HB 1708-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

Requires the superintendent of public instruction to review and evaluate promising programs for dropout prevention.

Requires the superintendent to report to the legislature by December 1, 2005, and recommend: (1) The most promising comprehensive dropout prevention programs that encompass school-wide or district-wide restructuring of the delivery of educational services;

(2) The most promising targeted dropout prevention programs designed to provide social and other services in coordination with educational services to students who are at risk of dropping out due to the presence of family, personal, economic, or cultural circumstances; and

(3) Policy and other changes to enhance the ability of career and technical education and skills center programs to further contribute to dropout prevention efforts.

Finds that the dropout rate of the state's Native American students is the highest in the state. Approximately one-half of all Native American high school students drop out before graduating with a diploma.

Finds that culturally relevant educational opportunities are important contributors to other efforts to increase the rates of high school graduation for Native American students.

Finds that the higher education participation rate for Native American students is the lowest in the state, and that more can be done to encourage Native American students to pursue higher educational opportunities.

Declares an intent to authorize accredited public tribal colleges to participate in the running start program for the purposes of reducing the dropout rate of Native American students and encouraging greater participation rates in higher education.

VETO MESSAGE ON HB 1708-S

April 28, 2005

To the Honorable Speaker and Members,

The House of Representatives of the State of Washington

Ladies and Gentlemen:

I am returning, without my approval as to Section 2, Substitute House Bill No. 1708 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to dropout prevention"

This bill encompasses four activities related to school dropouts: a study of effective school prevention programs and practices, a study of Becca bill issues, changes in enrollment and dropout data collection, and, authorization of accredited public tribal colleges to participate in the Running Start Program.

Section 2 of this bill provides for the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), in conjunction with the administrative offices of the courts, to convene a work group to evaluate four items: (1) the implementation of the Becca bill and other school attendance measures with regard consistent implementation and conformance with state law; (2) the definition of excused and unexcused absences; (3) the creation of incentives for school districts to improve student attendance; and (4) data collection requirements related to graduation, dropouts, student transfer and school attendance issues.

Several of the items in Section 2 are included in other sections of the bill. For example, the OSPI is charged with reporting on a study of the most promising dropout prevention programs and practices in Section 1. The OSPI is also charged with making changes in enrollment and dropout data collection in Section 3. Both of these activities are key to helping all of us better understand which students are most likely to dropout and what are the most effective ways of reaching these students.

Section 2 specifically states that it should be implemented to the extent funds are appropriated. Unfortunately, funding was not appropriated in this legislation or in the 2005-07 appropriations act to carry out the provisions of Substitute House Bill No. 1708. Therefore, I must carefully weigh whether the activities of the bill should be authorized at this time, knowing that resources are scarce.

For these reasons, I have vetoed Section 2 of Substitute House Bill 1708.

With the exception of Section 2, Substitute House Bill No. 1708 is approved.

Respectfully submitted,

Christine O. Gregoire

Governor