SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 6193

BYSenate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Saling, Fleming, Bailey, Rinehart, Patrick, Conner, Johnson, Stratton and Sutherland)

Including middle and junior high school students in the mathematics, engineering, and science achievement program.

Senate Committee on Education

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 25, 1990; January 29, 1990

Majority Report:  Do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.

      Signed by Senators Bailey, Chairman; Lee, Vice Chairman; Anderson, Bender, Fleming, Gaspard, Murray, Rinehart.

Senate Staff:Susan Mosborg (786-7439)

                  February 1, 1990

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 6, 1990

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6193 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Dan McDonald, Chairman; Craswell, Vice Chairman; Amondson, Bailey, Bauer, Bluechel, Cantu, Fleming, Gaspard, Hayner, Johnson, Lee, Moore, Newhouse, Niemi, Saling, Smith, Talmadge, Warnke, Williams, Wojahn.

Senate Staff:Ken Kanikeberg (786-7715)

                  February 12, 1990

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 9, 1990

BACKGROUND:

The Mathematics, Engineering and Science Achievement (MESA) Program for common school students was established in statute in 1984.  The program is administered by the University of Washington, with regional centers in Seattle, Tacoma, Richland, and Spokane.  In partnership with higher education institutions, school districts, businesses, and community organizations, MESA provides after-school and Saturday classes, group science projects and regular field trips to high-tech factories and university campuses for participating students.  Some 90 percent of MESA students go on to college and approximately half of the college bound students pursue studies in science or engineering.

Currently, statutory language directs MESA to place particular emphasis on students in grades nine through twelve.  It is proposed that emphasis be extended to include students in grades six through eight. 

SUMMARY:

The scope of the Mathematics, Engineering, and Science Achievement (MESA) Program is expanded to include students in grades six through eight.

The middle school program provides in-school enriched mathematics and science classes in public schools in Seattle, Tacoma, Spokane, and four school districts in the Yakima Valley and Tri-Cities.

Funds appropriated will be used to hire a statewide middle school coordinator and to contract with existing MESA programs at other universities in the state to provide the middle school program services.

Enactment of the legislation is contingent on funding in the budget.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: EDUCATION:  FOR:  Patricia McGowan; Walter Atkinson, MESA-University of Washington; John O. Herzog, MESA-Pacific Lutheran University; Bill Gray, MESA-Washington State University; Bernie Whitebear, United Indians of All Tribes Federation

Senate Committee - Testified: WAYS & MEANS:  FOR:  Gene Megallanes, Honeywell Corporation; Patricia McGowan, MESA-University of Washington