BP BHEAD INT S [atlas:bill]

AN ACT Relating to improving mathematics proficiency; adding a new section to chapter 28A.300 RCW; and creating new sections.

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

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature has identified several findings that indicate that mathematics instruction in the elementary and middle grades needs improvement. The legislature finds that less than twenty-two percent of students who took the 1997 fourth grade Washington assessment of student learning met the standard for proficiency in mathematics. Findings from the third international mathematics and science study show that, although United States fourth grade students scored above the international average in mathematics, United States eighth grade students scored below average. The study also found that the middle school curriculum may be a weak link in the United States educational curriculum, and that many eighth grade and ninth grade students may lack the skills needed to be successful in college. The legislature also finds that females have traditionally not participated at the equivalent level as males in challenging mathematics courses. The legislature intends to identify best practices in mathematics instruction for current and prospective mathematics teachers in the elementary and middle grades, and to provide opportunities for all students to improve their mathematics proficiency against state, national, and international standards.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 28A.300 RCW to read as follows:

(1) For purposes of this section, "assessment" means Washington assessment of student learning developed by the commission on student learning under RCW 28A.630.885.

(2) The superintendent of public instruction shall establish an excellence in mathematics grant program. The purpose of the grant program is to improve student learning by enhancing teachers' skills in using teaching methods that have proven results gathered through empirical research and to assist students in mathematics instruction in elementary and middle school.

(3) Schools and school districts may apply for excellence in mathematics grants. To qualify for a grant, the grant proposal shall provide that the grantee must:

(a) Document that the instructional model the grantee intends to implement has proven results gathered through empirical research;

(b) Agree to assist the independent contractor identified under subsection (6) of this section in evaluating the effectiveness of the selected instructional models; and

(c) Provide evidence of a significant number of students who are not achieving mathematics proficiency at grade level, as measured by the fourth grade assessment or, if fourth grade assessment results are not available, by the fourth grade comprehensive test of basic skills.

(4) To the extent funds are appropriated, the superintendent of public instruction shall make initial grants available by September 1, 1998, for schools and school districts. Subject to available funding, schools and school districts may submit additional applications to the superintendent of public instruction by September 1, 1999, and by September 1st in subsequent years. Grants will be awarded for three years, subject to available funding.

(5) The superintendent of public instruction shall appoint an excellence in mathematics grant committee to develop an application and review process for awarding the grants established in this section and to oversee the design and implementation of the evaluation in subsection (6) of this section. The committee shall consist of three representatives of parents or students, one professor of mathematics, one professional currently working in a math-related career, three mathematics curriculum coordinators from within three different educational service districts, three representatives of the office of the superintendent of public instruction, including one assessment specialist, and three mathematics teachers representing school districts. Committee members shall serve without additional compensation but are eligible for per diem and mileage allowances under RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060.

(6) The superintendent of public instruction shall contract with an independent contractor who has experience in program evaluation:

(a) To conduct and disseminate a literature review of best practices in mathematics instruction and staff development in elementary and middle school state-wide and nationally; and

(b) To the extent funds are specifically appropriated for this purpose, conduct a multiyear evaluation of the effectiveness of the instructional models as measured by student achievement on the fourth grade assessment and later achievement on the seventh grade assessment.

(7) The contractor shall report changes in fourth grade and seventh grade assessment results, effects of the instructional models on student achievement, other variables that may have affected student achievement, and recommendations for best practices in mathematics instruction in elementary and middle school.

(8) The superintendent of public instruction shall submit biennially to the legislature and the governor a report on the excellence in mathematics grant program. The first report must be submitted not later than December 1, 2000, and each succeeding report must be submitted not later than December 1st of each even-numbered year. Reports must include information on how the schools and school districts used the grant money, the instructional models used, how they were implemented, and the findings of the independent contractor.

(9) The superintendent of public instruction shall disseminate information periodically to school districts that participate in the excellence in mathematics grant program during the evaluation conducted under subsection (6) of this section and shall report to the districts regarding the final evaluation of the instructional models and implementation strategies.

(10) The superintendent of public instruction shall disseminate information to the school districts five years after the beginning of the grant program regarding the evaluation of the instructional models and implementation strategies.

(11) The superintendent of public instruction may use up to five percent of the appropriated funds for administration of the excellence in mathematics grant program established in this section.

(12) Funding under this section shall not become part of the state's basic program of education obligation as set forth under Article IX of the state Constitution.

(13) Funding under this section shall be used solely to supplement and not supplant federal funds for mathematics instruction or state basic education funds for mathematics instruction under chapters 28A.150, 28A.155, 28A.165, 28A.180, and 28A.190 RCW.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. If specific funding for this act, referencing this act by bill or chapter number, is not provided by June 30, 1998, in the supplemental omnibus appropriations act, this act is null and void.