
the legislature intends to continue to review, evaluate, and revise the
definition and funding of basic education in order to continue to
fulfill the state obligation under Article IX of the state
Constitution. The legislature also intends to continue to strengthen
and modify the structure of the entire K-12 educational system,
including nonbasic education programmatic elements, in order to build
the capacity to anticipate and support potential future enhancements to
basic education as the educational needs of our citizens continue to
evolve.
(3) The legislature recognizes that the first step in revising the
definition and funding of basic education is to create a transparent
funding system for both allocations and expenditures so that not only
policymakers and educators understand how the state supports basic
education but also taxpayers. An adequate data system that enables the
legislature to make rational, data-driven decisions on which
educational programs impact student learning in order to more
effectively and efficiently deliver the resources necessary to provide
an ample program of basic education is also a necessity. A new
prototypical funding system will allow the legislature to better
understand how current resources are being used. A more complete and
accurate educational data system will allow the legislature to
understand whether current basic education programs are supporting
student learning. Only with both of these systems in place can the
legislature make informed decisions on how to best implement a dynamic
and evolving system of basic education.
(4) For practical and educational reasons, major changes of the
program of basic education and the funding formulas to support it
cannot occur instantaneously. The legislature intends to build upon
the previous efforts of the legislature and the basic education task
force in order to develop a realistic implementation strategy for a new
instructional program after technical experts develop the details of
the prototypical schools funding formulas and the data and reporting
system that will support a new instructional program. The legislature
also intends to establish a formal structure for monitoring the
implementation by the legislature of an evolving program of basic
education and the financing necessary to support such a program. The
legislature intends that the redefined program of basic education and
funding for the program be fully implemented by 2018.
(5) It is the further intent of the legislature to also address
additional issues that are of importance to the legislature but are not
part of basic education.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 2 It is the intent of the legislature that
specified policies and allocation formulas adopted under this act will
constitute the legislature's definition of basic education under
Article IX of the state Constitution once fully implemented. The
legislature intends, however, to continue to review and revise the
formulas and schedules and may make additional revisions, including
revisions for technical purposes and consistency in the event of
mathematical or other technical errors.
Sec. 101 RCW 28A.150.200 and 1990 c 33 s 104 are each amended to
read as follows:
((This 1977 amendatory act shall be known and may be cited as "The
Washington Basic Education Act of 1977." The program evolving from the
Basic Education Act shall include (1) the goal of the school system as
defined in RCW 28A.150.210, (2) those program requirements enumerated
in RCW 28A.150.220, and (3) the determination and distribution of state
resources as defined in RCW 28A.150.250 and 28A.150.260.)) (1) The program
of basic education established under this chapter is deemed by the
legislature to comply with the requirements of Article IX, section 1 of
the state Constitution, which states that "It is the paramount duty of
the state to make ample provision for the education of all children
residing within its borders, without distinction or preference on
account of race, color, caste, or sex," and ((
The requirements of the Basic Education Act areare)) is adopted pursuant
to Article IX, section 2 of the state Constitution, which states that
"The legislature shall provide for a general and uniform system of
public schools."
(2) The legislature defines the program of basic education under
this chapter as that which is necessary to provide the opportunity to
develop the knowledge and skills necessary to meet the state-established high school graduation requirements that are intended to
allow students to have the opportunity to graduate with a meaningful
diploma that prepares them for postsecondary education, gainful
employment, and citizenship. Basic education by necessity is an
evolving program of instruction intended to reflect the changing
educational opportunities that are needed to equip students for their
role as productive citizens and includes the following:
(a) The instructional program of basic education the minimum
components of which are described in RCW 28A.150.220;
(b) The program of education provided by chapter 28A.190 RCW for
students in residential schools as defined by RCW 28A.190.020 and for
juveniles in detention facilities as identified by RCW 28A.190.010;
(c) The program of education provided by chapter 28A.193 RCW for
individuals under the age of eighteen who are incarcerated in adult
correctional facilities; and
(d) Transportation and transportation services to and from school
for eligible students as provided under RCW 28A.160.150 through
28A.160.180.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 102 The definitions in this section apply
throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(1) "Basic education goal" means the student learning goals and the
student knowledge and skills described under RCW 28A.150.210.
(2) "Certificated administrative staff" means all those persons who
are chief executive officers, chief administrative officers,
confidential employees, supervisors, principals, or assistant
principals within the meaning of RCW 41.59.020(4).
(3) "Certificated employee" as used in this chapter and RCW
28A.195.010, 28A.405.100, 28A.405.210, 28A.405.240, 28A.405.250,
28A.405.300 through 28A.405.380, and chapter 41.59 RCW, means those
persons who hold certificates as authorized by rule of the Washington
professional educator standards board.
(4) "Certificated instructional staff" means those persons employed
by a school district who are nonsupervisory certificated employees
within the meaning of RCW 41.59.020(8).
(5) "Class size" means an instructional grouping of students where,
on average, the ratio of students to teacher is the number specified.
(6) "Classified employee" means a person who does not hold a
professional education certificate or is employed in a position that
does not require such a certificate.
(7) "Classroom teacher" means a person who holds a professional
education certificate and is employed in a position for which such
certificate is required whose primary duty is the daily educational
instruction of students. In exceptional cases, people of unusual
competence but without certification may teach students so long as a
certificated person exercises general supervision, but the hiring of
such classified employees shall not occur during a labor dispute, and
such classified employees shall not be hired to replace certificated
employees during a labor dispute.
(8) "Instructional program of basic education" means the minimum
program required to be provided by school districts and includes
instructional hour requirements and other components under RCW
28A.150.220.
(9) "Program of basic education" means the overall program under
RCW 28A.150.200 and deemed by the legislature to comply with the
requirements of Article IX, section 1 of the state Constitution.
(10) "School day" means each day of the school year on which pupils
enrolled in the common schools of a school district are engaged in
academic and career and technical instruction planned by and under the
direction of the school.
(11) "School year" includes the minimum number of school days
required under RCW 28A.150.220 and begins on the first day of September
and ends with the last day of August, except that any school district
may elect to commence the annual school term in the month of August of
any calendar year and in such case the operation of a school district
for such period in August shall be credited by the superintendent of
public instruction to the succeeding school year for the purpose of the
allocation and distribution of state funds for the support of such
school district.
(12) "Teacher planning period" means a period of a school day as
determined by the administration and board of the directors of the
district that may be used by teachers for instruction-related
activities including but not limited to preparing instructional
materials; reviewing student performance; recording student data;
consulting with other teachers, instructional assistants, mentors,
instructional coaches, administrators, and parents; or participating in
professional development.
Sec. 103 RCW 28A.150.210 and 2007 c 400 s 1 are each amended to
read as follows:
((The goal of the basic education act for the schools of the state
of Washington set forth in this chapter shall be)) A basic education is
an evolving program of instruction that is intended to provide students
with the opportunity to become responsible and respectful global
citizens, to contribute to their economic well- being and that of their
families and communities, to explore and understand different
perspectives, and to enjoy productive and satisfying lives.
Additionally, the state of Washington intends to provide for a public
school system that is able to evolve and adapt in order to better focus
on strengthening the educational achievement of all students, which
includes high expectations for all students and gives all students the
opportunity to achieve personal and academic success. To these ends,
the goals of each school district, with the involvement of parents and
community members, shall be to provide opportunities for every student
to develop the knowledge and skills essential to:
(1) Read with comprehension, write effectively, and communicate
successfully in a variety of ways and settings and with a variety of
audiences;
(2) Know and apply the core concepts and principles of mathematics;
social, physical, and life sciences; civics and history, including
different cultures and participation in representative government;
geography; arts; and health and fitness;
(3) Think analytically, logically, and creatively, and to integrate
different experiences and knowledge to form reasoned judgments and
solve problems; and
(4) Understand the importance of work and finance and how
performance, effort, and decisions directly affect future career and
educational opportunities.
Sec. 104 RCW 28A.150.220 and 1993 c 371 s 2 are each amended to
read as follows:
(1) ((Satisfaction of the basic education program requirements
identified in RCW 28A.150.210 shall be considered to be implemented by
the following program:)) In order for students to have the opportunity to develop the
basic education knowledge and skills under RCW 28A.150.210, school
districts must provide instruction of sufficient quantity and quality
and give students the opportunity to complete graduation requirements
that are intended to prepare them for postsecondary education, gainful
employment, and citizenship. The program established under this
section shall be the minimum instructional program of basic education
offered by school districts.
(a) Each school district shall make available to students enrolled
in kindergarten at least a total instructional offering of four hundred
fifty hours. The program shall include instruction in the essential
academic learning requirements under RCW 28A.630.885 and such other
subjects and such activities as the school district shall determine to
be appropriate for the education of the school district's students
enrolled in such program;
(b)
(2) Each school district shall make available to students the
following minimum instructional offering each school year:
(a) For students enrolled in grades one through twelve, at least a
district-wide annual average ((total instructional hour offering)) of
one thousand hours((. The state board of education may define
alternatives to classroom instructional time for students in grades
nine through twelve enrolled in alternative learning experiences. The
state board of education shall establish rules to determine annual
average instructional hours for districts including fewer than twelve
grades. The program shall include the essential academic learning
requirements under RCW 28A.630.885 and such other subjects and such
activities as the school district shall determine to be appropriate for
the education of the school district's students enrolled in such
group)), which shall be increased to at least one thousand eighty
instructional hours for students enrolled in each of grades seven
through twelve and at least one thousand instructional hours for
students in each of grades one through six according to an
implementation schedule adopted by the legislature; and
(b) For students enrolled in kindergarten, at least four hundred
fifty instructional hours, which shall be increased to at least one
thousand instructional hours according to the implementation schedule
under RCW 28A.150.315.
(3) The instructional program of basic education provided by each
school district shall include:
(a) Instruction in the essential academic learning requirements
under RCW 28A.655.070;
(b) Instruction that provides students the opportunity to complete
twenty-four credits for high school graduation, subject to a phased-in
implementation of the twenty-four credits as established by the
legislature. Course distribution requirements may be established by
the state board of education under RCW 28A.230.090;
(c) If the essential academic learning requirements include a
requirement of languages other than English, the requirement may be met
by students receiving instruction in one or more American Indian
languages;
(d) Supplemental instruction and services for underachieving
students through the learning assistance program under RCW 28A.165.005
through 28A.165.065;
(e) Supplemental instruction and services for eligible and enrolled
students whose primary language is other than English through the
transitional bilingual instruction program under RCW 28A.180.010
through 28A.180.080;
(f) The opportunity for an appropriate education at public expense
as defined by RCW 28A.155.020 for all eligible students with
disabilities as defined in RCW 28A.155.020; and
(g) Programs for highly capable students under RCW 28A.185.010
through 28A.185.030.
(((2))) (4) Nothing contained in ((subsection (1) of)) this section
shall be construed to require individual students to attend school for
any particular number of hours per day or to take any particular
courses.
(((3))) (5) Each school district's kindergarten through twelfth
grade basic educational program shall be accessible to all students who
are five years of age, as provided by RCW 28A.225.160, and less than
twenty-one years of age and shall consist of a minimum of one hundred
eighty school days per school year in such grades as are conducted by
a school district, and one hundred eighty half-days of instruction, or
equivalent, in kindergarten((: PROVIDED, That)), to be increased to a
minimum of one hundred eighty school days per school year according to
the implementation schedule under RCW 28A.150.315. However, effective
May 1, 1979, a school district may schedule the last five school days
of the one hundred and eighty day school year for noninstructional
purposes in the case of students who are graduating from high school,
including, but not limited to, the observance of graduation and early
release from school upon the request of a student, and all such
students may be claimed as a full-time equivalent student to the extent
they could otherwise have been so claimed for the purposes of RCW
28A.150.250 and 28A.150.260.
(((4))) (6) Nothing in this section precludes a school district
from enriching the instructional program of basic education, such as
offering additional instruction or providing additional services,
programs, or activities that the school district determines to be
appropriate for the education of the school district's students.
(7) The state board of education shall adopt rules to implement and
ensure compliance with the program requirements imposed by this
section, RCW 28A.150.250 and 28A.150.260, and such related supplemental
program approval requirements as the state board may establish.
Sec. 105 RCW 28A.150.250 and 1990 c 33 s 107 are each amended to
read as follows:
(1) From those funds made available by the legislature for the
current use of the common schools, the superintendent of public
instruction shall distribute annually as provided in RCW 28A.510.250 to
each school district of the state operating a basic education
instructional program approved by the state board of education an
amount based on the formulas provided in RCW 28A.150.260, 28A.150.390,
and section 109 of this act which, when combined with an appropriate
portion of such locally available revenues, other than receipts from
federal forest revenues distributed to school districts pursuant to RCW
28A.520.010 and 28A.520.020, as the superintendent of public
instruction may deem appropriate for consideration in computing state
equalization support, excluding excess property tax levies, will
constitute a basic education allocation in dollars for each annual
average full-time equivalent student enrolled((, based upon one full
school year of one hundred eighty days, except that for kindergartens
one full school year shall be one hundred eighty half days of
instruction, or the equivalent as provided in RCW 28A.150.220)).
