Tag Archives: districts

Legislative Update for the week of February 21

Posted by CSTP Staff on February 21, 2025
Education, Education Policy | districts, education, education reform, Legislature, teaching

Week 6 is ending with the first cut-off of the 2025 Legislative Session. Policy committees are charged with the task of passing out as many bills as possibly via executive session by 5pm today, February 21. Bills that are not scheduled to be “exec’d,” by that time are considered, “dead,” and do not move forward.

However, advocates of bills that fail to make it out of committee should remain hopeful. There is always the possibility that some form of that bill will be resurrected during the next legislative session, something we have seen many times before. There is also the chance of lawmakers who have shared similar bills to work together and collaborate on the bills that do make it through, or use the amendment process to try and reach the goals of their original legislation. This session, in particular, has seen a number of similar bills that are aiming to address virtually the same issue. Special education funding is an example of this, so is the issue of using isolation in schools.

The next cut-off that lawmakers will find rapidly approaching is the fiscal one. The House Appropriations and the Senate Ways & Means Committees will have until February 28 to read reports and pass bills out of committee and to the opposite house of origin.

Fiscal Committee Schedules for next week on tvw.org

House Appropriations Committee:

Monday, February 24 @ 1:30pm
Tuesday, February 25 @ 1:30pm
Wednesday, February 26 @ 1:30pm
Thursday, February 27 @ 9am
Friday, February 28 @ 9am

Senate Ways & Means Committee:

Monday, February 24 @ 1:30pm
Tuesday, February 25 @ 1:30pm
Wednesday, February 26 @ 1:30pm
Thursday, February 27 @ 1:30pm
Friday, February 28 @ 1:30pm

House Bills

HB 1079: which would allow school districts to provide all students enrolled in online school programs the option to take statewide standardized tests remotely, beginning in the 2026-27 school year (hearing time: 1:49:59). Testifying in support: several concerned citizens. Testifying as “other:” representatives from OSPI. The bill is in the House Rules Committee.

HB 1257: which requires that special education and related services for students with disabilities be provided to the end of the school year in which a student turns age 22, or high school graduation, whichever occurs first (hearing time: 31:19). Testifying in support: representatives from OSPI, CISWA and several concerned citizens. The bill is in the House Appropriations Committee.

HB 1273: which directs ESDs to collaborate with specified entities to streamline regional efforts that support students’ dual credit access and directs the SBCTC to develop a plan for improving its online career and technical education (CTE) dual credit administrative data system (hearing time: 7:50). Testifying in support: representatives from UW Bothell, WA STEM, Career Connect NW and ESD 112. Testifying as “other:” representatives from WACTE and the SBCTC. The bill was passed out of committee.

HB 1285: which would make financial education instruction a graduation requirement in public schools and requires public school students, beginning with the graduating class of 2031, to meet the high school state financial education learning standards to graduate (hearing time: 2:35). The bill is in the House Appropriations Committee.

SHB 1296: which would make changes to delineated rights of parents and legal guardians of public school children, establish a statement of student rights and associated duties for school districts, and would establish anti-retaliation protections for public school employees (hearing time: 1:12:20). Testifying in support: representatives from the SCPTSA, Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates and several concerned citizens. Testifying in opposition: representatives from Eatonville School Board and Reject 5599. The bill is in the House Rules Committee.

HB 1393: which requires school districts, charter schools, and state-tribal education compact schools to permit students to wear one item or object of cultural significance at high school commencements and other official graduation ceremonies and events (hearing time: 1:07). The bill is in the House Rules Committee.

HB 1404: which would require public schools, beginning with the 2026-27 school year, to provide free breakfast and lunch each school day to any requesting students, and at no charge to the students. The bill extends eligibility provisions for LAP and National Board Certification funding for school districts, subject to the meal provision requirements through the 2029-30 school year. The bill is in the House Appropriations Committee.

HB 1414: which directs OSPI, in consultation with the Department of Labor, to establish a work group to recommend changes to state laws and practices affecting the training, certification, and employment of 16- and 17-year-olds enrolled in or who completed career and technical education programs (hearing time: 1:55). The bill was passed out of committee.

HB 1475: which would suspend the national board for professional standards certification bonuses for certificated instructional staff. The bill is in the House Appropriations Committee.

HB 1634: which would establish a network of statewide and regional partners to provide school districts with the technical assistance, resources, and training necessary to coordinate comprehensive student supports relating to behavioral health (hearing time: 2:20). The bill was passed out of committee.

HB 1651: which establishes teacher residency programs, describes a teacher apprenticeship program and establishes requirements for teacher apprenticeship programs (and number of hours) and requires the PESB to establish a process to approve these programs (hearing time: 1:15:51). The bill was passed out of committee.

HB 1795: which would place restrictions on the restraint and isolation techniques used on students, and specifically would ban chemical and mechanical restraint. As well as modifies notification requirements and would provide staff training requirements (hearing time: 1:20:18). The bill is in the House Appropriations Committee.

