Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Education Committee |
HB 1270
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: Regarding mental health and suicide prevention education.
Sponsors: Representatives Liias, Orwall, Jinkins, Finn, Billig, Seaquist, Green, Maxwell, Kenney, Darneille and Reykdal.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/3/11
Staff: Cece Clynch (786-7195).
Background:
Health and Fitness.
The goal of each school district is to provide opportunities for every student to develop the knowledge and skills essential to the several learning goals specified in statute. Health and fitness is one of these learning goals.
The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) has developed the following Essential Academic Learning Requirements (EALR) for health and fitness:
EALR 1 captures movement, physical fitness, and nutrition.
EALR 2 recognizes dimensions of health, stages of growth and development, reduces health risks, and promotes safe living.
EALR 3 analyzes and evaluates the impact of real-life influences on health.
EALR 4 analyzes personal information to develop an individualized fitness plan.
These EALRs serve as the umbrella concepts. Components, grade level expectations (GLEs), and examples provide further specificity at each grade level within each EALR. School districts make curriculum decisions and determine what materials are used to provide instruction around the standards. School districts must have assessments or other strategies in place for elementary, middle, and high school to assure that students have an opportunity to learn health and fitness.
The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) has developed assessments in health and fitness that can be used in the classroom throughout the school year by teachers to gauge student understanding. These assessments are commonly referred to as the classroom-based assessments (CBA), and are administered in the classroom by the teacher. The OSPI may not require districts to use a CBA and must clearly communicate to the districts their option to use other strategies chosen by the district. Districts must annually submit a report to the OSPI verifying compliance.
Youth Suicide.
According to a 2009 article in School Psychology Review:
Suicide is the fifth leading cause of death among children ages 5 to 14.
Suicide is the third leading cause of death among adolescents and young adults ages 15 to 24.
Summary of Bill:
It is specifically provided in statute that, for the purposes of CBAs, health and fitness includes, but is not limited to, mental health and suicide prevention education.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on 1/25/11.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.