SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5721
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 17, 2015
Title: An act relating to the membership of the expanded learning opportunities council.
Brief Description: Concerning the membership of the expanded learning opportunities council.
Sponsors: Senators Billig, Dammeier and Jayapal.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Early Learning & K-12 Education: 2/09/15.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON EARLY LEARNING & K-12 EDUCATION |
Staff: Susan Mielke (786-7422)
Background: The 2014 Legislature defined expanded learning opportunities (ELOs) as school-based programs or community-based programs provided in partnership with schools, that provide extended learning and enrichment for students beyond the traditional school day, week, or calendar. Additionally an ELO Council was established to advise the Governor, the Legislature, and the Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) on a comprehensive ELO system. Members of the Council must have experience with ELOs and include groups and agencies representing diverse student interests and geographical locations across the state. The Council may include up to 15 individuals. Representatives from 13 different agencies, organizations, and higher education are specified.
The Council met six times and submitted its first annual report in 2014. The report provides the following:
the vision and mission statements of the Council;
the Washington State Quality Standards for Afterschool and Youth Development adopted for use with state expanded learning programs;
the initial components for a statewide ELO framework;
a work plan to further define each component; and
an action plan and funding model for a pilot program to reduce summer learning loss through the use of state funds for additional student learning days in elementary schools with significant populations of low-income students.
Summary of Bill: A member is added to the specified representatives on the ELO Council. The member must be a representative of a statewide nonprofit coalition that is representative of communities of color and low-income communities.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The ELO Council is doing a great job. But there needs to be slight adjustment in the composition of the Council to ensure it has representation of communities of color and low-income communities. While the authorizing legislation specifies 13 members to represent specified groups it also permits up to 15 people to serve on the Council. There currently are 15 members on the Council. The intent is not to get anyone dismissed off the Council so there is a committee amendment to increase the overall number of Council members to 16.
OTHER: We support this bill but we think there is a missing a key resource that could be helpful in ELOs. That resource is the public community library in addition to the school libraries.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Billing, prime sponsor.
OTHER: Carolyn Logue, WA Library Media Assn.