HB 1817: directs OSPI to post staff training materials on trauma-informed, survivor-centered responses to disclosures of sexual abuse, misconduct, and assault and to develop a student and family guide on laws, policies, and procedures related to this topic and mandatory reporting as we as requires mandatory reporter training for school employees (hearing time: 24:02). The bill was passed out of committee.

Senate Bills

SB 5004: which would update emergency response systems in public schools including panic or alert buttons (hearing time: 16:58 and 28.50). The bill is in the Senate Rules Committee.

SB 5007: which requires each ESD to develop and offer training for staff to address excessive absenteeism and truancy. The bill adds supporting students who are chronically absent to the Building Bridges Program through grants to community-based organizations. The bill is in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

SB 5025: which directs the PESB to adopt separate standards for deaf and deaf-blind educational interpreters and creates a two-tiered certificate system for educational interpreters (hearing time: 00:33 and 1:24:44). The bill is in the Senate Rules Committee.

ESSB 5181: which modifies certain rights of parents and guardians of children enrolled in public school and removes rights related to notification requirements regarding medical services and treatment (hearing time: 2:29). The bill is in the House Education Committee. From the Washington State Standard, What is WA’s Parental ‘Bill of Rights’? And How are Democrats Seeking to Change It?

SB 5189: which requires OSPI to adopt rules to authorize funding for students enrolled in competency-based education (CBE) programs and to create competencies aligned with state learning standards, as well as requires the SBE to develop a process to identify schools and school districts that are implementing CBE, and identify costs associated with this process (hearing time: 1:11:45). The bill is in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

SB 5193: which supports remote testing options for students enrolled in online school programs (hearing time: 51:16). Testifying in support: representatives from Stride K/12, Digital Public Schools Alliance, OSPI, Insight WA, River Homelink, and a concerned citizen. The bill is in the Senate Rules Committee.

SB 5210: which would establish the ninth-grade success grant program (hearing time: 00:38 and 34:53). Testifying in support: representatives from the Center for High School Success, Tacoma Public Schools, Stand for Children, University of Washington, Prosser High School and Graham Kapowsin High School. The bill is in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

SB 5240: which allows a school nurse or designated trained school personnel to use any available epinephrine on school property to respond to an anaphylactic reaction when certain requirements are met as well as provides liability protections when epinephrine is administered in substantial compliance with the written policies of the school district (hearing time: 1:00:00). Testifying as “other:” representatives from SNOW and WFIS. The bill is in the Senate Rules Committee.

SB 5253: which extends special education services to students with disabilities until the end of the school year in which the student turns 22 (hearing time: 32:03).Testifying in support: representatives from OSPI, CISWA, WSASP, Sherwood Community Services and several concerned citizens. The bill is in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

SB 5272: which expands the school-related crimes of Interference by Force or Violence and Intimidation by Threat of Force or Violence, and increases the penalties for Interference by Force or Violence. The bill also requires standard signage notifying the public of these offenses and possible penalties to be displayed at public school gymnasiums, auditoriums, and public school athletic fields (hearing time: 5:16). The bill is in the Senate Rules Committee.

SB 5327: which directs the SBE to develop recommendations for students to have the opportunity to demonstrate competency of the high school computer science state learning standards, and consider how to incorporate the competencies into the framework of graduation requirements (hearing time: 56:17). The bill is in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

SB 5358: which provides prototypical school funding for 6th grade Career and Technical Education Program (CTE) courses offered in a middle school (hearing time: 00:28). The bill is in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

SB 5386: which directs YLAC to lead a discussion about the requirements for mandatory reporting of child abuse or neglect and directs OSPI to to post staff training materials on trauma-informed, survivor-centered responses to disclosures of sexual abuse, including best practices for working with local community experts, and to develop a student and family guide on laws/policies related to this topic by November 1, 2026 (hearing time: 8:21). The bill is in the Senate Rules Committee.

SB 5418: which allows charter school contracts to include exemptions to one or more of the basic education requirements (hearing time: 53:41). Testifying in support: a concerned citizen, and representatives from the WA State Charter School Commission. The bill is in the Senate Rules Committee.

SB 5570: which requires school districts to incorporate curricula about the nearest federally recognized Indian tribe or tribes into their social studies curricula no later than September 1, 2026, and requires districts to collaborate with neighboring tribes on coordinating curricula (hearing time: 1:35). Testifying in support: the Chairman of the Suquamish Tribe, representatives from the WSNAEAC, several concerned citizens, Marysville SD, Ferndale SD and Children of the Setting Sun Productions. The bill is in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

SB 5596: which states that every person employed by a school district in a teaching or other nonsupervisory certificated position shall be subject to nonrenewal of employment contract during the first three years of employment by such district, unless, the employee has previously completed at least two years of certificated employment in another school district in the state of Washington (hearing time: 55:24). The bill is in the Senate Rules Committee.

SB 5637: which requires school districts that operate a high school provide a mandatory one-half credit stand-alone course in civics for each high school student hearing time: 1:28). The bill is in the Senate Rules Committee.

SB 5737: which would suspend the national board for professional standards certification bonuses for certificated instructional staff. The bill is in the Senate Ways and Means Committee.

