BILL REQ. #:  Z-0587.1 

Read first time 01/15/14.   Referred to Committee on Appropriations.

     AN ACT Relating to state-funded learning improvement days; and amending RCW 28A.415.360.

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

Sec. 1   RCW 28A.415.360 and 2009 c 548 s 403 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 and to provide educators with the training and support necessary to ensure the successful implementation of statewide education reforms. The intent of this section is to provide guidance for the learning improvement days in the omnibus appropriations act: PROVIDED, That for the 2013-2015 and 2015-2017 fiscal biennia, districts receiving funding for learning improvement days must use those funds as specified 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) 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 documenting how the use of the funds contributes to measurable improvement in the 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.