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 Reported by Senate Committee On:
Early Learning & K-12 Education, March 23, 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, 3/23/11 [DPA].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON EARLY LEARNING & K-12 EDUCATION |
Majority Report: Do pass as amended.
Signed by Senators McAuliffe, Chair; Harper, Vice Chair; Litzow, Ranking Minority Member; Eide, Fain, Hill, Hobbs, King, Nelson, Rockefeller and Tom.
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 (Recommended Amendments): 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, including those with institution of higher education partners. A school may be nominated by a community, organization, school district, institution of higher education, or by 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.
EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY EARLY LEARNING & K-12 EDUCATION COMMITTEE (Recommended Amendments): It is specified that innovation schools and programs may have higher education partners. Higher education institutions (in addition to a community, organization, school district, or school) may nominate schools and programs to be designated as a Washington Innovation School or Program. When OSPI publicizes the Washington Innovation School designation and website it should also publicize to institutions of higher education. Technical drafting changes are made.
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 on Original Bill: 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.