SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 2641

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 Summary of Bill

Requires each school district to adopt a policy to promote the recruitment and use of industry and trade expert volunteers in career and technical education (CTE) courses offered in grades seven and eight.
Requires the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), in coordination with various groups, to develop materials and a model policy to assist school districts in following these policies.

Background: Career and Technical Education Courses. Washington law defines career and technical education (CTE) to mean a planned program of courses and learning experiences that includes exploration of career options, support of basic academic and life skills, and the enabling of high academic standards and options for high skill, high wage employment preparation.

OSPI administers CTE-related programs through the Career and Technical Education – Washington office, overseen by Career and College Readiness. Through this office, OSPI has established CTE Program Standards, which state that CTE programs must, among other things:

apply state and national core content standards;

must be taught by a certified CTE teacher;
develop leadership and employability skills;
integrate current industry defined standards; and
be endorsed by a local advisory committee and CTE program supervisors at OSPI.

CTE program funding may be used for grades seven and eight for exploratory CTE courses. Standards for exploratory courses include demonstrating foundational knowledge and skills within related career clusters, as well as leadership and employability skills. These are separate from preparatory courses, which are high school courses designed to train students for employment readiness, and to result in either college credit or employment certification.

Summary of Bill: Each school district must adopt a policy by September 1, 2019, to promote the recruitment and use of industry and trade expert volunteers in CTE courses offered in grades seven and eight. Policies adopted under this provision must seek to expand the use of industry and trade expert volunteers in classrooms to:

deepen students' subject matter understanding, including knowledge related to the practical application of skills;

increase student awareness of additional CTE concepts and practices; and

provide forums for students to learn directly from industry and trade practitioners.

District policies created under this direction may be updated periodically and must also include provisions for ensuring that the actions of volunteers are directed by and coordinated with classroom teachers, suggestions and strategies for community outreach, and other items as necessary.

OSPI must develop materials by March 1, 2019, including a model policy, to assist districts to comply with these requirements. OSPI must do so in coordination with the Washington State School Directors' Association and a state association representing career and technical education.