(2) The instructional program of basic education shall be
considered to be fully funded by those amounts of dollars appropriated
by the legislature pursuant to RCW ((28A.150.250 and)) 28A.150.260,
28A.150.390, and section 109 of this act to fund those program
requirements identified in RCW 28A.150.220 in accordance with the
formula ((and ratios)) provided in RCW 28A.150.260 and those amounts of
dollars appropriated by the legislature to fund the salary requirements
of RCW ((28A.150.100 and)) 28A.150.410.
((Operation of a program approved by the state board of education,
for the purposes of this section, shall include a finding that the
ratio of students per classroom teacher in grades kindergarten through
three is not greater than the ratio of students per classroom teacher
in grades four and above for such district: PROVIDED, That for the
purposes of this section, "classroom teacher" shall be defined as an
instructional employee possessing at least a provisional certificate,
but not necessarily employed as a certificated employee, whose primary
duty is the daily educational instruction of students: PROVIDED
FURTHER, That the state board of education shall adopt rules and
regulations to insure compliance with the student/teacher ratio
provisions of this section, and such rules and regulations shall allow
for exemptions for those special programs and/or school districts which
may be deemed unable to practicably meet the student/teacher ratio
requirements of this section by virtue of a small number of students.))
(3) If a school district's basic education program fails to meet
the basic education requirements enumerated in RCW ((28A.150.250,))
28A.150.260((,)) and 28A.150.220, the state board of education shall
require the superintendent of public instruction to withhold state
funds in whole or in part for the basic education allocation until
program compliance is assured((: PROVIDED, That)). However, the state
board of education may waive this requirement in the event of
substantial lack of classroom space.
Sec. 106 RCW 28A.150.260 and 2006 c 263 s 322 are each amended to
read as follows:
((The basic education allocation for each annual average full time
equivalent student shall be determined in accordance with the following
procedures)) The purpose of this section is to provide for the
allocation of state funding that the legislature deems necessary to
support school districts in offering the minimum instructional program
of basic education under RCW 28A.150.220. The allocation shall be
determined as follows:
(1) The governor shall and the superintendent of public instruction
may recommend to the legislature a formula ((based on a ratio of
students to staff)) for the distribution of a basic education
instructional allocation for each ((annual average full time equivalent
student enrolled in a)) common school district. ((The distribution
formula shall have the primary objective of equalizing educational
opportunities and shall provide appropriate recognition of the
following costs among the various districts within the state:))
(a) Certificated instructional staff and their related costs;
(b) Certificated administrative staff and their related costs;
(c) Classified staff and their related costs;
(d) Nonsalary costs;
(e) Extraordinary costs, including school facilities, of remote and
necessary schools as judged by the superintendent of public
instruction, with recommendations from the school facilities citizen
advisory panel under RCW 28A.525.025, and small high schools, including
costs of additional certificated and classified staff; and
(f) The attendance of students pursuant to RCW 28A.335.160 and
28A.225.250 who do not reside within the servicing school district.
(2)(((a))) The distribution formula under this section shall be for
allocation purposes only. Except as may be required under chapter
28A.165, 28A.180, or 28A.155 RCW, or federal laws and regulations,
nothing in this section requires school districts to use basic
education instructional funds to implement a particular instructional
approach or service. Nothing in this section requires school districts
to maintain a particular classroom teacher-to-student ratio or other
staff-to-student ratio or to use allocated funds to pay for particular
types or classifications of staff. Nothing in this section entitles an
individual teacher to a particular teacher planning period.
(3)(a) To the extent the technical details of the formula have been
adopted by the legislature, the distribution formula for the basic
education instructional allocation shall be based on minimum staffing
and nonstaff costs the legislature deems necessary to support
instruction and operations in prototypical schools serving high,
middle, and elementary school students as provided in this section.
The use of prototypical schools for the distribution formula does not
constitute legislative intent that schools should be operated or
structured in a similar fashion as the prototypes. Prototypical
schools illustrate the level of resources needed to operate a school of
a particular size with particular types and grade levels of students
using commonly understood terms and inputs, such as class size, hours
of instruction, and various categories of school staff. It is the
intent that the funding allocations to school districts be adjusted
from the school prototypes based on the actual number of annual average
full-time equivalent students in each grade level at each school in the
district and not based on the grade-level configuration of the school
to the extent that data is available. The allocations shall be further
adjusted from the school prototypes with minimum allocations for small
schools and to reflect other factors identified in the omnibus
appropriations act.
(b) For the purposes of this section, prototypical schools are
defined as follows:
(i) A prototypical high school has six hundred average annual full-time equivalent students in grades nine through twelve;
(ii) A prototypical middle school has four hundred thirty-two
average annual full-time equivalent students in grades seven and eight;
and
(iii) A prototypical elementary school has four hundred average
annual full-time equivalent students in grades kindergarten through
six.
(c) The minimum allocation for each level of prototypical school
shall be based on the number of full-time equivalent classroom teachers
needed to provide instruction over the minimum required annual
instructional hours under RCW 28A.150.220 and provide at least one
teacher planning period per school day, and based on an average class
size as specified in the omnibus appropriations act. The omnibus
appropriations act shall at a minimum specify:
(i) Basic average class size;
(ii) Basic average class size in schools where more than fifty
percent of the students are eligible for free and reduced-price meals;
(iii) Average class size for exploratory and preparatory career and
technical education, laboratory science, advanced placement, and
international baccalaureate courses; and
(iv) Average class size in grades kindergarten through three.
(d) The minimum allocation for each level of prototypical school
shall include allocations for the following types of staff in addition
to classroom teachers:
(i) Principals, including assistant principals, and other
certificated building-level administrators;
(ii) Teacher librarians, performing functions including information
literacy, technology, and media to support school library media
programs;
(iii) Student health services, a function that includes school
nurses, whether certificated instructional or classified employee, and
social workers;
(iv) Guidance counselors, performing functions including parent
outreach and graduation advisor;
(v) Professional development coaches;
(vi) Teaching assistance, which includes any aspect of educational
instructional services provided by classified employees;
(vii) Office support, technology support, and other
noninstructional aides;
(viii) Custodians, warehouse, maintenance, laborer, and
professional and technical education support employees; and
(ix) Classified staff providing student and staff safety.
(4)(a) The minimum allocation for each school district shall
include allocations per annual average full-time equivalent student for
the following materials, supplies, and operating costs: Student
technology; utilities; curriculum, textbooks, library materials, and
instructional supplies; instructional professional development for both
certificated and classified staff; other building-level costs including
maintenance, custodial, and security; and central office
administration.
(b) The annual average full-time equivalent student amounts in (a)
of this subsection shall be enhanced based on full-time equivalent
student enrollment in exploratory career and technical education
courses for students in grades seven through twelve; laboratory science
courses for students in grades nine through twelve; preparatory career
and technical education courses for students in grades nine through
twelve offered in a high school; and preparatory career and technical
education courses for students in grades eleven and twelve offered
through a skill center.
(5) The allocations provided under subsections (3) and (4) of this
section shall be enhanced as follows to provide additional allocations
for classroom teachers and maintenance, supplies, and operating costs:
(a) To provide supplemental instruction and services for
underachieving students through the learning assistance program under
RCW 28A.165.005 through 28A.165.065, allocations shall be based on the
percent of students in each school who are eligible for free and
reduced-price meals. The minimum allocation for the learning
assistance program shall provide an extended school day and extended
school year for each level of prototypical school and a per student
allocation for maintenance, supplies, and operating costs.
(b) To provide supplemental instruction and services for students
whose primary language is other than English, allocations shall be
based on the number of students in each school who are eligible for and
enrolled in the transitional bilingual instruction program under RCW
28A.180.010 through 28A.180.080. The minimum allocation for each level
of prototypical school shall provide for supplemental instruction based
on percent of the school day a student is assumed to receive
supplemental instruction and a per student allocation for maintenance,
supplies, and operating costs.
(6) The allocations provided under subsections (3) and (4) of this
section shall be enhanced to provide additional allocations to support
programs for highly capable students under RCW 28A.185.010 through
28A.185.030, based on two and three hundred fourteen one-thousandths
percent of each school district's full-time equivalent enrollment. The
minimum allocation for the programs shall provide an extended school
day and extended school year for each level of prototypical school and
a per student allocation for maintenance, supplies, and operating
costs.
(7) The allocations under subsections (3)(b), (c)(i), and (d), (4),
and (8) of this section shall be enhanced as provided under RCW
28A.150.390 on an excess cost basis to provide supplemental
instructional resources for students with disabilities.
(8) The distribution formula shall include allocations to school
districts to support certificated and classified staffing of central
office administration. The minimum allocation shall be calculated as
a percentage, identified in the omnibus appropriations act, of the
total allocations for staff under subsections (3) and (6) of this
section for all schools in the district.
(9)(a) For the purposes of allocations for prototypical high
schools and middle schools under subsections (3) and (5) of this
section that are based on the percent of students in the school who are
eligible for free and reduced-price meals, the actual percent of such
students in a school shall be adjusted by a factor identified in the
omnibus appropriations act to reflect underreporting of free and
reduced-price meal eligibility among middle and high school students.
(b) Allocations or enhancements provided under subsections (3) and
(4) of this section for exploratory and preparatory career and
technical education courses shall be provided only for courses approved
by the office of the superintendent of public instruction under chapter
28A.700 RCW.
(10)(a) This formula for distribution of basic education funds
shall be reviewed biennially by the superintendent and governor. The
recommended formula shall be subject to approval, amendment or
rejection by the legislature. ((The formula shall be for allocation
purposes only. While the legislature intends that the allocations for
additional instructional staff be used to increase the ratio of such
staff to students, nothing in this section shall require districts to
reduce the number of administrative staff below existing levels.)) (b) In the event the legislature rejects the distribution
formula recommended by the governor, without adopting a new
distribution formula, the distribution formula for the previous school
year shall remain in effect((
(b) The formula adopted by the legislature shall reflect the
following ratios at a minimum: (i) Forty-nine certificated
instructional staff to one thousand annual average full time equivalent
students enrolled in grades kindergarten through three; (ii) forty-six
certificated instructional staff to one thousand annual average full
time equivalent students in grades four through twelve; (iii) four
certificated administrative staff to one thousand annual average full
time equivalent students in grades kindergarten through twelve; and
(iv) sixteen and sixty-seven one-hundredths classified personnel to one
thousand annual average full time equivalent students enrolled in
grades kindergarten through twelve.
(c): PROVIDED, That the distribution formula
developed pursuant to this section shall be for state apportionment and
equalization purposes only and shall not be construed as mandating
specific operational functions of local school districts other than
those program requirements identified in RCW 28A.150.220 and
28A.150.100)).
(c) The enrollment of any district shall be the annual average
number of full-time equivalent students and part-time students as
provided in RCW 28A.150.350, enrolled on the first school day of each
month ((and shall exclude full time equivalent students with
disabilities recognized for the purposes of allocation of state funds
for programs under RCW 28A.155.010 through 28A.155.100)), including
students who are in attendance pursuant to RCW 28A.335.160 and
28A.225.250 who do not reside within the servicing school district.
The definition of full-time equivalent student shall be determined by
rules of the superintendent of public instruction((: PROVIDED, That
the definition)) and shall be included as part of the superintendent's
biennial budget request((: PROVIDED, FURTHER, That)). The definition
shall be based on the minimum instructional hour offerings required
under RCW 28A.150.220. Any revision of the present definition shall
not take effect until approved by the house ((appropriations)) ways and
means committee and the senate ways and means committee((: PROVIDED,
FURTHER, That)).
(d) The office of financial management shall make a monthly review
of the superintendent's reported full-time equivalent students in the
common schools in conjunction with RCW 43.62.050.
(((3)(a) Certificated instructional staff shall include those
persons employed by a school district who are nonsupervisory employees
within the meaning of RCW 41.59.020(8): PROVIDED, That in exceptional
cases, people of unusual competence but without certification may teach
students so long as a certificated person exercises general
supervision: PROVIDED, FURTHER, That the hiring of such classified
people shall not occur during a labor dispute and such classified
people shall not be hired to replace certificated employees during a
labor dispute.))
(b) Certificated administrative staff shall include all those
persons who are chief executive officers, chief administrative
officers, confidential employees, supervisors, principals, or assistant
principals within the meaning of RCW 41.59.020(4).
Sec. 107 RCW 28A.150.315 and 2007 c 400 s 2 are each amended to
read as follows:
(1) Beginning with the 2007-08 school year, funding for voluntary
all-day kindergarten programs shall be phased-in beginning with schools
with the highest poverty levels, defined as those schools with the
highest percentages of students qualifying for free and reduced-price
lunch support in the prior school year. Once a school receives funding
for the all-day kindergarten program, that school shall remain eligible
for funding in subsequent school years regardless of changes in the
school's percentage of students eligible for free and reduced-price
lunches as long as other program requirements are fulfilled.
Additionally, schools receiving all-day kindergarten program support
shall agree to the following conditions:
(a) Provide at least a one thousand-hour instructional program;
(b) Provide a curriculum that offers a rich, varied set of
experiences that assist students in:
(i) Developing initial skills in the academic areas of reading,
mathematics, and writing;
(ii) Developing a variety of communication skills;
(iii) Providing experiences in science, social studies, arts,
health and physical education, and a world language other than English;
(iv) Acquiring large and small motor skills;
(v) Acquiring social and emotional skills including successful
participation in learning activities as an individual and as part of a
group; and
(vi) Learning through hands-on experiences;
(c) Establish learning environments that are developmentally
appropriate and promote creativity;
(d) Demonstrate strong connections and communication with early
learning community providers; and
(e) Participate in kindergarten program readiness activities with
early learning providers and parents.
(2) Subject to funds appropriated for this purpose, the
superintendent of public instruction shall designate one or more school
districts to serve as resources and examples of best practices in
designing and operating a high-quality all-day kindergarten program.
Designated school districts shall serve as lighthouse programs and
provide technical assistance to other school districts in the initial
stages of implementing an all-day kindergarten program. Examples of
topics addressed by the technical assistance include strategic
planning, developing the instructional program and curriculum, working
with early learning providers to identify students and communicate with
parents, and developing kindergarten program readiness activities.
(((3) Any funds allocated to support all-day kindergarten programs
under this section shall not be considered as basic education
funding.))
Sec. 108 RCW 28A.150.390 and 1995 c 77 s 6 are each amended to
read as follows:
(1) The superintendent of public instruction shall submit to each
regular session of the legislature during an odd-numbered year a
programmed budget request for special education programs for students
with disabilities. Funding for programs operated by local school
districts shall be on an excess cost basis from appropriations provided
by the legislature for special education programs for students with
disabilities and shall take account of state funds accruing through RCW
((28A.150.250,)) 28A.150.260((,)) (3) (b), (c)(i), and (d), (4), and
(8) and federal medical assistance and private funds accruing under RCW
74.09.5249 through 74.09.5253 and 74.09.5254 through 74.09.5256((, and
other state and local funds, excluding special excess levies)).
(2) The excess cost allocation to school districts shall be based
on the following:
(a) A district's annual average headcount enrollment of students
ages birth through four and those five year olds not yet enrolled in
kindergarten who are eligible for and enrolled in special education,
multiplied by the district's base allocation per full-time equivalent
student, multiplied by 1.15; and
(b) A district's annual average full-time equivalent basic
education enrollment, multiplied by the district's funded enrollment
percent, multiplied by the district's base allocation per full-time
equivalent student, multiplied by 0.9309.
(3) As used in this section:
(a) "Base allocation" means the total state allocation to all
schools in the district generated by the distribution formula under RCW
28A.150.260 (3) (b), (c)(i), and (d), (4), and (8), to be divided by
the district's full-time equivalent enrollment.
(b) "Basic education enrollment" means enrollment of resident
students including nonresident students enrolled under RCW 28A.225.225
and students from nonhigh districts enrolled under RCW 28A.225.210 and
excluding students residing in another district enrolled as part of an
interdistrict cooperative program under RCW 28A.225.250.
(c) "Enrollment percent" means the district's resident special
education annual average enrollment, excluding students ages birth
through four and those five year olds not yet enrolled in kindergarten,
as a percent of the district's annual average full-time equivalent
basic education enrollment.
(d) "Funded enrollment percent" means the lesser of the district's
actual enrollment percent or twelve and seven-tenths percent.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 109 (1) To the extent necessary, funds shall
be made available for safety net awards for districts with demonstrated
needs for special education funding beyond the amounts provided through
the special education funding formula under RCW 28A.150.390. If the
federal safety net awards based on the federal eligibility threshold
exceed the federal appropriation in any fiscal year, then the
superintendent shall expend all available federal discretionary funds
necessary to meet this need. Safety net funds shall be awarded by the
state safety net oversight committee subject to the following
conditions and limitations:
(a) The committee shall consider additional funds for districts
that can convincingly demonstrate that all legitimate expenditures for
special education exceed all available revenues from state funding
formulas. In the determination of need, the committee shall also
consider additional available revenues from federal sources.
Differences in program costs attributable to district philosophy,
service delivery choice, or accounting practices are not a legitimate
basis for safety net awards. In the determination of need, the
committee shall require that districts demonstrate that they are
maximizing their eligibility for all state revenues related to services
for special education-eligible students and all federal revenues from
federal impact aid, medicaid, and the individuals with disabilities
education act-Part B and appropriate special projects. Awards
associated with (b) and (c) of this subsection shall not exceed the
total of a district's specific determination of need.
(b) The committee shall then consider the extraordinary high cost
needs of one or more individual special education students.
Differences in costs attributable to district philosophy, service
delivery choice, or accounting practices are not a legitimate basis for
safety net awards.
(c) Using criteria developed by the committee, the committee shall
then consider extraordinary costs associated with communities that draw
a larger number of families with children in need of special education
services, which may include consideration of proximity to group homes,
military bases, and regional hospitals. Safety net awards under this
subsection (1)(c) shall be adjusted to reflect amounts awarded under
(b) of this subsection.
(d) The maximum allowable indirect cost for calculating safety net
eligibility may not exceed the federal restricted indirect cost rate
for the district plus one percent.
(e) Safety net awards shall be adjusted based on the percent of
potential medicaid eligible students billed as calculated by the
superintendent of public instruction in accordance with chapter 318,
Laws of 1999.
(f) Safety net awards must be adjusted for any audit findings or
exceptions related to special education funding.
(2) The superintendent of public instruction may adopt such rules
and procedures as are necessary to administer the special education
funding and safety net award process. Before revising any standards,
procedures, or rules, the superintendent shall consult with the office
of financial management and the fiscal committees of the legislature.
In adopting and revising the rules, the superintendent shall ensure the
application process to access safety net funding is streamlined,
timelines for submission are not in conflict, feedback to school
districts is timely and provides sufficient information to allow school
districts to understand how to correct any deficiencies in a safety net
application, and that there is consistency between awards approved by
school district and by application period. The office of the
superintendent of public instruction shall also provide technical
assistance to school districts in preparing and submitting special
education safety net applications.
(3) On an annual basis, the superintendent shall survey districts
regarding their satisfaction with the safety net process and consider
feedback from districts to improve the safety net process. Each year
by December 1st, the superintendent shall prepare and submit a report
to the office of financial management and the appropriate policy and
fiscal committees of the legislature that summarizes the survey results
and those changes made to the safety net process as a result of the
school district feedback.
(4) The safety net oversight committee appointed by the
superintendent of public instruction shall consist of:
(a) One staff member from the office of the superintendent of
public instruction;
(b) Staff of the office of the state auditor who shall be nonvoting
members of the committee; and
(c) One or more representatives from school districts or
educational service districts knowledgeable of special education
programs and funding.
Sec. 110 RCW 28A.150.380 and 2001 c 3 s 10 are each amended to
read as follows:
(1) The state legislature shall, at each regular session in an odd-
numbered year, appropriate ((from the state general fund)) for the
current use of the common schools such amounts as needed for state
support to ((the common schools)) school districts during the ensuing
biennium ((as provided in this chapter, RCW 28A.160.150 through
28A.160.210, 28A.300.170, and 28A.500.010)) for the program of basic
education under RCW 28A.150.200.
(2) In addition to those state funds provided to school districts
for basic education, the legislature may appropriate funds to be
distributed to school districts for other factors and for other special
programs to enhance or enrich the program of basic education.
(3) The state legislature shall also, at each regular session in an
odd-numbered year, appropriate from the student achievement fund and
education construction fund solely for the purposes of and in
accordance with the provisions of the student achievement act during
the ensuing biennium.
Sec. 111 RCW 28A.230.090 and 2006 c 114 s 3 are each amended to
read as follows:
(1) The state board of education shall establish high school
graduation requirements or equivalencies for students, except those
equivalencies established by local high schools or school districts
under RCW 28A.230.097.
(a) Any course in Washington state history and government used to
fulfill high school graduation requirements shall consider including
information on the culture, history, and government of the American
Indian peoples who were the first inhabitants of the state.
(b) The certificate of academic achievement requirements under RCW
28A.655.061 or the certificate of individual achievement requirements
under RCW 28A.155.045 are required for graduation from a public high
school but are not the only requirements for graduation.
(c) Any decision on whether a student has met the state board's
high school graduation requirements for a high school and beyond plan
shall remain at the local level.
(2)(a) In recognition of the statutory authority of the state board
of education to establish and enforce minimum high school graduation
requirements, the state board shall periodically reevaluate the
graduation requirements and shall report such findings to the
legislature in a timely manner as determined by the state board.
(b) The state board shall reevaluate the graduation requirements
for students enrolled in vocationally intensive and rigorous career and
technical education programs, particularly those programs that lead to
a certificate or credential that is state or nationally recognized.
The purpose of the evaluation is to ensure that students enrolled in
these programs have sufficient opportunity to earn a certificate of
academic achievement, complete the program and earn the program's
certificate or credential, and complete other state and local
graduation requirements. ((The board shall reports [report] its
findings and recommendations for additional flexibility in graduation
requirements, if necessary, to the legislature by December 1, 2007.))
(c) The state board shall forward any proposed changes to the high
school graduation requirements to the education committees of the
legislature for review and to the quality education council established
under section 114 of this act. The legislature shall have the
opportunity to act during a regular legislative session before the
changes are adopted through administrative rule by the state board.
Changes that have a fiscal impact on school districts, as identified by
a fiscal analysis prepared by the office of the superintendent of
public instruction, shall take effect only if formally authorized and
funded by the legislature through the omnibus appropriations act or
other enacted legislation.
(3) Pursuant to any requirement for instruction in languages other
than English established by the state board of education or a local
school district, or both, for purposes of high school graduation,
students who receive instruction in American sign language or one or
more American Indian languages shall be considered to have satisfied
the state or local school district graduation requirement for
instruction in one or more languages other than English.
(4) If requested by the student and his or her family, a student
who has completed high school courses before attending high school
shall be given high school credit which shall be applied to fulfilling
high school graduation requirements if:
(a) The course was taken with high school students, if the academic
level of the course exceeds the requirements for seventh and eighth
grade classes, and the student has successfully passed by completing
the same course requirements and examinations as the high school
students enrolled in the class; or
(b) The academic level of the course exceeds the requirements for
seventh and eighth grade classes and the course would qualify for high
school credit, because the course is similar or equivalent to a course
offered at a high school in the district as determined by the school
district board of directors.
(5) Students who have taken and successfully completed high school
courses under the circumstances in subsection (4) of this section shall
not be required to take an additional competency examination or perform
any other additional assignment to receive credit.
(6) At the college or university level, five quarter or three
semester hours equals one high school credit.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 112 (1) The legislature intends to continue to
redefine the instructional program of education under RCW 28A.150.220
that fulfills the obligations and requirements of Article IX of the
state Constitution. The funding formulas under RCW 28A.150.260 to
support the instructional program shall be implemented to the extent
the technical details of the formula have been established and
according to an implementation schedule to be adopted by the
legislature. The object of the schedule is to assure that any
increases in funding allocations are timely, predictable, and occur
concurrently with any increases in program or instructional
requirements. It is the intent of the legislature that no increased
programmatic or instructional expectations be imposed upon schools or
school districts without an accompanying increase in resources as
necessary to support those increased expectations.
(2) The office of financial management, with assistance and support
from the office of the superintendent of public instruction, shall
convene a technical working group to:
(a) Develop the details of the funding formulas under RCW
28A.150.260;
(b) Recommend to the legislature an implementation schedule for
phasing-in any increased program or instructional requirements
concurrently with increases in funding for adoption by the legislature;
and
(c) Examine possible sources of revenue to support increases in
funding allocations and present options to the legislature and the
quality education council created in section 114 of this act for
consideration.
(3) The working group shall include representatives of the
legislative evaluation and accountability program committee, school
district and educational service district financial managers, the
Washington association of school business officers, the Washington
education association, the Washington association of school
administrators, the association of Washington school principals, the
Washington state school directors' association, the public school
employees of Washington, and other interested stakeholders with
expertise in education finance. The working group may convene advisory
subgroups on specific topics as necessary to assure participation and
input from a broad array of diverse stakeholders.
