Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Education Committee

HB 1996

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: Requiring music education in elementary schools.

Sponsors: Representatives Ortiz-Self, Bergquist, Gregerson, Walkinshaw, Kagi, Tarleton, Condotta and Farrell.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Requires schools that offer all-day kindergarten programs to provide experiences in music.

  • Requires school districts to provide students with 100 minutes of music instruction per week.

  • Establishes a duty for the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction to promote the adoption of school curricula and policies that provide elementary school students with daily music education.

Hearing Date: 1/26/16

Staff: Ashley Fisher (786-7296) and Megan Wargacki (786-7194).

Background:

All-day Kindergarten Programs.

All-day kindergarten programs are required to provide a rich, varied curriculum that includes development of academic, communication, social, emotional, and large and small motor skills. Experiences in science, social studies, arts, health, physical education, and a world language other than English are also required.

School Arts Programs.

The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) developed K-12 arts standards that include essential academic learning requirements and learning standards by grade in the areas of music, dance, theatre, and visual arts.

Summary of Bill:

All-day Kindergarten Programs.

Schools with all-day kindergarten programs must add music to their curricula.

Elementary School Arts Programs.

By the 2019-20 school year, school districts are required to phase-in the opportunity for elementary school students to receive an average of at least 100 minutes of music instruction per week. In exceptional cases, people of unusual competence, but without a teaching certificate, may teach music in an elementary school, as long as a person with a certificate exercises general supervision.

The OSPI has the duty to promote the adoption of school curricula and policies that provide elementary school students with daily music education. Similarly, the OSPI has the duty to encourage policies that provide elementary school students with opportunities for musical activities.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.