HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 1485

BYRepresentatives Pruitt, Holm, Cooper, Rasmussen, Holland, Ebersole, Walker, Wineberry, Anderson, Heavey, Jesernig, Jacobsen, Winsley, P. King, May, Unsoeld, Sanders, Silver and Ferguson

Creating a pilot program to encourage students to participate in community service activities.

House Committe on Education

Majority Report:  The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass.  (20)

      Signed by Representatives Peery, Chair; Spanel, Vice Chair; Appelwick, Betrozoff, Butterfield, Cole, Cooper, Ebersole, Fuhrman, Holland, Holm, P. King, Pruitt, Rasmussen, Rayburn, Rust, Schoon, Todd, Valle and Walker.

House Staff:Susan Patrick (786-7111)

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION JANUARY 29, 1988

BACKGROUND:

In the past two years there has been renewed interest in being sure that students understand their role as citizens in a democratic society.  Various reports issued by agencies and associations, such as the United State Department of Education, the American Federation of Teachers and the American Association of School Boards of Directors, have suggested that students become involved in the activities of their community.  Currently, some school districts have developed programs to encourage their students to identify and address the needs of their community through a community service project.

SUMMARY:

SUBSTITUTE BILL:  The legislature believes that providing an opportunity for service to the community is an effective way to develop the understanding and skills necessary for full and effective participation in a democratic society.  To encourage such activities the serve Washington pilot programs are created.  The purpose of the program is to provide funds to cover teacher planning time and out-of-pocket expenses of students in implementing service projects.  A provision is added to the local education program enhancement section of the appropriations act to allow the use of these funds for community service projects.

SUBSTITUTE BILL COMPARED TO ORIGINAL:  Provisions requiring the superintendent of public instruction to administer and award funds for the serve Washington pilot programs are removed.  The appropriation for the program is removed.  The program becomes a permissive activity which a district may elect to fund through the use of its local education program enhancement funds.

Fiscal Note:      Requested January 19, 1988.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Representative Wes Pruitt; Kate McPherson, Project Service Leadership; John Kvamme, Tacoma School District; David Lange, Tacoma School District; Dwayne Slate, Washington State School Directors' Association.

House Committee - Testified Against:      None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    Good citizenship involves an understanding of how our system of government works, a sense of history, a sense of responsibility and respect for others.  This can best be achieved by teaching our children these important attributes in school either through direct instruction or community participation.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None Presented.