(4) The working group shall be monitored and overseen by the
legislature and the quality education council established in section
114 of this act. The working group shall submit its recommendations to
the legislature by December 1, 2009.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 113 A new section is added to chapter 28A.300
RCW to read as follows:
(1) As part of the estimates and information submitted to the
governor by the superintendent of public instruction under RCW
28A.300.170, the superintendent of public instruction shall biennially
make determinations on the educational system's capacity to accommodate
increased resources in relation to the elements in the prototypical
funding allocation model. In areas where there are specific and
significant capacity limitations to providing enhancements to a
recommended element, the superintendent of public instruction shall
identify those limitations and make recommendations on how to address
the issue.
(2) The legislature shall:
(a) Review the recommendations of the superintendent of public
instruction submitted under subsection (1) of this section; and
(b) Use the information as it continues to review, evaluate, and
revise the definition and funding of basic education in a manner that
serves the educational needs of the citizen's of Washington; continues
to fulfill the state's obligation under Article IX of the state
Constitution and ensures that no enhancements are imposed on the
educational system that cannot be accommodated by the existing system
capacity.
(3) "System capacity" for purposes of this section includes, but is
not limited to, the ability of schools and districts to provide the
capital facilities necessary to support a particular instructional
program, the staffing levels necessary to support an instructional
program both in terms of actual numbers of staff as well as the
experience level and types of staff available to fill positions, the
higher education systems capacity to prepare the next generation of
educators, and the availability of data and a data system capable of
helping the state allocate its resources in a manner consistent with
evidence-based practices that are shown to improve student learning.
(4) The office of the superintendent of public instruction shall
report to the legislature on a biennial basis beginning December 1,
2010.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 114 (1) The quality education council is
created to recommend and inform the ongoing implementation by the
legislature of an evolving program of basic education and the financing
necessary to support such program. The council shall develop strategic
recommendations on the program of basic education for the common
schools. The council shall take into consideration the capacity report
produced under section 113 of this act and the availability of data and
progress of implementing the data systems required under section 202 of
this act. Any recommendations for modifications to the program of
basic education shall be based on evidence that the programs
effectively support student learning. The council shall update the
statewide strategic recommendations every four years. The
recommendations of the council are intended to:
(a) Inform future educational policy and funding decisions of the
legislature and governor;
(b) Identify measurable goals and priorities for the educational
system in Washington state for a ten-year time period, including the
goals of basic education and ongoing strategies for coordinating
statewide efforts to eliminate the achievement gap and reduce student
dropout rates; and
(c) Enable the state of Washington to continue to implement an
evolving program of basic education.
(2) The council may request updates and progress reports from the
office of the superintendent of public instruction, the state board of
education, the professional educator standards board, and the
department of early learning on the work of the agencies as well as
educational working groups established by the legislature.
(3) The chair of the council shall be selected from the
councilmembers. The council shall be composed of the following
members:
(a) Four members of the house of representatives, with two members
representing each of the major caucuses and appointed by the speaker of
the house of representatives;
(b) Four members of the senate, with two members representing each
of the major caucuses and appointed by the president of the senate; and
(c) One representative each from the office of the governor, office
of the superintendent of public instruction, state board of education,
professional educator standards board, and department of early
learning.
(4) In the 2009 fiscal year, the council shall meet as often as
necessary as determined by the chair. In subsequent years, the council
shall meet no more than four times a year.
(5)(a) The council shall submit an initial report to the governor
and the legislature by January 1, 2010, detailing its recommendations,
including recommendations for resolving issues or decisions requiring
legislative action during the 2010 legislative session, and
recommendations for any funding necessary to continue development and
implementation of chapter . . . ., Laws of 2009 (this act).
(b) The initial report shall, at a minimum, include:
(i) Consideration of how to establish a statewide beginning teacher
mentoring and support system;
(ii) Recommendations for a program of early learning for at-risk
children;
(iii) A recommended schedule for the concurrent phase-in of the
changes to the instructional program of basic education and the
implementation of the funding formulas and allocations to support the
new instructional program of basic education as established under
chapter . . . ., Laws of 2009 (this act). The phase-in schedule shall
have full implementation completed by September 1, 2018; and
(iv) A recommended schedule for phased-in implementation of the new
distribution formula for allocating state funds to school districts for
the transportation of students to and from school, with phase-in
beginning no later than September 1, 2013.
(6) The council shall be staffed by the office of the
superintendent of public instruction and the office of financial
management. Additional staff support shall be provided by the state
entities with representatives on the committee. Senate committee
services and the house of representatives office of program research
may provide additional staff support.
(7) Legislative members of the council shall serve without
additional compensation but may be reimbursed for travel expenses in
accordance with RCW 44.04.120 while attending sessions of the council
or on official business authorized by the council. Nonlegislative
members of the council may be reimbursed for travel expenses in
accordance with RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 115 (1) The legislature finds that a critical
factor in the eventual successful outcome of a K-12 education is for
students to begin school ready, both intellectually and socially, to
learn. The legislature also finds that, due to a variety of factors,
disadvantaged young children need supplemental instruction in preschool
to assure that they have the opportunity to meaningfully participate
and reach the necessary levels of achievement in the regular program of
basic education. Therefore the legislature intends to establish a
program of early learning for at-risk children and intends to include
this program within the overall program of basic education.
(2) The office of the superintendent of public instruction, with
the support and assistance from the department of early learning, shall
convene a working group to develop the basic education program of early
learning. The early learning working group shall be composed of
representatives from head start and early childhood education and
assistance program providers, school districts, thrive by five
Washington, and other stakeholders with expertise in early learning.
The working group may convene advisory subgroups on specific topics as
necessary to assure participation and input from a broad array of
diverse stakeholders.
(3) The early learning working group shall continue the preliminary
work of the department of early learning under RCW 43.215.125 to
develop a proposal for a statewide Washington head start program. The
working group shall:
(a) Recommend student eligibility criteria that focus on children
age three and four considered most at-risk;
(b) Develop options for a service delivery system that includes
school districts, educational service districts, community and
technical colleges, and public and private nonsectarian organizations;
(c) Develop options for shared governance that include the
superintendent of public instruction and the department of early
learning each with appropriate supervisory and administrative
responsibilities;
(d) Develop recommended parameters and minimum standards for the
program; and
(e) Continue development of a statewide kindergarten assessment
process.
(4) The early learning working group shall be monitored and
overseen by the quality education council established in section 114 of
this act and shall submit progress reports to the council by September
1, 2010, and September 1, 2011, with a final report by September 1,
2012.
Sec. 201 RCW 43.41.400 and 2007 c 401 s 3 are each amended to
read as follows:
(1) An education data center shall be established in the office of
financial management. The education data center shall jointly, with
the legislative ((education [evaluation])) evaluation and
accountability program committee, conduct collaborative analyses of
early learning, K-12, and higher education programs and education
issues across the P-20 system, which includes the department of early
learning, the superintendent of public instruction, the professional
educator standards board, the state board of education, the state board
for community and technical colleges, the workforce training and
education coordinating board, the higher education coordinating board,
public and private nonprofit four-year institutions of higher
education, and the employment security department. The education data
center shall conduct collaborative analyses under this section with the
legislative evaluation and accountability program committee and provide
data electronically to the legislative evaluation and accountability
program committee, to the extent permitted by state and federal
confidentiality requirements. The education data center shall be
considered an authorized representative of the state educational
agencies in this section under applicable federal and state statutes
for purposes of accessing and compiling student record data for
research purposes.
(2) The education data center shall:
(a) In consultation with the legislative evaluation and
accountability program committee and the agencies and organizations
participating in the education data center, identify the critical
research and policy questions that are intended to be addressed by the
education data center and the data needed to address the questions;
(b) Coordinate with other state education agencies to compile and
analyze education data, including data on student demographics that is
disaggregated by distinct ethnic categories within racial subgroups,
and complete P-20 research projects;
(((b))) (c) Collaborate with the legislative evaluation and
accountability program committee and the education and fiscal
committees of the legislature in identifying the data to be compiled
and analyzed to ensure that legislative interests are served;
(((c))) (d) Annually provide to the K-12 data governance group a
list of data elements and data quality improvements that are necessary
to answer the research and policy questions identified by the education
data center and have been identified by the legislative committees in
(c) of this subsection. Within three months of receiving the list, the
K-12 data governance group shall develop and transmit to the education
data center a feasibility analysis of obtaining or improving the data,
including the steps required, estimated time frame, and the financial
and other resources that would be required. Based on the analysis,
the education data center shall submit, if necessary, a recommendation
to the legislature regarding any statutory changes or resources that
would be needed to collect or improve the data;
(e) Monitor and evaluate the education data collection systems of
the organizations and agencies represented in the education data center
ensuring that data systems are flexible, able to adapt to evolving
needs for information, and to the extent feasible and necessary,
include data that are needed to conduct the analyses and provide
answers to the research and policy questions identified in (a) of this
subsection;
(f) Track enrollment and outcomes through the public centralized
higher education enrollment system;
(((d))) (g) Assist other state educational agencies' collaborative
efforts to develop a long-range enrollment plan for higher education
including estimates to meet demographic and workforce needs; ((and)) (h) Provide research that focuses on student transitions
within and among the early learning, K-12, and higher education sectors
in the P-20 system; and
(e)
(i) Make recommendations to the legislature as necessary to help
ensure the goals and objectives of this section and sections 202 and
203 of this act are met.
(3) The department of early learning, superintendent of public
instruction, professional educator standards board, state board of
education, state board for community and technical colleges, workforce
training and education coordinating board, higher education
coordinating board, public four-year institutions of higher education,
and employment security department shall work with the education data
center to develop data-sharing and research agreements, consistent with
applicable security and confidentiality requirements, to facilitate the
work of the center. Private, nonprofit institutions of higher
education that provide programs of education beyond the high school
level leading at least to the baccalaureate degree and are accredited
by the Northwest association of schools and colleges or their peer
accreditation bodies may also develop data-sharing and research
agreements with the education data center, consistent with applicable
security and confidentiality requirements. The education data center
shall make data from collaborative analyses available to the education
agencies and institutions that contribute data to the education data
center to the extent allowed by federal and state security and
confidentiality requirements applicable to the data of each
contributing agency or institution.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 202 A new section is added to chapter 28A.655
RCW to read as follows:
(1) It is the legislature's intent to establish a comprehensive K-12 education data improvement system for financial, student, and
educator data. The objective of the system is to monitor student
progress, have information on the quality of the educator workforce,
monitor and analyze the costs of programs, provide for financial
integrity and accountability, and have the capability to link across
these various data components by student, by class, by teacher, by
school, by district, and statewide. Education data systems must be
flexible and able to adapt to evolving needs for information, but there
must be an objective and orderly data governance process for
determining when changes are needed and how to implement them. It is
the further intent of the legislature to provide independent review and
evaluation of a comprehensive K-12 education data improvement system by
assigning the review and monitoring responsibilities to the education
data center and the legislative evaluation and accountability program
committee.
(2) It is the intent that the data system specifically service
reporting requirements for teachers, parents, superintendents, school
boards, the legislature, the office of the superintendent of public
instruction, and the public.
(3) It is the legislature's intent that the K-12 education data
improvement system used by school districts and the state include but
not be limited to the following information and functionality:
(a) Comprehensive educator information, including grade level and
courses taught, building or location, program, job assignment, years of
experience, the institution of higher education from which the educator
obtained his or her degree, compensation, class size, mobility of class
population, socioeconomic data of class, number of languages and which
languages are spoken by students, general resources available for
curriculum and other classroom needs, and number and type of
instructional support staff in the building;
(b) The capacity to link educator assignment information with
educator certification information such as certification number, type
of certification, route to certification, certification program, and
certification assessment or evaluation scores;
(c) Common coding of secondary courses and major areas of study at
the elementary level or standard coding of course content;
(d) Robust student information, including but not limited to
student characteristics, course and program enrollment, performance on
statewide and district summative and formative assessments to the
extent district assessments are used, and performance on college
readiness tests;
(e) A subset of student information elements to serve as a dropout
early warning system;
(f) The capacity to link educator information with student
information;
(g) A common, standardized structure for reporting the costs of
programs at the school and district level with a focus on the cost of
services delivered to students;
(h) Separate accounting of state, federal, and local revenues and
costs;
(i) Information linking state funding formulas to school district
budgeting and accounting, including procedures:
(i) To support the accuracy and auditing of financial data; and
(ii) Using the prototypical school model for school district
financial accounting reporting;
(j) The capacity to link program cost information with student
performance information to gauge the cost-effectiveness of programs;
(k) Information that is centrally accessible and updated regularly;
and
(l) An anonymous, nonidentifiable replicated copy of data that is
updated at least quarterly, and made available to the public by the
state.
(4) It is the legislature's goal that all school districts have the
capability to collect state-identified common data and export it in a
standard format to support a statewide K-12 education data improvement
system under this section.
(5) It is the legislature's intent that the K-12 education data
improvement system be developed to provide the capability to make
reports as required under section 203 of this act available.
