SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 1521
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 recognizing Washington innovation schools.
Brief Description: Recognizing Washington innovation schools.
Sponsors: Representatives Maxwell, Haigh, Sullivan, Pettigrew, Santos, Kenney, Liias, Frockt, Jacks, Clibborn, Probst, Sells, Lytton, Goodman, Orwall, Van De Wege, Green, Hunt, McCoy, Ladenburg, Billig, Seaquist, Fitzgibbon, Carlyle and Jinkins.
Brief History: Passed House: 2/23/11, 96-0.
Committee Activity: Early Learning & K-12 Education: 3/10/11.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON EARLY LEARNING & K-12 EDUCATION |
Staff: Susan Mielke (786-7422)
Background: A school district board of directors has broad statutory authority to develop and implement programs, activities, services, or practices that promote the education of kindergarten through 12th grade students in the public schools. Additionally, school boards have explicit authority to establish grades, departments, schools, and training which, in the judgment of the board, best promotes the interests of education in the district, so long as it does not conflict with other law.
Summary of Bill: Eleven examples of innovation schools and programs are listed. It is the Legislature's stated intent to recognize and encourage additional innovation schools and programs.
The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) must develop criteria and a review process to identify innovation public schools. A school may be nominated by a community, organization, school district, or itself. OSPI must designate a school that meets the criteria a Washington Innovation School or Program. Within available funds, OSPI must develop a logo, certificate, and other recognition strategies to encourage and highlight innovation schools.
OSPI must create a website that links to research literature, national best practices, and summary information about Washington Innovation Schools. OSPI must also link to the schools' websites. OSPI is encouraged to offer an educational administrator intern the opportunity to create the webpage for credit for his or her administrator certificate. OSPI must publicize the Washington Innovation School designation and encourage access of the website and creation of additional models of innovation.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
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: There are hundreds of innovation schools currently operating throughout our state. They are designed and operated by the public school district boards to meet the unique needs of their students. This designation will shine a spotlight on the successes in the K-12 system and will recognize innovation and creativity. There is a tremendous capacity in our state to create innovation schools and programs under the current law and collective bargaining agreements. The website will facilitate the sharing of best practices and will encourage other innovative schools and programs to be initiated. Higher education would like to insert references to higher education because they are actively partnering with K-12 schools to create innovation schools and programs.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Maxwell, prime sponsor; Jerry Bender, Assn. of WA School Principals; Andrea Cobb, OSPI; Ron Thiele, Strong Public Schools; Jim Kainber, Stand for Children; Sally Boni, Talbot Hill Elementary; Lucinda Young, WA Education Assn.; George Scarola, League of Education Voters; Dan Steele, WA Assn. of School Administrators; Marie Sullivan, WA State School Directors Assn.; Anthony Flinn, Eastern WA University on behalf of Western WA University.