SENATE BILL REPORT

2SHB 2166

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As of February 24, 2014

Title: An act relating to providing for educational data on students from military families.

Brief Description: Providing for educational data on students from military families.

Sponsors: House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Education (originally sponsored by Representatives Lytton, Robinson, Haigh, Kagi, Magendanz, Dahlquist, Moeller, Seaquist, Johnson, Morrell and Bergquist).

Brief History: Passed House: 2/18/14, 72-26.

Committee Activity: Early Learning & K-12 Education: 2/26/14.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EARLY LEARNING & K-12 EDUCATION

Staff: Susan Mielke (786-7422)

Background: In 2009 the Legislature passed the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children (Compact). The stated purpose of the Compact is to remove barriers to educational success imposed on children of military families because of frequent moves and deployment of their parents. According to the the Council of State Governments, 46 states have adopted the Compact. Member states must annually pay dues to remain in the Compact. The dues are $1 per child of military families as defined in the Compact. Washington's 2014 dues assessment is $32,844. When Washington adopted the Compact the legislation included a requirement for the state council created under the Compact to review the implementation of the Compact on the educational opportunity of military children and report to the Legislature by December 1, 2014.

The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) is required to develop standards for the school data system, including data validation, code validation, decimal and integer validation, and required field validation. OSPI must develop a reporting format that includes instructions for school districts to collect and submit data on student demographics. This data must be disaggregated by distinct ethnic categories within racial subgroups, but not by students from a military family.

The K-12 Data Governance Group is a workgroup within OSPI that oversees the development and implementation of a K-12 education data system for financial, student, and educator data.

Summary of Bill: Students from a military family are defined as students with a parent or guardian who is a member of the active duty of the United States Armed Forces, the reserves, or the Washington National Guard.

By the 2015-16 school year, OSPI's reporting format and school district instructions on collecting and submitting data must include data on students from military families. The K-12 Data Governance Group must develop best practice guidelines for the collection and regular updating of this data.

OSPI must conduct an analysis of the average number of students from military families who are special education students statewide, by school district, and by school. OSPI must report the analysis to the Legislature by December 31, 2016.

The bill is null and void unless funded in the budget.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.