SENATE BILL REPORT

ESSB 5318

BYSenate Committee on Education (originally sponsored by Senators Murray, Bailey, Rinehart and Gaspard)

Requiring an annual meeting for education officials.

Senate Committee on Education

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 6, 1989; February 9, 1989

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5318 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Bailey, Chairman; Lee, Vice Chairman; Bender, Benitz, Gaspard, Metcalf, Murray, Rinehart.

Senate Staff:Susan Finkel (786-7483)

                  March 13, 1989

AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 10, 1989

BACKGROUND:

The state's education system is comprised of at least the following elements:  elementary and secondary schools, community colleges and four-year colleges, universities, and vocational technical institutes and schools.  These state agencies have the administrative responsibilities for the education system.  Requiring an annual meeting of these agencies could promote greater coordination and collaboration.

SUMMARY:

The chief executive officer and board members of the governing bodies of the state agencies responsible for the administration of the education system shall meet together at least once each year.

Among the topics to be discussed at the meeting is the issue of transferability and portability of grades and credits between state institutions of higher education.

The agencies affected include but are not limited to:  the Superintendent of Public Instruction, the State Board of Education, the Washington State School Directors' Association, the Department of Community Development, the State Board for Vocational Education, the Higher Education Coordinating Board, the Council of Presidents, and the State Board for Community College Education.

A report to the Legislature of the yearly meeting is required by December 31.  Recommendations to establish a policy designed to resolve persisting problems with the transferability and portability of grades and credits between state institutions of higher education shall be submitted to the Legislature by January 1, 1990.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Don Johnson, Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (pro); Lee Ann Chaney, Washington State PTA (pro)