SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 2553
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 21, 2014
Title: An act relating to supporting family and community engagement in persistently lowest-achieving schools.
Brief Description: Authorizing competitive grants to persistently lowest-achieving schools to implement models of family and community engagement.
Sponsors: Representatives Pettigrew, Springer, Lytton, Zeiger, Roberts, Gregerson and Pollet.
Brief History: Passed House: 2/14/14, 90-6.
Committee Activity: Early Learning & K-12 Education: 2/26/14.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON EARLY LEARNING & K-12 EDUCATION |
Staff: Susan Mielke (786-7422)
Background: Current law requires the Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) to annually identify persistently lowest-achieving schools in the state using criteria adopted by SPI. SPI's rules define a persistently lowest-achieving school as being among the lowest-performing 5 percent of schools on the reading and mathematics state assessments for the past three consecutive years.
A school district with at least one persistently lowest-achieving school may be recommended for designation as a Required Action District (RAD), subject to the availability of state or federal resources to implement a required action plan. Each RAD must undergo an academic performance audit and develop a required action plan to be submitted to the State Board of Education. The audit must include an examination of the level of family and community involvement at the school.
SPI also publishes a list of research and evidence-based school improvement models that are approved for use in the required action plans. These improvement models must be consistent with a series of specified turnaround principles, one of which is engaging families and communities.
Summary of Bill: Subject to funds appropriated specifically for this purpose, SPI must award grants on a competitive basis to persistently lowest-achieving schools to implement successful models of family and community engagement. To qualify for a grant, a school must demonstrate that its academic performance audit and needs assessment indicate a need for improved family and community engagement. The school must develop its grant proposal with input and participation from families and community organizations associated with the school. The duration of a grant may not exceed three years.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.