(6) It is the legislature's intent that school districts collect
and report new data elements to satisfy the requirements of RCW
43.41.400, this section, and section 203 of this act, only to the
extent funds are available for this purpose.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 203 A new section is added to chapter 28A.300
RCW to read as follows:
(1) A K-12 data governance group shall be established within the
office of the superintendent of public instruction to assist in the
design and implementation of a K-12 education data improvement system
for financial, student, and educator data. It is the intent that the
data system reporting specifically serve requirements for teachers,
parents, superintendents, school boards, the office of the
superintendent of public instruction, the legislature, and the public.
(2) The K-12 data governance group shall include representatives of
the education data center, the office of the superintendent of public
instruction, the legislative evaluation and accountability program
committee, the professional educator standards board, the state board
of education, and school district staff, including information
technology staff. Additional entities with expertise in education data
may be included in the K-12 data governance group.
(3) The K-12 data governance group shall:
(a) Identify the critical research and policy questions that need
to be addressed by the K-12 education data improvement system;
(b) Identify reports and other information that should be made
available on the internet in addition to the reports identified in
subsection (5) of this section;
(c) Create a comprehensive needs requirement document detailing the
specific information and technical capacity needed by school districts
and the state to meet the legislature's expectations for a
comprehensive K-12 education data improvement system as described under
section 202 of this act;
(d) Conduct a gap analysis of current and planned information
compared to the needs requirement document, including an analysis of
the strengths and limitations of an education data system and programs
currently used by school districts and the state, and specifically the
gap analysis must look at the extent to which the existing data can be
transformed into canonical form and where existing software can be used
to meet the needs requirement document;
(e) Focus on financial and cost data necessary to support the new
K-12 financial models and funding formulas, including any necessary
changes to school district budgeting and accounting, and on assuring
the capacity to link data across financial, student, and educator
systems; and
(f) Define the operating rules and governance structure for K-12
data collections, ensuring that data systems are flexible and able to
adapt to evolving needs for information, within an objective and
orderly data governance process for determining when changes are needed
and how to implement them. Strong consideration must be made to the
current practice and cost of migration to new requirements. The
operating rules should delineate the coordination, delegation, and
escalation authority for data collection issues, business rules, and
performance goals for each K-12 data collection system, including:
(i) Defining and maintaining standards for privacy and
confidentiality;
(ii) Setting data collection priorities;
(iii) Defining and updating a standard data dictionary;
(iv) Ensuring data compliance with the data dictionary;
(v) Ensuring data accuracy; and
(vi) Establishing minimum standards for school, student, financial,
and teacher data systems. Data elements may be specified "to the
extent feasible" or "to the extent available" to collect more and
better data sets from districts with more flexible software. Nothing
in RCW 43.41.400, this section, or section 202 of this act should be
construed to require that a data dictionary or reporting should be
hobbled to the lowest common set. The work of the K-12 data
governance group must specify which data are desirable. Districts that
can meet these requirements shall report the desirable data. Funding
from the legislature must establish which subset data are absolutely
required.
(4)(a) The K-12 data governance group shall provide updates on its
work as requested by the education data center and the legislative
evaluation and accountability program committee.
(b) The work of the K-12 data governance group shall be
periodically reviewed and monitored by the educational data center and
the legislative evaluation and accountability program committee.
(5) To the extent data is available, the office of the
superintendent of public instruction shall make the following minimum
reports available on the internet. The reports must either be run on
demand against current data, or, if a static report, must have been run
against the most recent data:
(a) The percentage of data compliance and data accuracy by school
district;
(b) The magnitude of spending per student, by student estimated by
the following algorithm and reported as the detailed summation of the
following components:
(i) An approximate, prorated fraction of each teacher or human
resource element that directly serves the student. Each human resource
element must be listed or accessible through online tunneling in the
report;
(ii) An approximate, prorated fraction of classroom or building
costs used by the student;
(iii) An approximate, prorated fraction of transportation costs
used by the student; and
(iv) An approximate, prorated fraction of all other resources
within the district. District-wide components should be disaggregated
to the extent that it is sensible and economical;
(c) The cost of K-12 basic education, per student, by student, by
school district, estimated by the algorithm in (b) of this subsection,
and reported in the same manner as required in (b) of this subsection;
(d) The cost of K-12 special education services per student, by
student receiving those services, by school district, estimated by the
algorithm in (b) of this subsection, and reported in the same manner as
required in (b) of this subsection;
(e) Improvement on the statewide assessments computed as both a
percentage change and absolute change on a scale score metric by
district, by school, and by teacher that can also be filtered by a
student's length of full-time enrollment within the school district;
(f) Number of K-12 students per classroom teacher on a per teacher
basis;
(g) Number of K-12 classroom teachers per student on a per student
basis;
(h) Percentage of a classroom teacher per student on a per student
basis; and
(i) The cost of K-12 education per student by school district
sorted by federal, state, and local dollars.
(6) The superintendent of public instruction shall submit a
preliminary report to the legislature by November 15, 2009, including
the analyses by the K-12 data governance group under subsection (3) of
this section and preliminary options for addressing identified gaps.
A final report, including a proposed phase-in plan and preliminary cost
estimates for implementation of a comprehensive data improvement system
for financial, student, and educator data shall be submitted to the
legislature by September 1, 2010.
(7) All reports and data referenced in this section, RCW 43.41.400,
and section 202 of this act shall be made available in a manner
consistent with the technical requirements of the legislative
evaluation and accountability program committee and the education data
center so that selected data can be provided to the legislature,
governor, school districts, and the public.
(8) Reports shall contain data to the extent it is available. All
reports must include documentation of which data are not available or
are estimated. Reports must not be suppressed because of poor data
accuracy or completeness. Reports may be accompanied with
documentation to inform the reader of why some data are missing or
inaccurate or estimated.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 204 A new section is added to chapter 43.41
RCW to read as follows:
The education data center and the superintendent of public
instruction shall take all actions necessary to secure federal funds to
implement sections 201 through 203 of this act.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 301 A new section is added to chapter 28A.500
RCW to read as follows:
(1) The legislature finds that while the state has the
responsibility to provide for a general and uniform system of public
schools, there is also a need for some diversity in the public school
system. A successful system of public education must permit some
variation among school districts outside the basic education provided
for by the state to respond to and reflect the unique desires of local
communities. The opportunity for local communities to invest in
enriched education programs promotes support for local public schools.
Further, the ability of local school districts to experiment with
enriched programs can inform the legislature's long-term evolution of
the definition of basic education. Therefore, local levy authority
remains an important component of the overall finance system in support
of the public schools even though it is outside the state's obligation
for basic education.
(2) However, the value of permitting local levies must be balanced
with the value of equity and fairness to students and to taxpayers,
neither of whom should be unduly disadvantaged due to differences in
the tax bases used to support local levies. Equity and fairness
require both an equitable basis for supplemental funding outside basic
education and a mechanism for property tax-poor school districts to
fairly access supplemental funding. As such, local effort assistance,
while also outside the state's obligation for basic education, is
another important component of school finance.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 302 (1) Beginning July 1, 2010, the office of
financial management, with assistance and support from the office of
the superintendent of public instruction, shall convene a technical
working group to develop options for a new system of supplemental
school funding through local school levies and local effort assistance.
(2) The working group shall consider the impact on overall school
district revenues of the new basic education funding system established
under this act and shall recommend a phase-in plan that ensures that no
school district suffers a decrease in funding from one school year to
the next due to implementation of the new system of supplemental
funding.
(3) The working group shall be composed of representatives from the
department of revenue, the legislative evaluation and accountability
program committee, school district and educational service district
financial managers, and representatives of the Washington association
of school business officers, the Washington education association, the
Washington association of school administrators, the association of
Washington school principals, the Washington state school directors'
association, the public school employees of Washington, and other
interested stakeholders with expertise in education finance. The
working group may convene advisory subgroups on specific topics as
necessary to assure participation and input from a broad array of
diverse stakeholders.
(4) The local funding working group shall be monitored and overseen
by the legislature and by the quality education council created in
section 114 of this act. The working group shall report to the
legislature December 1, 2011.
Sec. 303 RCW 28A.195.010 and 2004 c 19 s 106 are each amended to
read as follows:
The legislature hereby recognizes that private schools should be
subject only to those minimum state controls necessary to insure the
health and safety of all the students in the state and to insure a
sufficient basic education to meet usual graduation requirements. The
state, any agency or official thereof, shall not restrict or dictate
any specific educational or other programs for private schools except
as hereinafter in this section provided.
Principals of private schools or superintendents of private school
districts shall file each year with the state superintendent of public
instruction a statement certifying that the minimum requirements
hereinafter set forth are being met, noting any deviations. After
review of the statement, the state superintendent will notify schools
or school districts of those deviations which must be corrected. In
case of major deviations, the school or school district may request and
the state board of education may grant provisional status for one year
in order that the school or school district may take action to meet the
requirements. The state board of education shall not require private
school students to meet the student learning goals, obtain a
certificate of academic achievement, or a certificate of individual
achievement to graduate from high school, to master the essential
academic learning requirements, or to be assessed pursuant to RCW
28A.655.061. However, private schools may choose, on a voluntary
basis, to have their students master these essential academic learning
requirements, take the assessments, and obtain a certificate of
academic achievement or a certificate of individual achievement.
Minimum requirements shall be as follows:
(1) The minimum school year for instructional purposes shall
consist of no less than one hundred eighty school days or the
equivalent in annual minimum ((program)) instructional hour offerings
((as prescribed in RCW 28A.150.220)), with a school-wide annual average
total instructional hour offering of one thousand hours for students
enrolled in grades one through twelve, and at least four hundred fifty
hours for students enrolled in kindergarten.
(2) The school day shall be the same as ((that required in RCW
28A.150.030 and 28A.150.220, except that the percentages of total
program hour offerings as prescribed in RCW 28A.150.220 for basic
skills, work skills, and optional subjects and activities shall not
apply to private schools or private sectarian schools)) defined in
section 102 of this act.
(3) All classroom teachers shall hold appropriate Washington state
certification except as follows:
(a) Teachers for religious courses or courses for which no
counterpart exists in public schools shall not be required to obtain a
state certificate to teach those courses.
(b) In exceptional cases, people of unusual competence but without
certification may teach students so long as a certified person
exercises general supervision. Annual written statements shall be
submitted to the office of the superintendent of public instruction
reporting and explaining such circumstances.
(4) An approved private school may operate an extension program for
parents, guardians, or persons having legal custody of a child to teach
children in their custody. The extension program shall require at a
minimum that:
(a) The parent, guardian, or custodian be under the supervision of
an employee of the approved private school who is certified under
chapter 28A.410 RCW;
(b) The planning by the certified person and the parent, guardian,
or person having legal custody include objectives consistent with this
subsection and subsections (1), (2), (5), (6), and (7) of this section;
(c) The certified person spend a minimum average each month of one
contact hour per week with each student under his or her supervision
who is enrolled in the approved private school extension program;
(d) Each student's progress be evaluated by the certified person;
and
(e) The certified employee shall not supervise more than thirty
students enrolled in the approved private school's extension program.
(5) Appropriate measures shall be taken to safeguard all permanent
records against loss or damage.
(6) The physical facilities of the school or district shall be
adequate to meet the program offered by the school or district:
PROVIDED, That each school building shall meet reasonable health and
fire safety requirements. A residential dwelling of the parent,
guardian, or custodian shall be deemed to be an adequate physical
facility when a parent, guardian, or person having legal custody is
instructing his or her child under subsection (4) of this section.
(7) Private school curriculum shall include instruction of the
basic skills of occupational education, science, mathematics, language,
social studies, history, health, reading, writing, spelling, and the
development of appreciation of art and music, all in sufficient units
for meeting state board of education graduation requirements.
(8) Each school or school district shall be required to maintain
up-to-date policy statements related to the administration and
operation of the school or school district.
All decisions of policy, philosophy, selection of books, teaching
material, curriculum, except as in subsection (7) of this section
provided, school rules and administration, or other matters not
specifically referred to in this section, shall be the responsibility
of the administration and administrators of the particular private
school involved.
Sec. 304 RCW 28A.160.150 and 1996 c 279 s 1 are each amended to
read as follows:
Funds allocated for transportation costs, except for funds provided
for transportation and transportation services to and from school shall
be in addition to the basic education allocation. The distribution
formula developed in RCW 28A.160.150 through 28A.160.180 shall be for
allocation purposes only and shall not be construed as mandating
specific levels of pupil transportation services by local districts.
Operating costs as determined under RCW 28A.160.150 through 28A.160.180
shall be funded at one hundred percent or as close thereto as
reasonably possible for transportation of an eligible student to and
from school as defined in RCW 28A.160.160(3). In addition, funding
shall be provided for transportation services for students living
within ((one radius mile from school)) the walk area as determined
under RCW ((28A.160.180(2))) 28A.160.160(5).
