AN ACT Relating to the national history day program; adding new sections to chapter 28A.02 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 understanding of history, culture, political and social institutions, and the ability to assemble, evaluate, and make decisions with information presented on issues of public importance are essential elements to citizenship in a free society. The legislature finds that such concepts and skills are mastered through application and practice. It is the intent of the legislature to promote understanding of heritage and the essential skills of citizenship.

One of the successful vehicles for accomplishing the purpose of this section has been the participation by students of this state in the national history day program. This program has the potential to revitalize the teaching of history in the schools by enlisting, in a common cooperative effort, the students, parents, teachers, and administrators in what has proved to be a mutually beneficial educational situation. The intent of this act is to support and encourage the continued values of the national history day program.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. A program to develop research and interpretive skills in the social studies shall be established at Central Washington University. The program shall be administered through Central Washington University and be designed to:

(1) Conduct the national history day contest in Washington state which involves students in grades six through twelve in doing research, interpreting information, and producing history papers;

(2) Promote awareness and use of materials and teaching techniques which involve active student participation in the social studies and enhance analytical, interpretive, and research skills;

(3) Promote cooperation among institutions of higher education, local school districts, and cultural agencies in working towards the goals of the program; and

(4) Solicit contributions of time and resources from public and private institutions of higher education, secondary schools, and private business and industry.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. An executive committee shall be responsible for supervision of the program. The executive committee shall consist of a representative of:

(1) Central Washington University history department;

(2) The office of the secretary of state; and

(3) The office of the superintendent of public instruction.

The executive committee may appoint additional members, as they deem necessary. Members appointed will be representative of the educational, business, and cultural institutions and other interested citizens.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 4. The director will be hired to facilitate and oversee the execution of all phases of the state history day contest including coordination of regional and the national contests with cooperating institutions, promote interest and participation in the contest, and solicit contributions of time and resources to supplement operating funds. Central Washington University shall hire the director with confirmation by the executive committee.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 5. The director shall establish agreements with other educational and cultural institutions and agencies, such as the Washington commission for the humanities, throughout the state to participate in history day and other enrichment programs.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 6. An educational advisor shall be hired on a half-time basis to work with the director to develop and promote teaching programs designed to realize the goals set forth in section 2 of this act. The advisor shall develop standards, guidelines, models, and procedures for events, exercises, and materials produced by the program.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 7. The sum of two hundred fifty thousand dollars, or as much thereof as may be necessary, is appropriated for the biennium ending June 30, 1987, from the general fund to Central Washington University for the purposes of this act.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 8. Sections 2 through 6 of this act shall be added to chapter 28A.02 RCW.