HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

                 HB  1814

Title:  An act relating to contracts for alternative educational service providers.

Brief Description:  Changing provisions relating to contracts for alternative educational service providers.

Sponsors:  Representatives Radcliff, Thomas and Talcott.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Meeting Date:  February 18, 1999.

Bill Analysis Prepared by: Charlie Gavigan (786-7340).

Background: School districts may contract with alternative educational service providers to provide services to eligible students.   These service providers include other schools, alternative educational service programs not operated by the school district, education centers, skills centers, dropout prevention programs, and other public and private organizations.  Eligible students include students who are likely to be expelled, present disciplinary problems, or are academically at risk.

For at risk students, the school district and the service provider must specify the specific learning standards the students are expected to achieve.

The Superintendent of Public Instruction has adopted rules on alternative education or learning programs funded through the school district that apply to students whose parent(s) or guardian may provide a portion of the alternative education or learning experience; these students cannot be home-based, cannot be attending private school,  and cannot be adults.

Summary of Bill: A school district can contract with alternative educational service providers for educational, instructional, or specialized services to any student or group of students.  Priority must be given to programs that serve at-risk students.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.