Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Education Committee |
HB 2158
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Concerning dropout prevention, intervention, and reengagement activities by educational service districts.
Sponsors: Representatives Haigh, Seaquist, Hunt, Reykdal, Tharinger and Freeman.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/16/14
Staff: Barbara McLain (786-7383).
Background:
Educational Service Districts.
Core funding for the nine Educational Service Districts (ESDs) is provided based on specified basic core services that include administration, cooperative administrative and curriculum services for school districts, personnel services such as educator certification, learning resource services, professional development, and other special district needs. Other ESD activities are supported through special appropriations, contracts with school districts, and fee for service.
Dropout Reengagement.
Legislation enacted in 2010 directed the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) to adopt rules and develop a model contract for school districts to use with community-based organizations, community or technical colleges, or ESDs to provide dropout reengagement services for students aged 16 to 21 who have dropped out of school or are so credit deficient that completion of high school before age 21 is not an expected outcome. The OSPI rules require dropout reengagement programs to be approved before beginning operation. As of January 2014, there are 22 approved programs. One of the current programs is operated by an ESD on behalf of 24 school districts.
The laws and rules pertaining to the standardized high school transcript apply only to school districts. Currently, if a student in a dropout reengagement program operated by an ESD earns a credit for completed coursework, the ESD must request the student's resident school district to grant the credit and update the student's transcript.
Summary of Bill:
Educational Service Districts.
The following responsibilities are added to basic core services to be provided by the ESDs and included in ESD budgets:
coordinate and convene school, family, and community partnerships to develop comprehensive Systems;
assist local partnerships in using the System assessment tool developed by the OSPI; and
develop dropout reengagement programs to be offered under the model contract.
Dropout Reengagement.
The ESDs that operate state-approved dropout reengagement programs under the model contract with school districts may award high school credit and issue transcripts to students.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.