BILL REQ. #:  S-1380.3 

Read first time 02/11/09.   Referred to Committee on Early Learning & K-12 Education.

     AN ACT Relating to closing the achievement gap in order to provide all students an excellent and equitable education; adding a new section to chapter 28A.300 RCW; and creating a new section.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The 2008 legislature commissioned five studies of the differences in academic achievement and educational outcomes among various subgroups of students. These persistent and troubling differences are commonly referred to as the achievement gap. The commissioned studies drew from research, best practices, and the personal, professional, and cultural experiences of the many individuals who participated in them. The study recommendations are numerous and varied, encompassing short-term and long-term strategies for systemic change. In order to continue the work of the studies, maintain a sense of urgency, and monitor progress toward the goal of equitable educational opportunities and outcomes for all children, the legislature intends to establish an ongoing achievement gap advisory committee within the office of the superintendent of public instruction.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 28A.300 RCW to read as follows:
     (1)(a) The achievement gap advisory committee is established within the office of the superintendent of public instruction, composed of at least eighteen members each appointed for two-year terms as follows:
     (i) Three members appointed by the commission on African-American affairs;
     (ii) Three members representing African immigrants appointed by the commission on African-American affairs;
     (iii) Three members appointed by the commission on Hispanic affairs;
     (iv) Three members appointed by the governor's office of Indian affairs;
     (v) Three members representing Asian Americans appointed by the commission on Asian Pacific American affairs; and
     (vi) Three members representing Pacific Islander Americans appointed by the commission on Asian Pacific American affairs.
     (b) The superintendent of public instruction may appoint up to five additional members, also for two-year terms. The members of the committee shall select the chair of the committee for a one-year term. There is no limitation on the number of terms a member may serve if reappointed.
     (c) The committee may create temporary subcommittees to examine particular topics in greater depth.
     (d) Members of the committee shall serve without compensation but must be reimbursed as provided in RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060.
     (e) The office of the superintendent of public instruction shall provide staff support for the committee.
     (2) The purpose of the achievement gap advisory committee is to advise the superintendent of public instruction, the professional educator standards board, and the state board of education on effective measures to close the achievement gap, to foster public accountability for achieving excellence and equity in public education, and to promote a greater sense of urgency and priority for doing so. The committee has the following responsibilities:
     (a) Establish key indicators and benchmarks to measure progress in closing the achievement gap, and advise the office of the superintendent of public instruction on the data collection and analysis necessary to track the indicators;
     (b) Identify current programs and resources that have the potential to narrow the gap and make recommendations for their effective utilization;
     (c) Offer advice on how to improve communication and coordination among programs aimed at narrowing the achievement gap;
     (d) Advise the office of the superintendent of public instruction and the professional educator standards board on effective professional development programs and practices that increase cultural competence, family and community engagement, and instruction for struggling students;
     (e) Advise the office of the superintendent of public instruction, the professional educator standards board, and the state board of education on effective methods of recruiting and retaining diverse teachers and school administrators; and
     (f) Advise the office of the superintendent of public instruction and the state board of education on making closing the achievement gap a central goal of all school improvement programs and plans.