Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Education Committee |
HB 1408
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: Concerning the development of a definition and model for "family engagement coordinator" and other terms used interchangeably with it.
Sponsors: Representatives Ortiz-Self, Magendanz, Sawyer, Santos, Senn, Robinson, Orwall, Tarleton, Bergquist and Gregerson.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/2/15
Staff: Megan Wargacki (786-7194).
Background:
The Office of the Education Ombuds (OEO), within the Office of the Governor, was established in 2006 to be independent from the public education system. The OEO resolves complaints impartially and confidentially and works with parents, students, schools, and district staff to find collaborative solutions focusing on the student's best interest. The OEO also collects data and makes public policy recommendations, promotes family engagement in education, and identifying strategies to close the achievement gap.
The Educational Opportunity Gap Oversight and Accountability Commission (EOGOAC) was created in 2009 to address the achievement gap in Washington's public schools. The committee is tasked with recommending to the educational agencies specific policies and strategies to:
support and facilitate parent and community involvement and outreach;
enhance the cultural competency of current and future educators and the cultural relevance of curriculum and instruction;
expand pathways and strategies to prepare and recruit diverse teachers and administrators;
recommend current programs and resources that should be redirected to narrow the gap;
identify data elements and systems needed to monitor progress in closing the gap;
make closing the achievement gap part of the school and school district improvement process; and
explore innovative school models that have shown success in closing the achievement gap.
A variety of initiatives across the state and across the country focus on encouraging parents, guardians, and families to understand and demonstrate the importance of education, to participate in their student's learning process, and to become involved in school activities. Beginning in September 2018, the prototypical school model will include funding for one "parent involvement coordinator" per prototypical elementary, middle, and high school.
Summary of Bill:
By December 1, 2015, the OEO must collaborate with the EOGOAC to recommend to the Legislature:
a definition for the term that is variously referred to as "family engagement coordinator," "parent and family engagement coordinator," and "parent involvement coordinator;" and
a model or framework for such a staff position.
The section expires July 1, 2016.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.