Sec. 305 RCW 28A.160.160 and 1996 c 279 s 2 are each amended to
read as follows:
For purposes of RCW 28A.160.150 through 28A.160.190, except where
the context shall clearly indicate otherwise, the following definitions
apply:
(1) "Eligible student" means any student served by the
transportation program of a school district or compensated for
individual transportation arrangements authorized by RCW 28A.160.030
whose route stop is ((more than one radius mile from the)) outside the
walk area for a student's school, except if the student to be
transported is disabled under RCW 28A.155.020 and is either not
ambulatory or not capable of protecting his or her own welfare while
traveling to or from the school or agency where special education
services are provided, in which case no mileage distance restriction
applies.
(2) "Superintendent" means the superintendent of public
instruction.
(3) "To and from school" means the transportation of students for
the following purposes:
(a) Transportation to and from route stops and schools;
(b) Transportation to and from schools pursuant to an interdistrict
agreement pursuant to RCW 28A.335.160;
(c) Transportation of students between schools and learning centers
for instruction specifically required by statute; and
(d) Transportation of students with disabilities to and from
schools and agencies for special education services.
Academic extended day transportation for the instructional program
of basic education under RCW 28A.150.220 shall ((not)) be considered
part of transportation of students "to and from school" for the
purposes of ((chapter 61, Laws of 1983 1st ex. sess)) this section.
Transportation for field trips may not be considered part of
transportation of students "to and from school" under this section.
(4) "Transportation services" for students living within ((one
radius mile from school means school transportation services including
the use of buses,)) the walk area includes the coordination of walk-to-school programs, the funding of crossing guards, and matching funds for
local and state transportation projects intended to mitigate hazardous
walking conditions. Priority for transportation services shall be
given to students in grades kindergarten through five.
(5) As used in this section, "walk area" means that area around a
school with an adequate roadway configuration to provide students
access to school with a walking distance of less than one mile.
Mileage must be measured along the shortest roadway or maintained
public walkway where hazardous conditions do not exist. The hazardous
conditions must be documented by a process established in rule by the
superintendent of public instruction and must include roadway,
environmental, and social conditions. Each elementary school shall
identify walk routes within the walk area.
Sec. 306 RCW 28A.160.170 and 2007 c 139 s 1 are each amended to
read as follows:
Each district shall submit three times each year to the
superintendent of public instruction during October, February, and May
of each year a report containing the following:
(1)(a) The number of eligible students transported to and from
school as provided for in RCW 28A.160.150 ((for the current school year
and the number of miles estimated to be driven for pupil transportation
services)), along with ((a map describing student route))
identification of stop locations and school locations, and (b) the
number of miles driven for pupil transportation services as authorized
in RCW 28A.160.150 the previous school year; and
(2) Other operational data and descriptions as required by the
superintendent to determine allocation requirements for each district.
The superintendent shall require that districts separate the costs of
operating the program for the transportation of eligible students to
and from school as defined by RCW 28A.160.160(3) from non-to-and-from-school pupil transportation costs in the annual financial statement.
The cost, quantity, and type of all fuel purchased by school districts
for use in to-and-from-school transportation shall be included in the
annual financial statement.
Each district shall submit the information required in this section
on a timely basis as a condition of the continuing receipt of school
transportation moneys.
Sec. 307 RCW 28A.160.180 and 1996 c 279 s 3 are each amended to
read as follows:
Each district's annual student transportation allocation shall be
((based on differential rates)) determined by the superintendent of
public instruction in the following manner:
(1) The superintendent shall annually calculate ((a standard
student mile allocation rate for determining)) the transportation
allocation for those services provided for in RCW 28A.160.150.
(("Standard student mile allocation rate," as used in this chapter,
means the per mile allocation rate for transporting an eligible
student.)) The ((standard student mile)) allocation ((rate)) formula
may be adjusted to include such additional differential factors as
((distance; restricted)) basic and special passenger ((load;
circumstances that require use of special types of transportation
vehicles; student with disabilities load; and small fleet maintenance))
counts as defined by the superintendent of public instruction, average
distance to school, and number of locations served.
(2) ((For transportation services for students living within one
radius mile from school,)) The allocation shall be based on a
regression analysis of the number of basic and special students ((in
grades kindergarten through five living within one radius mile as
specified in the biennial appropriations act)) transported and as many
other site characteristics that are identified as being statistically
significant.
(3) ((The superintendent of public instruction shall annually
calculate allocation rate(s), which shall include vehicle amortization,
for determining)) The transportation allocation for transporting
students in district-owned passenger cars, as defined in RCW 46.04.382,
pursuant to RCW 28A.160.010 for services provided for in RCW
28A.160.150 if a school district deems it advisable to use such
vehicles after the school district board of directors has considered
the safety of the students being transported as well as the economy of
utilizing a district-owned passenger car in lieu of a school bus is the
private vehicle reimbursement rate in effect on September 1st of each
school year. Students transported in district-owned passenger cars
must be included in the corresponding basic or special passenger
counts.
(4) Prior to June 1st of each year the superintendent shall submit
to the office of financial management, and the education and fiscal
committees ((on education and ways and means of the senate and house of
representatives)) of the legislature, a report outlining the
methodology and rationale used in determining the statistical
coefficients for each site characteristic used to determine the
allocation ((rates to be used)) for the following year.
Sec. 308 RCW 28A.160.190 and 1990 c 33 s 145 are each amended to
read as follows:
The superintendent shall notify districts of their student
transportation allocation before January 15th. ((If the number of
eligible students in a school district changes ten percent or more from
the October report, and the change is maintained for a period of twenty
consecutive school days or more, the district may submit revised
eligible student data to the superintendent of public instruction.))
The superintendent shall((, to the extent funds are available,))
recalculate and prorate the district's allocation for the
transportation of pupils to and from school.
The superintendent shall make the student transportation allocation
in accordance with the apportionment payment schedule in RCW
28A.510.250. Such allocation payments may be based on ((estimated
amounts)) the prior school year's ridership report for payments to be
made in September, October, November, December, and January.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 309 A new section is added to chapter 28A.160
RCW to read as follows:
The superintendent of public instruction shall ensure that the
allocation formula results in adequate appropriation for low enrollment
districts, nonhigh districts, districts involved in cooperative
transportation agreements, and cooperative special transportation
services operated by educational service districts. If necessary, the
superintendent shall develop a separate process to adjust the
allocation of the districts.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 310 A new section is added to chapter 28A.160
RCW to read as follows:
(1) The superintendent of public instruction shall encourage
efficient use of state resources by providing a linear programming
process that compares school district transportation operations. If a
school district's operation is calculated to be less than ninety
percent efficient, the regional transportation coordinators shall
provide an individual review to determine what measures are available
to the school district to improve efficiency. The evaluation shall
include such measures as:
(a) Efficient routing of buses;
(b) Efficient use of vehicle capacity; and
(c) Reasonable controls on compensation costs.
(2) The superintendent shall submit to the fiscal and education
committees of the legislature no later than December 1st of each year
a report summarizing the efficiency reviews and the resulting changes
implemented by school districts in response to the recommendations of
the regional transportation coordinators.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 311 A new section is added to chapter 28A.160
RCW to read as follows:
(1) The superintendent of public instruction shall phase-in the
implementation of the distribution formula under this chapter for
allocating state funds to school districts for the transportation of
students to and from school. The phase-in shall be according to the
implementation schedule adopted by the legislature and shall begin no
later than the 2013-14 school year.
(a) The formula must be developed and revised on an ongoing basis
using the major cost factors in student transportation, including basic
and special student loads, school district land area, average distance
to school, roadway miles, and number of locations served. Factors must
include all those site characteristics that are statistically
significant after analysis of the data required by the revised
reporting process.
(b) The formula must allocate funds to school districts based on
the average predicted costs of transporting students to and from
school, using a regression analysis.
(2) During the phase-in period, funding provided to school
districts for student transportation operations shall be distributed on
the following basis:
(a) Annually, each school district shall receive the lesser of the
previous school year's pupil transportation operations allocation, or
the total of allowable pupil transportation expenditures identified on
the previous school year's final expenditure report to the state plus
district indirect expenses using the state recovery rate identified by
the superintendent; and
(b) Annually, any funds appropriated by the legislature in excess
of the maintenance level funding amount for student transportation
shall be distributed among school districts on a prorated basis using
the difference between the amount identified in (a) of this subsection
and the amount determined under the formula in RCW 28A.160.180.
(3) The superintendent shall develop, implement, and provide a copy
of the rules specifying the student transportation reporting
requirements to the legislature and school districts no later than
December 1, 2009.
(4) Beginning in December 2009, and continuing until December 2014,
the superintendent shall provide quarterly updates and progress reports
to the fiscal committees of the legislature on the implementation and
testing of the distribution formula.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 401 The legislature recognizes that the key to
providing all students the opportunity to achieve the basic education
goal is effective teaching and leadership. Teachers, principals, and
administrators must be provided with access to the opportunities they
need to gain the knowledge and skills that will enable them to be
increasingly successful in their classroom and schools. A system that
clearly defines, supports, measures, and recognizes effective teaching
and leadership is one of the most important investments to be made.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 402 A new section is added to chapter 28A.410
RCW to read as follows:
(1)(a) By January 1, 2010, the professional educator standards
board shall adopt a set of articulated teacher knowledge, skill, and
performance standards for effective teaching that are evidence-based,
measurable, meaningful, and documented in high quality research as
being associated with improved student learning. The standards shall
be calibrated for each level of certification and along the entire
career continuum. In developing the standards, the board shall, to the
extent possible, incorporate standards for cultural competency along
the entire continuum. For the purposes of this subsection, "cultural
competency" includes knowledge of student cultural histories and
contexts, as well as family norms and values in different cultures;
knowledge and skills in accessing community resources and community and
parent outreach; and skills in adapting instruction to students'
experiences and identifying cultural contexts for individual students.
(b) By January 1, 2010, the professional educator standards board
shall adopt a definition of master teacher, with a comparable level of
increased competency between professional certification level and
master level as between professional certification level and national
board certification. Within the definition established by the
professional educator standards board, teachers certified through the
national board for professional teaching standards shall be considered
master teachers.
(2) By January 1, 2010, the professional educator standards board
shall submit to the governor and the education and fiscal committees of
the legislature:
(a) An update on the status of implementation of the professional
certificate external and uniform assessment authorized in RCW
28A.410.210;
(b) A proposal for a uniform, statewide, valid, and reliable
classroom-based means of evaluating teacher effectiveness as a
culminating measure at the preservice level that is to be used during
the student-teaching field experience. This assessment shall include
multiple measures of teacher performance in classrooms, evidence of
positive impact on student learning, and shall include review of
artifacts, such as use of a variety of assessment and instructional
strategies, and student work. The proposal shall establish a timeline
for when the assessment will be required for successful completion of
a Washington state-approved teacher preparation program. The timeline
shall take into account the capacity of the K-12 education and higher
education systems to accommodate the new assessment. The proposal and
timeline shall also address how the assessment will be included in
state-reported data on preparation program quality; and
(c) A recommendation on the length of time that a residency
certificate issued to a teacher is valid and within what time period a
teacher must meet the minimum level of performance for and receive a
professional certificate in order to continue being certified as a
teacher. In developing this recommendation, the professional educator
standards board shall consult with interested stakeholders including
the Washington education association, the Washington association of
school administrators, association of Washington school principals, and
the Washington state school directors' association and shall include
with its recommendation a description of each stakeholder's comments on
the recommendation.
(3) The update and proposal in subsection (2)(a) and (b) of this
section shall include, at a minimum, descriptions of:
(a) Estimated costs and statutory authority needed for further
development and implementation of these assessments;
(b) A common and standardized rubric for determining whether a
teacher meets the minimum level of performance of the assessments; and
(c) Administration and management of the assessments.
(4) To the extent that funds are appropriated for this purpose and
in accordance with the timeline established in subsection (2) of this
section, recognizing the capacity limitations of the education systems,
the professional educator standards board shall develop the system and
process as established in subsections (1), (2), and (3) of this section
throughout the remainder of the 2010-11 and 2011-12 school years.
(5) Beginning no earlier than September 1, 2011, award of a
professional certificate shall be based on a minimum of two years of
successful teaching experience as defined by the board and on the
results of the evaluation authorized under RCW 28A.410.210(14) and
under this section, and may not require candidates to enroll in a
professional certification program.
(6) Beginning July 1, 2011, educator preparation programs approved
to offer the residency teaching certificate shall be required to
demonstrate how the program produces effective teachers as evidenced by
the measures established under this section and other criteria
established by the professional educator standards board.
Sec. 403 RCW 28A.415.360 and 2007 c 402 s 9 are each amended to
read as follows:
(1) Subject to funds appropriated for this purpose, targeted
professional development programs, to be known as learning improvement
days, are authorized to further the development of outstanding
mathematics, science, and reading teaching and learning opportunities
in the state of Washington. The intent of this section is to provide
guidance for the learning improvement days in the omnibus
appropriations act. The learning improvement days authorized in this
section shall not be considered part of the definition of basic
education.
