SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 1168

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.

As of March 10, 2011

Title: An act relating to career and technical education.

Brief Description: Concerning career and technical education.

Sponsors: Representatives Liias, Probst, Kenney, Maxwell, Hunt, McCoy, Finn, Billig and Ormsby.

Brief History: Passed House: 2/28/11, 94-0.

Committee Activity: Early Learning & K-12 Education: 3/09/11.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EARLY LEARNING & K-12 EDUCATION

Staff: Susan Mielke (786-7422)

Background: Student Organizations. Current law requires the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) to provide staff support for statewide coordination of career and technical education (CTE) student organizations. The CTE student organizations eligible for support are those recognized by the United States Department of Education or by OSPI, if the recognition is recommended by the Washington Association for Career and Technical Education. Eligible organizations include:

The 2011 supplemental operating budget passed by the Legislature in December eliminated the funding for the OSPI support of CTE student organizations for the remaining months of fiscal year 2011.

Dual Credit. A variety of education programs allow high school students to earn both high school and post-secondary credits for successful completion of courses. Opportunities for dual credit coursework include, but are not limited to the following programs:

In 2008 legislation was passed with the stated intent to recognize and support the work of community and technical colleges, high schools, and skill centers in creating articulation and dual credit agreements for CTE students by codifying the practice of the colleges creating dual credit agreements with high schools or skill centers that are located inside or outside the college district boundary or service area. If a college has a dual credit agreement with a high school or skill center then all community and technical colleges must accept the course for an equal amount of college credit. There is currently no statutory process for addressing possible disputes between a college and a high school or skill center on this issue.

Summary of Bill: Student Organizations. In order to receive state support, CTE student organizations must:

CTE student organizational activities are integral to CTE if they:

Dual Credit for CTE. A community or technical college may not charge a student more than a standard transcription fee when asked to grant college credit for a secondary CTE course where another college has agreed to offer such credit. If a high school or skill center believes a college is not accepting the secondary CTE course for an equal amount of college credit then the school or skill center may request assistance from the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC). After consideration of the facts presented by the high school, skill center, and college, the SBCTC may direct the college to accept the course for an equal amount of college credit.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.

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

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: CTE student organizations and classes provide leadership skills for students in addition to the academic skills. It connects students with education, work, and college scholarships, which makes them successful in later life. CTE motivates students to take an active role in their education. CTE student organizations provides a positive environment that coaches students in the proper direction through a hands-on education and helps students better themselves and excel in schools. Involvement in our CTE student organizations keep students in school and reduces the dropout rate in our schools. CTE has industry wide assessments that provide documentation of the skills the students are learning. CTE is applied learning and is critical to show students how the education they are learning matters and that they can compete with others and make an impact. CTE transforms students into innovative leaders in our schools and our community through the student projects, where the students use what they learn in the classes.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Betty Klattenhoff, Tom Lopp, OSPI; Bruce McBurney, Katie Grimes, SkillsUSA; Paige Druffel, Washington FFA; Matthew Stodola, Future Business Leaders of America.