SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5726

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.

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 twelfth 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: The designation of Washington Innovation School or Program is created.

Legislative findings are made that Washington has a long history of supporting innovative public schools and programs. Twenty-five examples of innovative schools are listed.

The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) must develop criteria and a review process to identify innovation public schools and programs. A public school may be nominated by a community, organization, school district, or itself. OSPI must award a school or program that meets the criteria a designation as a Washington Innovation School or Program.

OSPI must create a website that links to research literature, national best practices, summary information, and the websites of Washington Innovation Schools. 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 school districts, schools, and communities to access the website. OSPI is encouraged to annually identify ten innovation schools or programs that exemplify the values of innovation schools and programs.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: We need to identify, recognize, and promote the innovative schools and programs in our state that are doing great things to reach students with different learning styles and preparing our students to be competitive in the world. Many of these schools and programs have started as a partnership and benefit from the expertise of business. Public schools have a history in Washington of providing innovative programs to address the unique needs of students and communities under the leadership of the school board and within the current laws and bargaining agreements. The website is important to provide a central location that will facilitate best practices and provide access to examples of innovative schools, which will build public awareness, the potential for additional partnerships with business, and provide a way to spur more innovation in our state by providing a way for other schools to explore ideas of how they can also become innovative schools. We do not think there should be a limit on the number of schools that are recognized so we ask you to remove the limit of ten.