SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 1577

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 20, 2019

Title: An act relating to addressing data gathering of student participation in K-12 computer science education.

Brief Description: Concerning K-12 computer science education data.

Sponsors: House Committee on Education (originally sponsored by Representatives Callan, Stonier, Steele, Vick, Bergquist, Senn, Slatter, Jenkin, Goodman, Pettigrew, Ybarra, Dent, Harris, Tarleton, Dolan and Lekanoff).

Brief History: Passed House: 3/04/19, 97-0.

Committee Activity: Early Learning & K-12 Education: 3/15/19, 3/20/19 [DP].

Brief Summary of Bill

Requires each school district to submit a yearly report on computer science programs to the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Provides that district reports must include the number of computer science programs offered in each school, as well as data on student enrollment and instructors.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EARLY LEARNING & K-12 EDUCATION

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators Wellman, Chair; Wilson, C., Vice Chair; Hawkins, Ranking Member; Hunt, McCoy, Mullet, Padden, Pedersen, Salomon and Wagoner.

Staff: Benjamin Omdal (786-7442)

Background: Computer Science. Computer science generally refers to the science entailing the theory and methods of processing information in computers, as well as the design of computer hardware, software, and applications. In 2013, the Legislature directed school districts to approve advanced placement computer science as a math or science equivalent. In 2015, SHB 1813 directed the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) to adopt computer science learning standards.

Summary of Bill: Each school district must submit an annual report on computer science data for the preceding year to OSPI by June 30th, with the first report due June 30, 2020. Each report must include the total number of computer science programs offered in each school and whether these courses are advanced placement courses. Reports must be posted conspicuously on OSPI's website.

The report to OSPI must also include the number and percentage of students who are enrolled in a computer science program, disaggregated by gender, race and ethnicity, special education status, English language learner status, eligibility for the free and reduced-price lunch program, and grade level.

Districts must also report the number of computer science instructors at each school, disaggregated by gender, highest academic degree, and by certification if applicable.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The best way to know how we are providing opportunities is to have the data. All girls need access to quality computer science opportunities; understanding the effect of current policies will allow the creation of effective interventions to increase opportunities. Greater exposure to computer science will help foster the next innovators. Tracking who is and who is not receiving computer science education can help to make sure that all communities have the same opportunities.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Lisa Callan, Prime Sponsor; Brenna Nieva, Girls Who Code; Mike Hoover, TechNet; Charlie Brown, Girls Who Code.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.