Odds and Ends

From KUOW, Are Seattle Schools Failing Highly Capable Students? Parents Raise Concerns.

A little look at my hometown and chess success on the Olympic Peninsula. From The Port Townsend Leader; Check Mate for Blue Heron in Regional Chess Match

Legislative Update for the week of February 7

Posted by CSTP Staff on February 7, 2025
Current Affairs, Education, Education Policy | districts, education, education reform, Legislature, teaching

Happy Friday everyone! The legislature wrapped up week 4 of session and was as busy as ever. Lawmakers remain working hard, hearing public testimony on numerous bills and voting many onto the respective rules and fiscal committees. The first cut-off date is Friday, February 21, just two weeks away. Given this looming cut-off, we should expect policy committee members to maintain their full schedules and fast pace.

On Tuesday, the Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee heard public testimony on SB 5352, sponsored by Sen. Marcus Riccelli, which would expand free breakfast and lunch to all public school students. During the hearing, Committee Chair, Sen. Lisa Wellman, noted the budget crisis that Washington is facing. She referenced the three bills brought before their committee last week which would help fund special education, student transportation and basic materials. Sen. Wellman cast doubt that all items would be able to be fully funded, and asked those testifying which of the other bills SB 5352 should replace. Funding school lunches is also a priority of Governor Fergeson and his office was represented on Tuesday, testifying in support of the legislation.

On Thursday, the House Education Committee surprised those watching by breaking for caucus for nearly 90 minutes, only to return and announce that no bills scheduled for executive session would be exec’d after all. Rep. Sharon Tomiko-Santos gave no further details on why the bills stalled during caucus, however, this leaves the sponsors of those four bills in limbo, hoping they get put back on the committee’s schedule before policy cut-off.

Quick Note – Yesterday, February 6, State Superintendent, Chris Reykdal released a statement regarding President Trump’s latest executive order regarding trans-female athletes participating in sports. Read his full press release here.

Education Committee Schedules for next week on tvw.org

House Education Committee:

Monday, February 10 @ 1:30pm
Tuesday, February 11 @ 4pm
Thursday, February 13 @ 8am

Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee:

Tuesday, February 11 @ 8am
Wednesday, February 12 @ 10:30 am
Thursday February 13 @ 10:30 am

House Bills

New this week:

HB 1832: which would provide additional funding for school districts to target support for students who are not meeting grade level standards in math and ELA as well as provide additional bonuses to educators whose efforts directly lead to improved student performance on assessments.

HB 1855: which expands state protections for marginalized students regardless of federal action or inaction.

Bills we’re following:

HB 1051: which gives parents and guardians of students with qualifying disabilities the right to audio record their student’s individualized education program team meetings (hearing time: 1:27 and 26:29). Testifying in support: several concerned citizens, representatives from Washington Autism Alliance and the SCPTSA. Testifying in opposition: representatives from the WEA, the Mead SD and the Issaquah Education Assoc. Testifying as “other:” representatives from OSPI.

HB 1189: which requires school districts to follow specific procedures when receiving and denying applications from students’ parents/legal custodians who are volunteering to have unsupervised access to minors or individuals with developmental disabilities and who have criminal convictions on their record checks (hearing time: 1:30:08). Testifying in support: several concerned citizens.

HB 1285: which would make financial education instruction a graduation requirement in public schools and requires public school students, beginning with the graduating class of 2031, to meet the high school state financial education learning standards to graduate (hearing time: 2:35). Testifying in support: Representatives from FEPPP, WASA, WABankers, NAIFA, several concerned citizens and the SBE. Testifying as “other:” representatives from WSPTA.

HB 1450: which directs OSPI to administer TTK programs in coordination with the Department of Children, Youth, and Families to authorize programs, approve sites, and set enrollment caps. The bill also limits early entry to kindergarten to children who are likely to be successful in kindergarten as well as aligns TTK and ECEAP standards (hearing time: 54:33). Testifying in support: representatives from WACHILD. Testifying in opposition: representatives from the WEA, the Rural Ed Center, several concerned citizens. Testifying as “other:” representatives from Start Early WA, Meridian SD, WACHARTERS, FYSB, OSPI, WSA Head Start & ECEAP and several concerned citizens.

HB 1676: which establishes a state maximum of 24 charter schools that may operate at any one time and authorizes the Washington State Charter School Commission to reassign and authorize a charter contract that has been surrendered, revoked, or not renewed (hearing time: 132:02). Testifying in support: representatives from WA Charters and BESRWA. Testifying in opposition: representatives from the WEA, Puget Sound Skill Center, OSPI and OLYEA.

Senate Bills

New this week:

SB 5637: which requires school districts that operate a high school provide a mandatory one-half credit stand-alone course in civics for each high school student.

SB 5670: which creates a fuel tax assistance grant program to help fund rural schools’

transportation costs.

SB 5693: which designates the role of the PESB to establish and oversee additional teacher residency requirements as well as specific requirements for teacher apprenticeship programs.

