SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5615

BYSenators Gaspard, Bailey, Barr, Lee, Smitherman, Saling, Warnke, Wojahn, Bauer, Rinehart, Talmadge, Bender, Benitz, Patterson and Newhouse

Establishing industrial arts service areas within the office of the superintendent of public instruction.

Senate Committee on Education

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 26, 1987

Senate Staff:Don Bennett (786-7424)

AS OF FEBRUARY 26, 1987

BACKGROUND:

Secondary school vocational programs in Washington play a vital role in providing trained and qualified workers for industry.  Currently, over 300 industrial arts teachers are providing approved vocational programs in the public schools. Technology education is a new and growing aspect of the industrial arts field.

Within the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction's Division of Vocational-Technical and Adult Education Services there are currently program directors for agricultural education, marketing/distributive education, home and family life education, and adult education.  All other vocational programs fall within the broad area of vocational education program development.

Organizations and individuals involved in industrial education emphasize the need for an industrial arts area within SPI to provide state leadership in this rapidly growing component of vocational education.

SUMMARY:

An industrial arts service area within the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction is established.  The service area should be adequately staffed by individuals trained or experienced in manufacturing and processing, construction, transportation, communications, energy and electronics.  The service area provides assistance to local school districts for the coordination of the state program and activities of student industrial arts organizations and associations.

The industrial arts service area has the following responsibilities:  1) assess needs in industrial arts and provide local assistance in program development, approval, evaluation and research for curriculum improvement;  2) develop in-service training programs and review applications for certification and assist in teacher recruitment and placement;  3) serve as a liaison with business, industry, and other interests to promote industrial arts programs; and 4) establish an advisory task force of representatives from manufacturing and processing, construction, transportation, communications, energy, and electronics to make annual recommendations on the development of curriculum, staffing, and strategies for articulating the state program of industrial arts, including youth leadership in the public schools.

The Superintendent of Public Instruction is given rule-making authority to implement this act.

Fiscal Note:      available