H-979                _______________________________________________

                                                   HOUSE BILL NO. 1428

                        _______________________________________________

State of Washington                               51st Legislature                              1989 Regular Session

By Representatives Betrozoff, Peery, Rasmussen, Walker, Dorn, Pruitt, Holland, Schoon, Brumsickle, Horn, Fuhrman, Silver, McLean, May, Brough, Moyer, D. Sommers, Tate, Youngsman, Ferguson, Wood and Phillips

Read first time 1/25/89 and referred to Committees on Education/Appropriations (2/27/89).

AN ACT Relating to outcome-based education programs; and adding new sections to chapter 28A.03 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.     The legislature recognizes that increasing demands are placed on our schools and the services that they provide to children.  It is important that each school provide sufficient time and proper assistance to students to assure the  greatest opportunity to learn.  Educational research now can demonstrate what enables students to learn effectively.  Outcome-based education is a system for improving all aspects of a student's school program by using education research to show us what produces significant increases in student achievement. Success is based on students' becoming highly educated through the use of the most effective teaching and educational methods available, coupled with a well-defined mission for the school, its staff and students, and the residents of the community.

          In recognition of the importance of this process of defining direction and working systematically to achieve the desired outcomes, the legislature creates the outcome-based system recognition awards.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2.     (1) The superintendent of public instruction may grant funds to local school districts for schools that have shown significant and continuous improvement in student performance in basic skills, as well as other desired outcomes identified by the school district and community.  Basic skills include reading, mathematics, and language arts.

          (2)  Measurement must be based on the implementation of an outcome development model that has been in operation for a period of at least one year.  The outcome development model must include: A clear statement of the school's mission that is understood by all members of the school community; identification of the outcomes or exit behavior that is expected of every student; a set of research-based principles that will guide decision making;  and the development of an instructional process and curriculum that supports the achievement of the desired student outcomes and mission of the school district.

          (3)  Schools in local school districts that have demonstrated significant improvement in student achievement in basic skills, as well as other desired outcomes based on the criteria adopted in subsection (2) of this section, shall be eligible to receive an outcome-based education recognition award.  The award for each school selected as a recipient shall be at least fifty thousand dollars per year for up to five years.  The purpose of the award is to assist schools to carry out the goals of their outcome-based program.

          (4)  The superintendent of public instruction shall adopt rules to implement sections 1 and 2 of this act, including rules that permit such schools or school districts to retain their special needs funding.

          (5)  Recipients of the award shall distribute through the education clearinghouse a description of their outcome-based education program, to all other districts in the state of Washington.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3.     Sections 1 and 2 of this act are each added to chapter 28A.03 RCW.