(2) ((The expected outcomes of these programs are)) A school
district is eligible to receive funding for learning improvement days
that are limited to specific activities related to student learning
that contribute to the following outcomes:
(a) Provision of meaningful, targeted professional development for
all teachers in mathematics, science, or reading;
(b) Increased knowledge and instructional skill for mathematics,
science, or reading teachers;
(c) Increased use of curriculum materials with supporting
diagnostic and supplemental materials that align with state standards;
(d) Skillful guidance for students participating in alternative
assessment activities;
(e) Increased rigor of course offerings especially in mathematics,
science, and reading;
(f) Increased student opportunities for focused, applied
mathematics and science classes;
(g) Increased student success on state achievement measures; and
(h) Increased student appreciation of the value and uses of
mathematics, science, and reading knowledge and exploration of related
careers.
(3) School districts receiving resources under this section shall
submit reports to the superintendent of public instruction ((regarding
the use of the funds;)) documenting how the use of the funds ((is
associated with)) contributes to measurable improvement in the
((expected)) outcomes described under subsection (2) of this section;
and how other professional development resources and programs
authorized in statute or in the omnibus appropriations act contribute
to the expected outcomes. The superintendent of public instruction and
the office of financial management shall collaborate on required report
content and format.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 501 (1)(a) The legislature intends to develop
a system in which the state and school districts share accountability
for achieving state educational standards and supporting continuous
school improvement. The legislature recognizes that comprehensive
education finance reform and the increased investment of public
resources necessary to implement that reform must be accompanied by a
new mechanism for clearly defining the relationships and expectations
for the state, school districts, and schools. It is the legislature's
intent that this be accomplished through the development of a
proactive, collaborative accountability system that focuses on a school
improvement system that engages and serves the local school board,
parents, students, staff in the schools and districts, and the
community. The improvement system shall be based on progressive levels
of support, with a goal of continuous improvement in student
achievement and alignment with the federal system of accountability.
(b) The legislature further recognizes that it is the state's
responsibility to provide schools and districts with the tools and
resources necessary to improve student achievement. These tools
include the necessary accounting and data reporting systems, assessment
systems to monitor student achievement, and a system of general
support, targeted assistance, recognition, and, if necessary, state
intervention.
(2) The legislature has already charged the state board of
education to develop criteria to identify schools and districts that
are successful, in need of assistance, and those where students
persistently fail, as well as to identify a range of intervention
strategies and a performance incentive system. The legislature finds
that the state board of education should build on the work that the
board has already begun in these areas. As development of these
formulas, processes, and systems progresses, the legislature should
monitor the progress.
Sec. 502 RCW 28A.305.130 and 2008 c 27 s 1 are each amended to
read as follows:
The purpose of the state board of education is to provide advocacy
and strategic oversight of public education; implement a standards-based accountability ((system)) framework that creates a unified system
of increasing levels of support for schools in order to improve student
academic achievement; provide leadership in the creation of a system
that personalizes education for each student and respects diverse
cultures, abilities, and learning styles; and promote achievement of
the goals of RCW 28A.150.210. In addition to any other powers and
duties as provided by law, the state board of education shall:
(1) Hold regularly scheduled meetings at such time and place within
the state as the board shall determine and may hold such special
meetings as may be deemed necessary for the transaction of public
business;
(2) Form committees as necessary to effectively and efficiently
conduct the work of the board;
(3) Seek advice from the public and interested parties regarding
the work of the board;
(4) For purposes of statewide accountability:
(a) Adopt and revise performance improvement goals in reading,
writing, science, and mathematics, by subject and grade level, once
assessments in these subjects are required statewide; academic and
technical skills, as appropriate, in secondary career and technical
education programs; and student attendance, as the board deems
appropriate to improve student learning. The goals shall be consistent
with student privacy protection provisions of RCW 28A.655.090(7) and
shall not conflict with requirements contained in Title I of the
federal elementary and secondary education act of 1965, or the
requirements of the Carl D. Perkins vocational education act of 1998,
each as amended. The goals may be established for all students,
economically disadvantaged students, limited English proficient
students, students with disabilities, and students from
disproportionately academically underachieving racial and ethnic
backgrounds. The board may establish school and school district goals
addressing high school graduation rates and dropout reduction goals for
students in grades seven through twelve. The board shall adopt the
goals by rule. However, before each goal is implemented, the board
shall present the goal to the education committees of the house of
representatives and the senate for the committees' review and comment
in a time frame that will permit the legislature to take statutory
action on the goal if such action is deemed warranted by the
legislature;
(b) Identify the scores students must achieve in order to meet the
standard on the Washington assessment of student learning and, for high
school students, to obtain a certificate of academic achievement. The
board shall also determine student scores that identify levels of
student performance below and beyond the standard. The board shall
consider the incorporation of the standard error of measurement into
the decision regarding the award of the certificates. The board shall
set such performance standards and levels in consultation with the
superintendent of public instruction and after consideration of any
recommendations that may be developed by any advisory committees that
may be established for this purpose. The initial performance standards
and any changes recommended by the board in the performance standards
for the tenth grade assessment shall be presented to the education
committees of the house of representatives and the senate by November
30th of the school year in which the changes will take place to permit
the legislature to take statutory action before the changes are
implemented if such action is deemed warranted by the legislature. The
legislature shall be advised of the initial performance standards and
any changes made to the elementary level performance standards and the
middle school level performance standards;
(c) ((Adopt objective, systematic criteria to identify successful
schools and school districts and recommend to the superintendent of
public instruction schools and districts to be recognized for two types
of accomplishments, student achievement and improvements in student
achievement. Recognition for improvements in student achievement shall
include consideration of one or more of the following accomplishments:)) Annually review the assessment reporting system to ensure
fairness, accuracy, timeliness, and equity of opportunity, especially
with regard to schools with special circumstances and unique
populations of students, and a recommendation to the superintendent of
public instruction of any improvements needed to the system; and
(i) An increase in the percent of students meeting standards. The
level of achievement required for recognition may be based on the
achievement goals established by the legislature and by the board under
(a) of this subsection;
(ii) Positive progress on an improvement index that measures
improvement in all levels of the assessment; and
(iii) Improvements despite challenges such as high levels of
mobility, poverty, English as a second language learners, and large
numbers of students in special populations as measured by either the
percent of students meeting the standard, or the improvement index.
When determining the baseline year or years for recognizing individual
schools, the board may use the assessment results from the initial
years the assessments were administered, if doing so with individual
schools would be appropriate;
(d) Adopt objective, systematic criteria to identify schools and
school districts in need of assistance and those in which significant
numbers of students persistently fail to meet state standards. In its
deliberations, the board shall consider the use of all statewide
mandated criterion-referenced and norm-referenced standardized tests;
(e) Identify schools and school districts in which state
intervention measures will be needed and a range of appropriate
intervention strategies after the legislature has authorized a set of
intervention strategies. After the legislature has authorized a set of
intervention strategies, at the request of the board, the
superintendent shall intervene in the school or school district and
take corrective actions. This chapter does not provide additional
authority for the board or the superintendent of public instruction to
intervene in a school or school district;
(f) Identify performance incentive systems that have improved or
have the potential to improve student achievement;
(g)
(((h))) (d) Include in the biennial report required under RCW
28A.305.035, information on the progress that has been made in
achieving goals adopted by the board;
(5) Accredit, subject to such accreditation standards and
procedures as may be established by the state board of education, all
private schools that apply for accreditation, and approve, subject to
the provisions of RCW 28A.195.010, private schools carrying out a
program for any or all of the grades kindergarten through twelve:
PROVIDED, That no private school may be approved that operates a
kindergarten program only: PROVIDED FURTHER, That no private schools
shall be placed upon the list of accredited schools so long as secret
societies are knowingly allowed to exist among its students by school
officials;
(6) Articulate with the institutions of higher education, workforce
representatives, and early learning policymakers and providers to
coordinate and unify the work of the public school system;
(7) Hire an executive director and an administrative assistant to
reside in the office of the superintendent of public instruction for
administrative purposes. Any other personnel of the board shall be
appointed as provided by RCW 28A.300.020. The board may delegate to
the executive director by resolution such duties as deemed necessary to
efficiently carry on the business of the board including, but not
limited to, the authority to employ necessary personnel and the
authority to enter into, amend, and terminate contracts on behalf of
the board. The executive director, administrative assistant, and all
but one of the other personnel of the board are exempt from civil
service, together with other staff as now or hereafter designated as
exempt in accordance with chapter 41.06 RCW; and
(8) Adopt a seal that shall be kept in the office of the
superintendent of public instruction.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 503 A new section is added to chapter 28A.305
RCW to read as follows:
(1) The state board of education shall continue to refine the
development of an accountability framework that creates a unified
system of support for challenged schools, that aligns with basic
education, increases the level of support based upon the magnitude of
need, and uses data for decisions.
(2) The state board of education shall develop an accountability
index to identify schools and districts for recognition and for
additional state support. The index shall be based on criteria that
are fair, consistent, and transparent. Performance shall be measured
using multiple outcomes and indicators including, but not limited to,
graduation rates and results from statewide assessments. The index
shall be developed in such a way as to be easily understood by both
employees within the schools and districts, as well as parents and
community members. It is the legislature's intent that the index
provide feedback to schools and districts to self-assess their
progress, and enable the identification of schools with exemplary
student performance and those that need assistance to overcome
challenges in order to achieve exemplary student performance. Once the
accountability index has identified schools that need additional help,
a more thorough analysis will be done to analyze specific conditions in
the district including but not limited to the level of state resources
a school or school district receives in support of the basic education
system, achievement gaps for different groups of students, and
community support.
(3) Based on the accountability index and in consultation with the
superintendent of public instruction, the state board of education
shall develop a proposal and timeline for implementation of a
comprehensive system of voluntary support and assistance for schools
and districts. The timeline must take into account and accommodate
capacity limitations of the K-12 educational system. Changes that have
a fiscal impact on school districts, as identified by a fiscal analysis
prepared by the office of the superintendent of public instruction,
shall take effect only if formally authorized by the legislature
through the omnibus appropriations act or other enacted legislation.
(4)(a) The state board of education shall develop a proposal and
implementation timeline for a more formalized comprehensive system
improvement targeted to challenged schools and districts that have not
demonstrated sufficient improvement through the voluntary system. The
timeline must take into account and accommodate capacity limitations of
the K-12 educational system. The proposal and timeline shall be
submitted to the education committees of the legislature by December 1,
2009, and shall include recommended legislation and recommended
resources to implement the system according to the timeline developed.
(b) The proposal shall outline a process for addressing performance
challenges that will include the following features: (i) An academic
performance audit using peer review teams of educators that considers
school and community factors in addition to other factors in developing
recommended specific corrective actions that should be undertaken to
improve student learning; (ii) a requirement for the local school board
plan to develop and be responsible for implementation of corrective
action plan taking into account the audit findings, which plan must be
approved by the state board of education at which time the plan becomes
binding upon the school district to implement; and (iii) monitoring of
local district progress by the office of the superintendent of public
instruction. The proposal shall take effect only if formally
authorized by the legislature through the omnibus appropriations act or
other enacted legislation.
(5) In coordination with the superintendent of public instruction,
the state board of education shall seek approval from the United States
department of education for use of the accountability index and the
state system of support, assistance, and intervention, to replace the
federal accountability system under P.L. 107-110, the no child left
behind act of 2001.
(6) The state board of education shall work with the education data
center established within the office of financial management and the
technical working group established in section 112 of this act to
determine the feasibility of using the prototypical funding allocation
model as not only a tool for allocating resources to schools and
districts but also as a tool for schools and districts to report to the
state legislature and the state board of education on how the state
resources received are being used.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 601 A new section is added to chapter 43.41
RCW to read as follows:
(1) The legislature recognizes that providing students with the
opportunity to access a world-class educational system depends on our
continuing ability to provide students with access to world-class
educators. The legislature also understands that continuing to attract
and retain the highest quality educators will require increased
investments. The legislature intends to enhance the current salary
allocation model and recognizes that changes to the current model
cannot be imposed without great deliberation and input from teachers,
administrators, and classified employees. Therefore, it is the intent
of the legislature to begin the process of developing an enhanced
salary allocation model that is collaboratively designed to ensure the
rationality of any conclusions regarding what constitutes adequate
compensation.
(2) Beginning July 1, 2011, the office of financial management
shall convene a technical working group to recommend the details of an
enhanced salary allocation model that aligns state expectations for
educator development and certification with the compensation system and
establishes recommendations for a concurrent implementation schedule.
In addition to any other details the technical working group deems
necessary, the technical working group shall make recommendations on
the following:
(a) How to reduce the number of tiers within the existing salary
allocation model;
(b) How to account for labor market adjustments;
(c) How to account for different geographic regions of the state
where districts may encounter difficulty recruiting and retaining
teachers;
(d) The role of and types of bonuses available;
(e) Ways to accomplish salary equalization over a set number of
years; and
(f) Initial fiscal estimates for implementing the recommendations
including a recognition that staff on the existing salary allocation
model would have the option to grandfather in permanently to the
existing schedule.
(3) As part of its work, the technical working group shall conduct
or contract for a preliminary comparative labor market analysis of
salaries and other compensation for school district employees to be
conducted and shall include the results in any reports to the
legislature. For the purposes of this subsection, "salaries and other
compensation" includes average base salaries, average total salaries,
average employee basic benefits, and retirement benefits.
(4) The analysis required under subsection (1) of this section
must:
(a) Examine salaries and other compensation for teachers, other
certificated instructional staff, principals, and other building-level
certificated administrators, and the types of classified employees for
whom salaries are allocated;
(b) Be calculated at a statewide level that identifies labor
markets in Washington through the use of data from the United States
bureau of the census and the bureau of labor statistics; and
(c) Include a comparison of salaries and other compensation to the
appropriate labor market for at least the following subgroups of
educators: Beginning teachers and types of educational staff
associates.
(5) The working group shall include representatives of the
department of personnel, the professional educator standards board, the
office of the superintendent of public instruction, the Washington
education association, the Washington association of school
administrators, the association of Washington school principals, the
Washington state school directors' association, the public school
employees of Washington, and other interested stakeholders with
appropriate expertise in compensation related matters. The working
group may convene advisory subgroups on specific topics as necessary to
assure participation and input from a broad array of diverse
stakeholders.
(6) The working group shall be monitored and overseen by the
legislature and the quality education council created in section 114 of
this act. The working group shall make an initial report to the
legislature by December 1, 2012, and shall include in its report
recommendations for whether additional further work of the group is
necessary.
Sec. 701 RCW 28A.165.005 and 2004 c 20 s 1 are each amended to
read as follows:
((The learning assistance program requirements in)) This chapter
((are)) is designed to: (1) Promote the use of assessment data when
developing programs to assist underachieving students; and (2) guide
school districts in providing the most effective and efficient
practices when implementing ((programs)) supplemental instruction and
services to assist underachieving students. ((Further, this chapter
provides the means by which a school district becomes eligible for
learning assistance program funds and the distribution of those
funds.))
Sec. 702 RCW 28A.165.015 and 2004 c 20 s 2 are each amended to
read as follows:
Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise the definitions in
this section apply throughout this chapter.
(1) "Approved program" means a program submitted to and approved by
the office of the superintendent of public instruction and conducted
pursuant to the plan that addresses the required elements as provided
for in this chapter.
(2) "Basic skills areas" means reading, writing, and mathematics as
well as readiness associated with these skills.
(3) "Participating student" means a student in kindergarten through
grade ((eleven who scores below standard for his or her grade level on
the statewide assessments and who is identified in the approved plan to
receive services. Beginning with the 2007-2008 school year,
"participating student" means a student in kindergarten through grade))
twelve who scores below standard for his or her grade level on the
statewide assessments and who is identified in the approved plan to
receive services.
(4) "Statewide assessments" means one or more of the several basic
skills assessments administered as part of the state's student
assessment system, and assessments in the basic skills areas
administered by local school districts.
(5) "Underachieving students" means students with the greatest
academic deficits in basic skills as identified by the statewide
assessments.
Sec. 703 RCW 28A.165.055 and 2008 c 321 s 10 are each amended to
read as follows:
(((1))) Each school district with an approved program is eligible
for state funds provided for the learning assistance program. The
funds shall be appropriated for the learning assistance program in
accordance with RCW 28A.150.260 and the ((biennial)) omnibus
appropriations act. The distribution formula is for school district
allocation purposes only, but funds appropriated for the learning
assistance program must be expended for the purposes of RCW 28A.165.005
through 28A.165.065. ((The distribution formula shall be based on one
or more family income factors measuring economic need.))
(2) In addition to the funds allocated to eligible school districts
on the basis of family income factors, enhanced funds shall be
allocated for school districts where more than twenty percent of
students are eligible for and enrolled in the transitional bilingual
instruction program under chapter 28A.180 RCW as provided in this
subsection. The enhanced funding provided in this subsection shall
take effect beginning in the 2008-09 school year.
(a) If, in the prior school year, a district's percent of October
headcount student enrollment in grades kindergarten through twelve who
are enrolled in the transitional bilingual instruction program, based
on an average of the program headcount taken in October and May,
exceeds twenty percent, twenty percent shall be subtracted from the
district's percent transitional bilingual instruction program
enrollment and the resulting percent shall be multiplied by the
district's kindergarten through twelve annual average full-time
equivalent enrollment for the prior school year.
(b) The number calculated under (a) of this subsection shall be the
number of additional funded students for purposes of this subsection,
to be multiplied by the per-funded student allocation rates specified
in the omnibus appropriations act.
(c) School districts are only eligible for the enhanced funds under
this subsection if their percentage of October headcount enrollment in
grades kindergarten through twelve eligible for free or reduced-price
lunch exceeded forty percent in the prior school year.
Sec. 704 RCW 28A.180.010 and 1990 c 33 s 163 are each amended to
read as follows:
RCW 28A.180.010 through 28A.180.080 shall be known and cited as
"the transitional bilingual instruction act." The legislature finds
that there are large numbers of children who come from homes where the
primary language is other than English. The legislature finds that a
transitional bilingual education program can meet the needs of these
children. Pursuant to the policy of this state to insure equal
educational opportunity to every child in this state, it is the purpose
of RCW 28A.180.010 through 28A.180.080 to provide for the
implementation of transitional bilingual education programs in the
public schools((, and to provide supplemental financial assistance to
school districts to meet the extra costs of these programs)).
Sec. 705 RCW 28A.180.080 and 1995 c 335 s 601 are each amended to
read as follows:
((The superintendent of public instruction shall prepare and submit
biennially to the governor and the legislature a budget request for
bilingual instruction programs.)) Moneys appropriated by the
legislature for the purposes of RCW 28A.180.010 through 28A.180.080
shall be allocated by the superintendent of public instruction to
school districts for the sole purpose of operating an approved
bilingual instruction program((; priorities for funding shall exist for
the early elementary grades. No moneys shall be allocated pursuant to
this section to fund more than three school years of bilingual
instruction for each eligible pupil within a district: PROVIDED, That
such moneys may be allocated to fund more than three school years of
bilingual instruction for any pupil who fails to demonstrate
improvement in English language skills adequate to remove impairment of
learning when taught only in English. The superintendent of public
instruction shall set standards and approve a test for the measurement
of such English language skills)).
Sec. 706 RCW 28A.225.200 and 1990 c 33 s 234 are each amended to
read as follows:
(1) A local district may be authorized by the educational service
district superintendent to transport and educate its pupils in other
districts for one year, either by payment of a compensation agreed upon
by such school districts, or under other terms mutually satisfactory to
the districts concerned when this will afford better educational
facilities for the pupils and when a saving may be effected in the cost
of education((: PROVIDED, That)). Notwithstanding any other provision
of law, the amount to be paid by the state to the resident school
district for apportionment purposes and otherwise payable pursuant to
RCW ((28A.150.100,)) 28A.150.250 through 28A.150.290, 28A.150.350
through 28A.150.410, 28A.160.150 through 28A.160.200, ((28A.160.220))
28A.300.035, and 28A.300.170((, and 28A.500.010)) shall not be greater
than the regular apportionment for each high school student of the
receiving district. Such authorization may be extended for an
additional year at the discretion of the educational service district
superintendent.
(2) Subsection (1) of this section shall not apply to districts
participating in a cooperative project established under RCW
28A.340.030 which exceeds two years in duration.
Sec. 707 RCW 28A.185.010 and 1984 c 278 s 12 are each amended to
read as follows:
Pursuant to rules ((and regulations)) adopted by the superintendent
of public instruction for the administration of this chapter, the
superintendent of public instruction shall carry out a program for
highly capable students. Such program may include conducting,
coordinating and aiding in research (including pilot programs),
disseminating information to local school districts, providing
statewide staff development, and allocating to school districts
supplementary funds for additional costs of district programs, as
provided by RCW ((28A.185.020)) 28A.150.260.
Sec. 708 RCW 28A.185.020 and 1990 c 33 s 168 are each amended to
read as follows:
(1) The legislature finds that, for highly capable students, access
to accelerated learning and enhanced instruction is access to a basic
education. There are multiple definitions of highly capable, from
intellectual to academic to artistic. The research literature strongly
supports using multiple criteria to identify highly capable students,
and therefore, the legislature does not intend to prescribe a single
method. Instead, the legislature intends to allocate funding based on
two and three hundred fourteen one-thousandths percent of each school
district's population and authorize school districts to identify
through the use of multiple, objective criteria those students most
highly capable and eligible to receive accelerated learning and
enhanced instruction in the program offered by the district. Access to
accelerated learning and enhanced instruction through the program for
highly capable students does not constitute an individual entitlement
for any particular student.
(2) Supplementary funds ((as may be)) provided by the state for
((this program, in accordance with RCW 28A.150.370,)) the program for
highly capable students under RCW 28A.150.260 shall be categorical
funding ((on an excess cost basis based upon a per student amount not
to exceed three percent of any district's full-time equivalent
enrollment)) to provide services to highly capable students as
determined by a school district under RCW 28A.185.030.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 709 A new section is added to chapter 28A.185
RCW to read as follows:
To the extent necessary, funds shall be made available for safety
net awards for districts with demonstrated needs for funding for a
highly capable program beyond the amounts provided through the highly
capable funding formula under RCW 28A.150.260 and 28A.185.020. Safety
net funds shall be awarded by the state safety net oversight committee
subject to the conditions and limitations in subsections (1) through
(4) of this section.
(1) The committee shall consider additional funds for districts
that can convincingly demonstrate that all legitimate expenditures for
the highly capable program exceed all available revenues from state
funding formulas. In the determination of need, the committee shall
also consider additional available revenues from federal sources.
Differences in program costs attributable to district philosophy,
service delivery choice, or accounting practices are not a legitimate
basis for safety net awards. In the determination of need, the
committee shall require that districts demonstrate that they are
maximizing their eligibility for all state and federal revenues related
to services for students in the highly capable program.
(2) The superintendent of public instruction may adopt such rules
and procedures as are necessary to administer the safety net award
process for the highly capable program, including determining the
maximum allowable indirect cost for calculating safety net eligibility.
(3) The superintendent of public instruction shall provide
technical assistance to school districts in preparing and submitting
safety net applications for highly capable programs.
(4) The safety net committee for highly capable programs shall be
composed of at least the following members:
(a) One staff member from the office of the superintendent of
public instruction;
(b) Staff of the office of the state auditor, who shall be
nonvoting members of the committee; and
(c) One or more representatives from school districts or
educational service districts knowledgeable of highly capable programs
and funding.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 710 The following acts or parts of acts are
each repealed:
(1) RCW 28A.150.030 (School day) and 1971 ex.s. c 161 s 1 & 1969
ex.s. c 223 s 28A.01.010;
(2) RCW 28A.150.060 (Certificated employee) and 2005 c 497 s 212,
1990 c 33 s 102, 1977 ex.s. c 359 s 17, 1975 1st ex.s. c 288 s 21, &
1973 1st ex.s. c 105 s 1;
(3) RCW 28A.150.100 (Basic education certificated instructional
staff -- Definition -- Ratio to students) and 1990 c 33 s 103 & 1987 1st
ex.s. c 2 s 203;
(4) RCW 28A.150.040 (School year -- Beginning -- End) and 1990 c 33 s
101, 1982 c 158 s 5, 1977 ex.s. c 286 s 1, 1975-'76 2nd ex.s. c 118 s
22, & 1969 ex.s. c 223 s 28A.01.020;
(5) RCW 28A.150.370 (Additional programs for which legislative
appropriations must or may be made) and 1995 c 335 s 102, 1995 c 77 s
5, 1990 c 33 s 114, 1982 1st ex.s. c 24 s 1, & 1977 ex.s. c 359 s 7;
and
(6) RCW 28A.155.180 (Safety net funds--Application--Technical
assistance--Annual survey) and 2007 c 400 s 8.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 801 Part headings used in this act are not any
part of the law.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 802 Sections 1, 102, and 109 of this act are
each added to chapter
NEW SECTION. Sec. 803 Section 114 of this act constitutes a new
chapter in Title
NEW SECTION. Sec. 804 Sections 101 through 110 and 701 through
710 of this act take effect September 1, 2011.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 805 Sections 304 through 311 of this act take
effect September 1, 2013.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 806 Section 112 of this act is necessary for
the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or
support of the state government and its existing public institutions,
and takes effect immediately.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 807 If any provision of this act or its
application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the
remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other
persons or circumstances is not affected.