Bills we’re following:

SB 5003: which would establish the school security and preparedness infrastructure grant program (hearing time: 11:59 and 21:21). Testifying in support: representatives from OSPI, the Conservative Ladies of WA, and a concerned citizen.

SB 5004: which would update emergency response systems in public schools including panic or alert buttons (hearing time: 16:58 and 28.50). Testifying in support: representatives from Make Our Girls Safe, Yakima SD, and the Conservative Ladies of WA. The bill is in the Senate Rules Committee.

SB 5007: which requires each ESD to develop and offer training for staff to address excessive absenteeism and truancy. Secondly, the bill adds supporting students who are chronically absent to the Building Bridges Program (hearing time: 12:09 and 1:08:19). Testifying in support: representatives from OSPI, CISWA, WAESD, Big Brothers Big Sisters, SBCTC, a concerned citizen, and the Supt. of Kiona-Benton City SD. Testifying in opposition: representatives from the Conservative Ladies of WA.

SB 5008: which requires OSPI to establish a temporary grant program to support the use of assessment, diagnostic, and learning tools for K-12 students in math and English language arts, subject to appropriations. (hearing time: 1:04).

SB 5080: which directs the Financial Education Public-Private Partnership (FEPPP) to create a statewide financial education graduation requirement implementation plan, informed by data from school districts (hearing time: 3:47 and 31:54). Testifying in support: representatives from FEPPP, Canopy Credit Union, WBA, WSYR, Westbanks Financial, WBBA and SBE. Testifying in opposition: representatives from the Conservative Ladies of WA. WA Bill would Require High School Students to Receive Financial Education before Graduating.

SB 5120: which would expand the Learning Assistance Program (LAP) allocations for high poverty schools from 1.1 to 1.6 hours per week (hearing time: 46:06). Testifying in support: representatives from Seattle PS, Tukwila SD, WEA, LEV, WSASP, OSPI and the Foundation for Tacoma Students.

SB 5123: which would add protected classes to the nondiscrimination provisions that apply to Washington public schools: ethnicity, homelessness, immigration status, and neurodivergence (hearing time: 1:07:49). Testifying in support: representatives from LYAC, WSASP, several concerned citizens Testifying in opposition: representatives from Reject 5599, several concerned citizens and the Lynden SB. The bill was passed out of committee and was sent to the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

SB 5126: which would direct the OSPI to provide direction and state-level coordination to help schools better identify and connect students to behavioral health supports. The bill establishes a regional school-based mental and behavioral health student assistance program through the educational service districts (hearing time: 16:52). Testifying in support: representatives from the Port Angeles SD, the UW School of Medicine, CISWA, WSPTA, AESD, WSASP, NAMI WA, NAMI WA Youth, WCAAP and the Washington Youth Alliance. Testifying in opposition: representatives from CCHR and a concerned citizen.

SB 5134: which would require public schools to commemorate the contributions of Chinese Americans and Americans of Chinese descent and requires school districts to incorporate instruction about the Chinese Exclusion Act (hearing time: 1:03:20). Testifying in support: Pierce County Council District 6 Rep. Jani Hitchen, several concerned citizens and a representative from the CRPF of Tacoma. Testifying as “other:” a representative from the Washington State Historical Society and the WEA.

SB 5177: which would require OSPI to specify that the professional development resources that are provided on certain topics must consider the experiences of historically marginalized and underrepresented groups (hearing time: 1:03:44). Testifying in support: representatives from The Arc of King County, SCPTSA and LYAC. Testifying in opposition: representatives from the Conservative Ladies of WA, and a concerned citizen. The bill was passed out of committee and was sent to the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

SB 5179: which directs OSPI to establish a process to investigate and address complaints alleging noncompliance with state laws concerning civil rights; harassment, intimidation, and bullying; certain curriculum requirements; the use of restraint or isolation on a student; and student discipline (hearing time: 1:32:51). Testifying in support: The Arc of King County, OSPI, WSASP. Testifying in opposition: representatives from WSSDA, and several concerned citizens. The bill was passed out of committee and was sent to the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

SB 5180: which specifies certain components that must be included in a model policy and procedure relating to gender inclusive schools, as well as protects school employees from retaliation if they supported a student who exercised certain rights, or used curriculum or instructional materials that address subject matter related to sexual orientation, gender expression, or gender identity (hearing time: 33:42). Testifying in support: representatives from SCPTSA, the Shoreline SD, WA State LGBT Commission, PFLAG Skagit, the Queer Power Alliance, and several concerned citizens. Testifying in opposition: several concerned citizens. Testifying as “other:” representatives from the Lavender Rights Project.

ESSB 5181: which modifies certain rights of parents and guardians of children enrolled in public school and removes rights related to notification requirements regarding medical services and treatment (hearing time: 2:29). Testifying in support: representatives from OSPI, Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates, Sexual Violence Law Center, WSPTA, Gender Justice League, Northwest Progressive Institute and the WEA. Testifying in opposition: representatives from the WSCC, Lynden School Board, Eatonville SB and several concerned citizens. The bill is in the Senate Rules Committee.

SB 5189: which supports the implementation of competency-based education (hearing time: 1:11:45). Testifying in support: representatives from the SBE, Dishman Hills High School, LaConnor School District, SBCTC, Highline Public Schools and the WEA. Testifying in opposition: representatives from the Conservative Ladies of WA and several concerned citizens. Testifying as “other:” representatives from OSPI. The bill is in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

SB 5192: which increases allocations for materials, supplies, and operating costs (MSOC) as well as provides that MSOC calculations must use a three-year rolling average for student enrollment and must be adjusted annually for inflation (hearing time: 1:29:07). Testifying in support: representatives from the WEA, the Supt of Bellevue SD, Supt of Tukwila SD, CFO of Federal Way PS, Supt of Highline PS, Supt of Richland SD, Supt of Kennewick SD, Supt of Seattle PS, Supt of ESD 105, Supt of Lake Stevens SD, Supt of Issaquah SD and the Supt of Deer Park SD. Testifying as “other:” representatives from the Chehalis SD. The bill is in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

SSB 5263: which would increase the special education funding multipliers to 1.6381 for Pre-K students and 1.5289 for K-12 students and would eliminate multiplier tiers that provide different levels of funding based on time spent in a general education setting (hearing time: 2:14). Testifying in support: representatives from WSSDA, WASA, WSPTA, WEA, Supt of University Place, Supt of Franklin-Pierce SD, Supt of Peninsula SD, Supt of Cheney PS, Lake Stevens SD, Supt of Issaquah, Supt of Richland SD, Supt of Kennewick SD, School Alliance, SCPTSA and OSPI. The bill is in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

SB 5270: which requires school districts receiving funding for the Beginning Educator Support Team Program to provide a mentor to any novice school nurse employed by the district (hearing time: 49:03). Testifying in support: representatives of SNOW and OSPI. Testifying as “other:” representatives of AWSP and the WEA.

SB 5307: which would increase the special education funding multipliers for Pre-K and K-12 students, remove the 16 percent special education enrollment funding cap, and would allow OSPI to reserve up to 0.005 of excess cost allocations to use for certain statewide special education activities (hearing time: 2:14). Testifying in support: representatives from WSSDA, WASA, WSPTA, WEA, Supt of Seattle Public Schools, The Arc of King Co, OSPI, Supt of Bellevue School District, Supt of Tukwila SD, Federal Way PS, Supt of Highline PS, Supt of Issaquah, School Alliance, SCPTSA and several concerned citizens.

SB 5327: which directs the SBE to develop recommendations for students to have the opportunity to demonstrate competency of the high school computer science state learning standards, and consider how to incorporate the competencies into the framework of graduation requirements (hearing time: 56:17). Testifying in support: representatives from the SBE, CSTA WA and a concerned citizen. Testifying in opposition: representatives from the Conservative Ladies of WA and concerned citizen.

SB 5352: which requires all school districts, charter schools, and state-tribal education compact schools to provide breakfast and lunch at no charge to any requesting student, beginning with the 2026-27 school year (hearing time: 11:34). Testifying in support: representatives from Governor Ferguson’s Office, CISWA, AEA, Franklin-Pierce SD, Washington SNA, WEA, Food Life Line, Kent SD Board of Directors, WA Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics, Bethel SD and several concerned citizens.

SB 5358: which provides prototypical school funding for 6th grade Career and Technical Education Program (CTE) courses offered in a middle school (hearing time: 00:28).

SB 5369: which amends the statutory definition of school social worker and grants authority for ESDs to coordinate with local mental health agencies to arrange for in-school placements of licensed social worker associates and masters of social work candidates (hearing time: 1:35 and 1:07:45). Testifying in support: representatives from the UW Smart Center, WASSW, WSCA, OSPI, NAMI WA, NAMI Youth, Communities in Schools of WA, Elevate with Purpose Initiative and several concerned citizens. Testifying in opposition: a concerned citizen. Testifying as “other:” representatives from WSASP and the PESB.

SB 5517: which increases the minimum state allocation for classified staff salaries over three school years, beginning in the 2025-26 school year and provides different minimum state allocations for classified administrative staff and other classified staff beginning in the 2027-28 (hearing time: 36:20). Testifying in support: representatives from the WEA, SEA, Foster High School, SEIU 925, several concerned citizens, PSE SEIU and WASBO. Testifying as “other:” Supt. of Deer Park SD.

SB 5551: which requires by September 1, 2026, each school district must adopt or amend: A policy that acknowledges the requirement for boards of directors to provide every student with access to school library information and technology programs. Scheduled for a public hearing at 8am on February 11th.

SB 5567: which would expand secondary training for careers in natural resources and conservation. Scheduled for a public hearing at 10:30am on February 12th.

SB 5596: which states that every person employed by a school district in a teaching or other nonsupervisory certificated position shall be subject to nonrenewal of employment contract during the first three years of employment by such district, unless, the employee has previously completed at least two years of certificated employment in another school district in the state of Washington. Scheduled for a public hearing at 8am on February 11th.

