Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Education Committee |
HB 1004
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Providing for social emotional learning in public schools.
Sponsors: Representatives Dickerson, Orwall, Haigh, Kagi, Roberts, Takko, Liias, Rolfes, Hurst, Kenney, Frockt, Goodman and Appleton.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/3/11
Staff: Barbara McLain (786-7383).
Background:
The Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) is responsible for developing learning standards or Essential Academic Learning Requirements (EALRs) that describe the knowledge and skills all public school students are expected to know and be able to do, based on the state Basic Education Goals. There are EALRs for reading, writing, mathematics, science, social studies, health and fitness, communication, and the arts. Legislation enacted in 2007 also directed development of EALRs for technology, which were completed in December of 2008. The EALRs have been made more specific for each grade level through the Grade Level Expectations (GLEs), also developed by the SPI. For some EALRs, student performance is measured by state assessments; for others, it is measured through classroom-based assessments.
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is a term used to describe knowledge and skills in awareness and management of emotions, setting and achieving personal and academic goals, interpersonal skills, establishing and maintaining positive relationships, and demonstrating decision-making and responsible behavior. In Washington there are references to some of these skills in the GLEs for health and fitness, such as "understands positive and negative effects of stress and stress management techniques" or "solves conflicts while maintaining safe and respectful relationships." Some other states, including Wisconsin, Ohio, Tennessee, and Illinois, have adopted separate the SEL standards. In Illinois all school districts are required to adopt a policy for incorporating SEL into their educational program.
Summary of Bill:
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is defined as age-appropriate behavioral and emotional management, relationship skills, conflict resolution, interpersonal communication, cooperation, decision-making, and planning.
An SEL Public-Private Partnership Account (Account) is created in the custody of the State Treasurer to support the activities of the SPI and school districts in support of the SEL. Revenues in the Account include any appropriations by the Legislature, gifts or grants, federal funds, or other sources. Only the SPI or designee may authorize expenditures.
To the extent funds are available in the Account, the SPI promotes and encourages incorporation of the SEL into basic education instruction in public schools. Activities could include:
disseminating information about research-based curricula, model programs, and partnerships with after-school programs;
providing guidelines for school districts;
referring districts to high-quality professional development; and
providing grants to school districts.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.