SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 1892

BYHouse Committee on Education (originally sponsored by Representatives Ebersole, Peery, Pruitt, P. King, Rasmussen, Cole and Spanel)

Authorizing pilot blended programs of learning assistance.

House Committe on Education

Senate Committee on Education

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 23, 1988; February 24, 1988

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Bailey, Chairman; Kiskaddon, Vice Chairman; Bauer, Benitz, Lee.

Senate Staff:Don Bennett (786-7424)

                  February 25, 1988

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION, FEBRUARY 24, 1988

BACKGROUND:

The 1987 Legislature created the learning assistance program to replace the remediation assistance program.  Discussion in 1987 emphasized a desire to assure greater flexibility in providing services to allow more efficiency and to allow blending of programs.

Questions raised by several school districts suggest that modification of the service delivery model used in the older remediation assistance program and chapter one programs cannot be undertaken under the learning assistance program.  There has been considerable confusion as to this lack of flexibility which most proponents believe was the basis for the learning assistance program.

SUMMARY:

A maximum of five school districts will be selected to conduct pilot programs providing a coordinated program with the funds they receive for learning assistance for the 1988-89 and 1989-90 school years.  The districts shall be selected by the Superintendent of Public Instruction based on each project's potential to enhance information on innovative instructional models to prevent or address learning problems.

The superintendent shall waive the following requirements for selected districts:  (a)  That students identified as academically deficient be served in rank order of the severity of the deficit; (b)  That learning assistance program services be supplemental to the basic education program; (c)  That a coordinated program account for the number of minutes a child is served in determining the charges to the learning assistance program; and (d)  Other rules deemed appropriate to facilitate the provision of coordinated services.

On or before August 31, 1990, the superintendent shall report on the results of the pilot projects to the education committees of the Senate and House of Representatives.  The report shall include the following information:  A comparison of the effect of the pilot project and other approved programs of learning assistance on student achievement, an analysis of changes in the number of pilot program students referred to special education, and an analysis of how existing state and federal categorical program requirements impact the provision of a coordinated program of learning assistance.  This act shall expire on September 1, 1990.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: Dr. Stephen Fink, Edmonds School District (for); Lynn Rosellini, Tacoma School District (for); Kris Van Gorkom, Washington Association of School Administrators (for); Bob Fisher, Washington Education Association; Judy Hartmann, Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction