SENATE BILL REPORT

ESHB 2816

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 Reported by Senate Committee On:

Early Learning & K-12 Education, February 28, 2020

Title: An act relating to nurturing positive social and emotional school and classroom climates.

Brief Description: Nurturing positive social and emotional school and classroom climates.

Sponsors: House Committee on Education (originally sponsored by Representatives Corry, Steele, Caldier, Van Werven, Eslick, Chambers and Boehnke).

Brief History: Passed House: 2/18/20, 95-2.

Committee Activity: Early Learning & K-12 Education: 2/26/20, 2/28/20 [DPA].

Brief Summary of Amended Bill

  • Directs the Washington State School Directors' Association to develop and update a model policy and procedure for nurturing a positive social and emotional school and classroom climate.

  • Allows school districts to adopt a policy and procedure consistent with the model by the beginning of the 2021-22 school year.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EARLY LEARNING & K-12 EDUCATION

Majority Report: Do pass as amended.

Signed by Senators Wellman, Chair; Wilson, C., Vice Chair; Hawkins, Ranking Member; Holy, Hunt, McCoy, Mullet, Padden, Pedersen, Salomon and Wagoner.

Staff: Ailey Kato (786-7434)

Background: Social-Emotional Learning Benchmarks and Developmental Indicators. In 2015, a budget proviso directed the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) to convene a work group to recommend comprehensive benchmarks for developmentally appropriate interpersonal and decision-making knowledge and skills of social-emotional learning (SEL) for grades K-12.

In 2017, a budget proviso directed OSPI to continue this work group to identify and articulate grade-level developmental indicators for each of the SEL benchmarks, solicit feedback, and develop best practices or guidance.

Social-Emotional Learning Committee. In 2019, a permanent SEL Committee was established to promote and expand SEL. The SEL Committee has a number of duties including developing and implementing a statewide framework for SEL that is trauma-informed, culturally sustaining, and developmentally appropriate.

Teacher and Principal Evaluations. Classroom teacher and principal evaluations are based on specified statutory criteria. One of the criteria for teacher evaluations is fostering and managing a safe, positive learning environment. One of the criteria for principal evaluations is creating a school culture that promotes the ongoing improvement of learning and teaching for students and staff, and another is providing for school safety.

Summary of Amended Bill: WSSDA must develop a model policy and procedure for nurturing a positive social and emotional school and classroom climate. The goal of the model is to support and promote action plans that create, maintain, and nurture physically, emotionally, and intellectually safe, respectful, and positive school and classroom environments that foster equitable, ethical, social, emotional, and academic education for all students. The model must:

In developing the model, WSSDA must:

The model must be posted publicly on WSSDA's website by March 1, 2021. WSSDA must update the model periodically to align with the work of the SEL Committee, and updates must be posted within a reasonable time.

By the beginning of the 2021-22 school year, school districts may adopt a policy and procedure for promoting a positive school and classroom climate consistent with the WSSDA model. School districts may periodically review for consistency with updated versions of the model.

EFFECT OF EARLY LEARNING & K-12 EDUCATION COMMITTEE AMENDMENT(S):

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Engrossed Substitute House Bill: The committee recommended a different version of the bill than what was heard. PRO: Many students drop out of school because of things happening at school not at home. This bill will address systemic issues and help shift the paradigm. A model policy from the state will help schools improve and not marginalize or label children.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Katrina Bretsch, People for People/Educator/Coordinator for Open Doors YVCC; Gabrielle Gilbert, citizen.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.