BILL REQ. #:  S-4157.1 

Read first time 02/03/14.   Referred to Committee on Early Learning & K-12 Education.

     AN ACT Relating to the provision of evidence-based supports for struggling students by community-based organizations; adding a new section to chapter 28A.300 RCW; creating a new section; and making an appropriation.

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

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1    The legislature finds that there are community-based programs designed to deliver evidence-based supports to struggling students who are at risk of chronic absenteeism and low literacy rates, and who may ultimately drop out of school. The legislature further finds that state resources should be provided to such community-based organizations to empower students to stay in school and achieve in life. The legislature intends to provide funding to these programs to leverage success for students.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 28A.300 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) Subject to funds being provided for this specific purpose, the office of the superintendent of public instruction shall contract with the state-level office of a nonprofit community-based organization with local affiliates in Washington communities to increase the support for and coordination of evidence-based services provided by the local affiliates to assist struggling students.
     (2) As part of the contract to receive state funds, the local affiliates and state-level office shall annually collect and report student outcome data as required by the office of the superintendent of public instruction.
     (3) Beginning December 1, 2014, and by December 1st every even-numbered year thereafter, the office of the superintendent of public instruction shall analyze by individual school year the data provided under subsection (2) of this section to determine if the state funding is resulting in improved student outcomes and submit a report to the governor and the legislative education committees with the analysis.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   The sum of one million dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2015, from the state general fund to the office of the superintendent of public instruction for the purposes of this act.