SHB 1408

Brief Description: Concerning the development of a definition and model for "family engagement coordinator" and other terms used interchangeably with it.

Sponsors: House Committee on Education (originally sponsored by Representatives Ortiz-Self, Magendanz, Sawyer, Santos, Senn, Robinson, Orwall, Tarleton, Bergquist and Gregerson).

Hearing Date: 1/11/16

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 identifies strategies to close the achievement gap.

The Educational Opportunity Gap Oversight and Accountability Committee (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.

A graduation coach is a staff person who works with the school counselors to identify and provide intervention services to students who have dropped out or are at risk of dropping out of school or of not graduating on time. A report published by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) in 2013 describes a model policy that defines the skill sets and responsibilities of graduation coaches.

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.

In developing the model or framework for the staff position, the OEO and the EOGOAC must collaborate with: the OSPI; the Washington Education Association; the Public School Employees of Washington; the Washington School Counselors' Association; the Association of Washington School Principals; and the Washington State School Directors' Association.

The section expires July 1, 2016.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.