5557-S2 AMH HE H2814.1

2SSB 5557 - H COMM AMD

By Committee on Higher Education

     Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the following:

     "NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.  The legislature finds and declares that:

     Providing greater flexibility and access to undergraduate degree programs for the working adult population is of vital importance to the expansion of economic opportunities for individuals and families.

     Existing degree programs are not providing the needed flexibility for many working adults.  In order to provide greater access to a larger portion of the working adult population, more creative alternatives to the traditional time and place-bound educational delivery system must be developed.

     As demonstrated in other states, the opportunity for working adult students to earn college credit for clearly demonstrating important knowledge that they have attained in the workplace is a key element for providing greater access to undergraduate degree programs.  These credit-for-prior-learning-experience opportunities have also been shown to be most effective when they are offered as a component of distance learning programs.  Many institutions of higher education in Washington provide opportunities to earn credit for prior learning experience, but they are not adequately included as a component of distance learning programs.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2.  The higher education coordinating board shall contract with one or more public and/or independent institutions of higher education, as defined in RCW 28B.10.016 and 28B.07.020(4), to provide access to higher education on a pilot project basis in Clark county.  Beginning no later than the fall term of 1996, the access will be provided through a distance learning degree program that contains an opportunity for students to earn credits for prior experiential learning in a portfolio-based credit for prior experiential learning opportunity structured by the guidelines and standards set forth by the northwest association of schools and colleges.

     The higher education coordinating board shall monitor and evaluate the pilot project baccalaureate degree program and shall report to the senate and house of representatives higher education committees by December 1, 1998.  Elements in the report shall include but not be limited to the number of students served, the number of degrees granted, the ability of the credit for prior learning component to be self-sustaining, and the satisfaction of the students, graduates, and the employer community.

     In order to best meet the needs of the citizens of southwest Washington, the higher education coordinating board will work together with the administrations of local public higher education institutions and the local business community in developing the pilot project.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3.  If specific funding for the purposes of this act, referencing this act by bill number, is not provided by June 30, 1995, in the omnibus appropriations act, this act shall be null and void.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 4.  This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and shall take effect immediately."

2SSB 5557 - H COMM AMD

By Committee on Higher Education

     On page 1, line 2 of the title, after "education;" strike the remainder of the title and insert "creating new sections; and declaring an emergency."

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