SENATE BILL REPORT

                  SSB 5501

               As Passed Senate, March 10, 1999

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).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Education:  2/8/99, 2/22/99 [DPS].

Passed Senate, 3/10/99, 46-0.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5501 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

  Signed by Senators McAuliffe, Chair; Eide, Vice Chair; Bauer, Benton, Brown, Finkbeiner, Goings, Hochstatter, Kohl‑Welles, Rasmussen, Sellar and Swecker.

Staff:  William Bridges (786-7424)

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:  (1) provide free summer school services to students who will be entering grades six through eight in the fall; (2) provide at least 50 percent of the cost of the summer school program from other public or private sources; (3) design a summer school program to help students meet the academic learning standards and learning goals; and (4) develop 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:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  Academic summer programs are needed for those in grades six through eight because they are too old for day care and not old enough to work.  These children are anxious to learn, and giving them a chance to learn in the summer will increase their chances of success in school and in life.  The state should be a partner in expanding educational opportunities in the summer.  The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction supports the goal but recommends a more stable funding source, like enhanced LAP funding.  Summer programs increase the education performance of students.

Testimony Against:  None

Testified:  PRO: Senator Marilyn Rasmussen, prime sponsor; Bob Butts, Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (pro with concerns); Joe Pope, Assn. of Washington School Principals.