SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6021

BYSenators Rinehart, Bailey, Bauer, Gaspard, Benitz, Bender, Fleming and Metcalf

Regarding education for empowerment.

Senate Committee on Education

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 1, 1989

Senate Staff:Susan Finkel (786-7483)

AS OF MARCH 1, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Concern has been expressed about the lack of ability of students to apply their education to adult situations after they graduate.  The Legislature intends to promote the development in Washington schools, both K-12 and higher education, of programs to encourage citizen involvement and community action rooted in the educational experience.

SUMMARY:

The board of directors of each school district adopts a written policy by September 1, 1990, to include "education for empowerment" in the curriculum.  "Empowerment" studies include current social issues such as contemporary social injustice, localized neighborhood problems, issues of global concern, consumer and economic education; learning and participating in citizen activism, such as recycling projects; and encouraging student initiative by awarding credit to students who participate in community involvement activities.

Districts are encouraged to review and assess their curricula to determine the extent to which empowerment education is already present.

The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction develops guidelines and a model curriculum for empowerment education available to school districts no later than January 1, 1991.

Materials on empowerment programs, curricula, and material are collected by SPI and made available upon request to school districts.

The SPI and the State Center for Voluntary Action shall provide to school districts technical assistance relating to empowerment education from funds made available for such services.

Appropriation:    $49,500

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested