SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5462

BYSenator Fleming

Establishing a program for high-risk students.

Senate Committee on Education

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 12, 1987

Senate Staff:Larry Davis (786-7422)

AS OF FEBRUARY 6, 1987

BACKGROUND:

Results of recent research indicate that students who have dropped out of school experience higher unemployment rates, and lower job earnings, are more likely to need public assistance, and are more likely to become involved in criminal activities.  It is suggested that a special program to prevent students from dropping out of school, or from being suspended for long periods, or from being expelled, would help such students to stay in school until graduation as well as reduce the social costs and consequences when students drop out of school.

SUMMARY:

The Superintendent of Public Instruction is directed to undertake a comprehensive statewide study to:  1) analyze reasons for and issues related to student expulsions, suspensions and dropouts; identify characteristics of students at high risk of expulsion, suspension or dropping out; and identify and evaluate state, local and business community services available for high risk students; and 2) develop and recommend to the Legislature a plan to implement a pilot high-risk student program to prevent and reduce student dropouts, expulsions and suspensions.

The Superintendent of Public Instruction must submit the study and recommended plan to the Legislature not later than January 1, 1989.

Appropriation:    $49,500 for the Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Fiscal Note:      requested