HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

                 SSB  5501

Title:  An act relating to the summer school jump start program.

Brief Description:  Creating the summer school jump start program.

Sponsors:  Senate Committee on Education (originally sponsored by Senators Rasmussen, Finkbeiner, McAuliffe, Eide, Bauer and Spanel).

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Meeting Date:  March 22, 1999.

Analysis Prepared by:  Susan Morrissey (786-7111).

Background: Summer school programs are generally left to the discretion of local school boards.  Currently, the state specifically funds summer programs in correctional institutions and skill centers.

Summary of Bill:  To the extent funds are appropriated, the Jump Start Program is created to fund summer school programs for sixth, seventh, and eighth graders.  School districts are eligible to receive Jump Start funds if they meet the following criteria: 

CProvide free summer school services to students who will be entering grades six through eight in the fall;

CProvide at least 50 percent of the cost of the summer school program from other public or private sources;

CDesign a summer school program to help students meet the academic learning standards and learning goals; and

CDevelop and implement a plan to assess the effect of the Jump Start Program on student achievement. 

The Superintendent of Public Instruction may adopt rules for the administration of the Jump Start Program.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on March 16, 1999.

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