HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 1251

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.

Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 27 members: Representatives Hunter, Chair; Darneille, Vice Chair; Hasegawa, Vice Chair; Alexander, Ranking Minority Member; Bailey, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Dammeier, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Orcutt, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Carlyle, Chandler, Cody, Dickerson, Haigh, Haler, Hinkle, Hudgins, Hunt, Kagi, Kenney, Ormsby, Parker, Pettigrew, Ross, Schmick, Seaquist, Springer, Sullivan and Wilcox.

Background:

The Science, Techonology, Engineering, and Math Office at the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.

The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), by statute, is required to provide "support for statewide coordination" for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) curriculum and programs in the state. The OSPI has received an appropriation since fiscal year 2010 for this purpose. The OSPI coordinates and promotes efforts to expand STEM programs, and disseminates grants to middle and high school teachers to receive professional development in STEM pedagogy and curriculum. The OSPI estimates that 237 middle school STEM programs are now operating in Washington.

Special Services Pilot Project.

The special services pilot project enables participating districts to utilize funding realized from reduced special education enrollment to bolster early intervention programs. Participating districts receive a separate allocation based on the reduction in the percentage of students enrolled in special education as compared to the year prior to entering the program, and fund early intervention strategies in core academic areas. There are seven participating districts currently, of which three have qualified for funding. The participating districts include Vancouver, Walla Walla, East Valley (Spokane), Kiona Benton, Odessa, Richland, and Hoquiam. By statute, the program is set to expire June 30, 2011.

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Summary of Substitute Bill:

The STEM Office at the OSPI.

The OSPI's support of statewide STEM program coordination is made subject "to the extent funds are available."

Special Service Pilot Project.

The expiration date of the special services pilot project is changed from June 30, 2011, to March 1, 2011.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:

The substitute bill suspends the special services pilot project as of March 1, 2011, and eliminates a requirement for STEM program coordination activities at the OSPI. The original bill included these two changes, plus changes to: (1) make the activities of the Achievement Gap Oversight and Accountability Committee (AGOAC) subject to available funds; (2) eliminate a requirement for statewide coordination of student career and technical education organizations; (3) change end-of-course testing requirements for the graduating class of 2013; and (4) prorate levy equalization funding.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) None.

(In support with concerns) Reductions to levy equalization are inequitable and have significant impacts on school districts. Levy equalization is flexible funding that is important to school districts during difficult economic times because it enables flexibility within fixed resources. There is no need to keep section seven in this bill, since the budget does not include a local effort assistance reduction.

(With concerns) It is important to preserve local effort assistance as flexible funding. Take section seven out so that flexible funding is preserved for districts and they can manage the retroactive cuts.

(Commented) Wait for the work of the Levy Equalization Work Group before making any changes to the Local Effort Assistance (LEA) program.

(Other) The State Board of Education (Board) does not want to delay the graduation requirements; however, given the current fiscal constraints the Board does support the one year delay for the class of 2013. The Board supports keeping current policy in place for the graduating class of 2014.

The Superintendent of Public Instruction (Superintendent) supports the proposed changes to end-of-course testing and graduation requirements for the class of 2013, but opposes any reduction to the LEA program. The Superintendent is neutral on the remaining sections of the bill.

Persons Testifying: (In support with concerns) Dan Steele, Washington Association of School Administrators.

(With concerns) Marie Sullivan, Washington State School Directors Association; Randy Parr, Washington Education Association; and Hannah Lidman, League of Education Voters.

(Commented) Charlie Brown, The School Alliance.

(Other) Brad Burnham, State Board of Education; and Shawn Lewis, Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.