SENATE BILL REPORT

ESSB 5313

BYSenate Committee on Education (originally sponsored by Senators Kiskaddon, Stratton and Gaspard)

Providing programs to promote personal development and self-esteem.

Senate Committee on Education

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 26, 1987; March 5, 1987; February 4, 1988

Majority Report:  That Second Substitute Senate Bill No. 5313 be substituted therefor, and the second substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Bailey, Chairman; Kiskaddon, Vice Chairman; Gaspard, Lee, Rinehart.

Senate Staff:Larry Davis (786-7422)

                  February 5, 1988

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION, FEBRUARY 4, 1988

BACKGROUND:

Available research indicates that low self-esteem in students can manifest in a number of ways, including performing below academic ability, dropping out of school, becoming pregnant, and using alcohol and drugs.  It is suggested that a relationship exists between school performance, social behavior, and personal confidence.

SUMMARY:

The Superintendent of Public Instruciton is directed to use the state clearinghouse for education information resources and research to collect and disseminate information about existing model programs to enhance students' personal confidence, and school organizational systems which tend to support the development of closer student-teacher relationships.

The SPI may appoint an advisory committee to address issues relating to the development of students' personal confidence and school performance.  The committee may be supported only from nonstate funds as may be available from public or private sources.  The SPI is authorized to accept gifts, grants, and contributions provided for the support of the advisory committee. 

The Washington State Institute for Public Policy and the state's public and private colleges and universities are encouraged to support or undertake research on issues concerning the relationship between personal confidence and student achievement.

Common school and higher education personnel are encouraged to apply for funds under the state grant program for school improvement and research projects to support projects demonstrating the relationship between improved self-confidence and student performance.

In approving teacher preparation programs, the State Board of Education shall assure that teacher candidates receive instruction in how to create educational environments which contribute to the personal confidence of students.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SECOND SUBSTITUTE:

The intent section, the section renaming the State Clearinghouse for Educational Information, and the appropriation are stricken.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: Senator Kiskaddon, sponsor (for); Ann Olson, Washington State Parent-Teacher Association (for); Steven Jarrett and Chad Smith, students, Wilson High School, Tacoma (for); Grant Hosford IV, student, Stadium High School, Tacoma (for)