Odds and Ends

“While disparities in kindergarten readiness still exist, the district has seen growth in readiness among almost every student demographic.” From the Seattle Times, Seattle’s Pre-K Program is Helping More Students Prepare for Kindergarten.

“Computer science is not just nice to have but a fundamental skill for today’s K-12 students.” From ED Week, Computer Science for All: This District Leader is Making it a Reality.

Legislative Update for the week of January 31st

Posted by CSTP Staff on January 31, 2025
Education, Education Policy | districts, education, education reform, Legislature

That’s a wrap for week three of session, and the pace in Olympia has not let up. Along with work sessions and public hearings, we are now seeing committees holding executive sessions in order to move legislation forward to respective fiscal and rules committees. A theme that is shared amongst both chambers is the need for increased school funding, in terms of behavioral health, special education, student transportation, staffing and materials.

Although this session is considered “long,” lawmakers only have 105 to make the most of the legislation that is brought before them. The first cut-off date of session is Friday, February 20, and looms large over the heads of policy committee members. In order to move forward in the legislative process, bills must be passed out of their respective policy committees and into either fiscal or rules committees within their house of origin. Bills that are not voted out of policy committees by that date are considered, “dead,” and will not move forward this session.

Both the Senate and the House Education Committees held work sessions this week focusing on graduation requirements and maximizing instructional hours. The State Board of Education (SBE) proposed their Future Ready Initiative, to the Senate-Ed committee members, touching on its three-phased approach which spans several years, “culminating in a major legislative proposal anticipated for the 2027 session.”

Education Committee Schedules for next week on tvw.org

House Education Committee:

Monday, February 3 @ 1:30pm
Tuesday, February 4 @ 4pm
Thursday, February 6 @ 8am

Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee:

Tuesday, February 4 @ 8am
Wednesday, February 5 @ 10:30am
Thursday February 6 @ 10:30am

House Bills

New this week:

HB 1590: which supports student success through instruction in self-resiliency skills.

HB 1618: which would give access to college in the high school to private school students.

HB 1634: which would provide school districts and public schools with assistance to coordinate comprehensive behavioral health supports for students.

HB 1637: which concerns non firearm measures to increase school safety for students and staff.

HB 1651: which concerns teacher residency and apprenticeship programs.

HB 1662: which removes the requirement for certain education agencies to reside in the OSPI for administrative purposes and by making other necessary changes to support independent administration of each agency.

HB 1663: which would enhance youth mental health and well-being through advanced training and expansion of the workforce in schools.

HB 1699: which aims to defend equity in interscholastic sports.

HB 1722: which reviews state restrictions affecting students participating in secondary career and technical education programs and other state-approved career pathways.

HB 1727: which concerns school library information and technology programs.

Bills we’re following:

HB 1051: which would permit the recording of individualized education program team meetings. Bill scheduled for Public Hearing on February 3 at 1:30pm

HB 1151: which would establish the ninth-grade success grant program. Referred to the House Appropriations Committee.

HB 1285: which would make financial education instruction a graduation requirement in public schools and requires public school students, beginning with the graduating class of 2031, to meet the high school state financial education learning standards to graduate (hearing time: 2:35). Testifying in support: Representatives from FEPPP, WASA, WABankers, NAIFA, several concerned citizens and the SBE. Testifying as “other:” representatives from WSPTA.

HB 1296: which would make changes to delineated rights of parents and legal guardians of public school children, establish a statement of student rights and associated duties for school districts, and would establish anti-retaliation protections for public school employees (hearing time: 1:12:20). Testifying in support: representatives from the SCPTSA, Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates and several concerned citizens. Testifying in opposition: representatives from Eatonville School Board and Reject 5599. The bill was passed out of committee.

HB 1404: which would increase student access to free meals served at public schools. Referred to the House Appropriations Committee.

HB 1450: which directs OSPI to administer TTK programs in coordination with to work with the Department of Children, Youth, and Families to authorize programs, approve sites, and set enrollment caps. The bill also limits early entry to kindergarten to children who are likely to be successful in kindergarten as well as aligns TTK and ECEAP standards (hearing time: 54:33). Testifying in support: representatives from WACHILD. Testifying in opposition: representatives from the WEA, the Rural Ed Center, several concerned citizens. Testifying as “other:” representatives from Start Early WA, Meridian SD, WACHARTERS, FYSB, OSPI, WSA Head Start & ECEAP and several concerned citizens.

Senate Bills

New this week:

SB 5483: which aims to preserve history and heritage education.

SB 5517: which relates to determining state allocations for school staff salaries.

SB 5551: which concerns school library information and technology programs.

SB 5564: which would make modifications to the goals of basic education.

SB 5567: which would expand secondary training for careers in natural resources and conservation.

SB 5570: which aims to support public school instruction in tribal sovereignty and federally recognized Indian tribes.

SB 5574: which would provide instruction on Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander history in public schools.

SB 5596: which would repeal the interstate teacher mobility compact.

Bills we’re following:

SSB 5181: which modifies certain rights of parents and guardians of children enrolled in public school and removes rights related to notification requirements regarding medical services and treatment (hearing time: 2:29). Testifying in support: representatives from OSPI, Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates, Sexual Violence Law Center, WSPTA, Gender Justice League, Northwest Progressive Institute and the WEA. Testifying in opposition: representatives from the WSCC, Lynden School Board, Eatonville SB and several concerned citizens. The bill is in the Senate Rules Committee.

SB 5263: which would increase the special education funding multipliers to 1.6381 for Pre-K students and 1.5289 for K-12 students and would eliminate multiplier tiers that provide different levels of funding based on time spent in a general education setting (hearing time: 2:14). Testifying in support: representatives from WSSDA, WASA, WSPTA, WEA, Supt of University Place, Supt of Franklin-Pierce SD, Supt of Peninsula SD, Supt of Cheney PS, Lake Stevens SD, Supt of Issaquah, Supt of Richland SD, Supt of Kennewick SD, School Alliance, SCPTSA and OSPI. The bill was passed out of committee and sent to the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

SB 5327: which directs the SBE to develop recommendations for students to have the opportunity to demonstrate competency of the high school computer science state learning standards, and consider how to incorporate the competencies into the framework of graduation requirements (hearing time: 56:17). Testifying in support: representatives from the SBE, CSTA WA and a concerned citizen. Testifying in opposition: representatives from the Conservative Ladies of WA and concerned citizen.

SB 5358: which provides prototypical school funding for 6th grade Career and Technical Education Program (CTE) courses offered in a middle school (hearing time: 00:28).

Odds and Ends

What motivates the boys and girls in your classroom and how are those motivators different? From Education Week: Why School isn’t Working for Many Boys and What Could Help?

Looking for inspiration during the second semester? This week from KQED’s MindShift, Four Strategies for a Successful Second Semester.

Legislative Update: January 24, 2025

Posted by CSTP Staff on January 24, 2025
Education Policy | districts, education, education reform, Legislature, teaching

Happy Friday! Lawmakers were hard at work this week, hearing testimony on a number of bills as well as still introducing new legislation to be considered by their peers. However, it’s hard to deny the role that the state’s Operating Budget is playing this session. With a projected $12 billion deficit and the short time in which lawmakers can address it, the budget remains top of mind and top of conversation.

Fiscal committees held hearings last week, listening to public testimony on the operating budget bills in both the House, HB 1198, and in the Senate, SB 5167. Representatives from all areas of the education system showed up to voice their thoughts regarding additional funding needs for our K-12 education system. If the start of session is any indicator of what the remaining weeks will look like, we are in for some major debate and discussion about where and how much we can allocate to our public schools.

The House Education Committee held two lengthy work sessions this week. Tuesday’s meeting focused on the work that the legislature has done thus far to address student behavioral and mental health in our state. HB 1547, which would establish a statewide network for student mental and behavioral health, and is sponsored by the committee chair, Sharon Tomiko-Santos, is another example of this sustained effort over the last few cycles.

Over in the senate, the Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee, heard hours of testimony on topics focused on preventing discrimination, school inclusivity and two separate but similar bills: SB 5263 and SB 5307, focused on special education. Increasing funding for special education has been a focal point for Washington’s State Superintendent, Chris Reykdol. He told KUOW last week, regarding his request for an additional $3 billion in K-12 funding, “about a third of that increase would go toward special education.”

Education Committee Schedules for next week on tvw.org

House Education Committee:

Monday, January 27 @ 1:30pm
Tuesday, January 28 @ 4pm
Thursday, January 1/30 @ 8am

Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee:

Tuesday, January 28 @ 8am
Wednesday, January 29 @ 10:30am
Thursday, January 30 @ 10:30am

House Bills

New this week:

HB 1393: which would provide public school students with opportunities for cultural expression at commencement ceremonies.

HB 1404: which would increase student access to free meals served at public schools. Referred to the House Appropriations Committee.

HB 1414: which would create a CTE work group to improve access to career opportunities for students.

HB 1528: which would improve individualized education plans (IEPs) for special education.

HB 1547: which would establish a statewide network for student mental and behavioral health.

Bills we’re following:

HB 1020: which would increase the accessibility of academic re-engagement opportunities for eligible students.

HB 1021: which works to promote educational stability for children of military families.

HB 1031: which aims to mitigate the impact of rising school facility temperatures resulting from climate change.

HB 1051: which would permit the recording of individualized education program team meetings.

HB 1079: which supports remote testing options for students enrolled in online school programs.

HB 1085: which aims to improve school safety by extending penalties for interference by, or intimidation by threat of, force or violence at schools and extracurricular activities and requiring schools to notify the public of such penalties. Referred to the Community Safety Committee.

HB 1122 or SB 5346: which would determine restrictions on mobile device usage by public school students. From The Seattle Times, Banning Cell Phones in Schools Gains Popularity in Red and Blue States.

HB 1134: which would promote resource conservation practices in public schools.

HB 1151: which would establish the ninth-grade success grant program. Referred to the House Appropriations Committee.

HB 1189: which addresses parental involvement through volunteering in schools after a criminal conviction.

HB 1241: which would improve access to and the provision of free appropriate public education for students with disabilities.

HB 1257: or SB 5253: which would extend special education services to students with disabilities until the end of the school year in which the student turns 22.

HB 1285: which would make financial education instruction a graduation requirement in public schools and requires public school students, beginning with the graduating class of 2031, to meet the high school state financial education learning standards to graduate (hearing time: 2:35). Testifying in support: Representatives from FEPPP, WASA, WABankers, NAIFA, several concerned citizens and the SBE. Testifying as “other:” representatives from WSPTA.

HB 1295: which would use evidence-based instructional practices in reading and writing literacy for public elementary students.

Senate Bills

New this week:

SB 5327: which addresses learning standards and graduation requirements.

SB 5358: which concerns career and technical education in sixth grade.

SB 5369: which aims to enhance youth mental health and well-being through advanced training and expansion of the workforce in schools.

Bills we’re following:

SB 5007: which would support students who are chronically absent and at risk for not graduating high school.

SB 5097: which relates to school boards and ensuring competitiveness in girls’ interscholastic athletic activities.

SB 5135: which concerns school districts’ authority to establish their curriculum.

SB 5137: which requires parental or legal guardian approval before a child participates in comprehensive sexual health education.

SB 5181: which modifies certain rights of parents and guardians of children enrolled in public school and removes rights related to notification requirements regarding medical services and treatment (hearing time: 2:29). Testifying in support: representatives from OSPI, Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates, Sexual Violence Law Center, WSPTA, Gender Justice League, Northwest Progressive Institute and the WEA. Testifying in opposition: representatives from the WSCC, Lynden School Board, Eatonville SB and several concerned citizens. The bill passed out of committee and was sent to the Senate Rules Committee.

SB 5240: which would allow school districts to maintain a supply of epinephrine to address anaphylaxis in schools.

SB 5270 and 1352: which would provide mentors to novice nurses in the beginning educator support team program.

Odds and Ends

“Our school districts will be bankrupt … they will be required to do layoffs and school closures if we don’t take a very big leap forward in funding for special education for this coming school year.” From The Seattle Times, Why it could be a Big Year for Education in the WA Legislature.

On a lighter note…check out this new podcast, Spectacular Specimens, that airs on KUOW as of this week. The show is aimed towards curious kids and dives into the collections at the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, the oldest museum in Washington state.

Legislative Preview: January 10, 2025

Posted by CSTP Staff on January 10, 2025
Education, Education Policy | districts, education, education reform, Legislature

We are back in action, here to kick off both the New Year and a new legislative session. The Legislature will convene for the regular 2025 legislative session on Monday, January 13 and is scheduled to end on April 27. The Washington State Legislature’s regular sessions run 105 days in odd numbered years, and 60 days in even numbered years. Longer sessions provide lawmakers with ample time to write their state’s two year budget, as well as submit hundreds of bills to be considered by their peers.

Washington State is a bicameral body, composed of the lower Washington House of Representatives with 98 representatives, and the upper Washington State Senate with 49 senators. Currently, the Democratic Party holds a trifecta in the legislature, meaning the Democratic Party controls the office of governor and both chambers of the state legislature. For those who are interested in really getting into the nitty-gritty of the regular (long) session and understanding the process that bills go through before they are signed into law by our state’s governor, this article from the Washington State Standard, is a good resource.

Earlier in December, the outgoing Governor, Jay Inslee, released his proposed balanced budget for 2025-27. Inslee’s proposal highlights programs and services that include public safety, education, early learning, housing and behavioral health. His proposal provides K-12 education with an additional $1.3 billion for schools to support increased costs for maintenance, supplies, technology and educator compensation.

Inslee’s proposed spending plan also includes some cuts and reductions. KUOW reported that, “His proposal would pause pay bonuses for teachers who receive their National Board Certification and eliminate or reduce some education grant funding that officials say is ‘underutilized’ — including a program for training paraeducators.” Governor Inslee is serving his last term in office and Governor-elect, Bob Ferguson, will begin his term as Washington State’s 23rd governor on January 15. In late September, Washington State’s Superintendent, Chris Reykdal, gave a press conference highlighting his goals for the upcoming legislative cycle, as well as submitted his K-12 Operating budget requests to the governor. Reykdal emphasized the need for increased funding in the areas of special education, student transportation and high poverty schools. “Budget writers must recognize that schools today are expected to do everything from feeding and educating students, to supporting, protecting, and nurturing their developmental, physical, and mental health,” Reykdal stated.

Pre-Filed Bills

HB 1021: which works to promote educational stability for children of military families.

HB 1031: which aims to mitigate the impact of rising school facility temperatures resulting from climate change.

HB 1032: which concerns school district elections.

HB 1051: which would permit the recording of individualized education program team meetings.

HB 1079: which supports remote testing options for students enrolled in online school programs.

HB 1122: which would determine restrictions on mobile device usage by public school students.

HB 1134: which would promote resource conservation practices in public schools.

HB 1151: which would establish the ninth grade success grant program.

HB 1189: which aims to address parental involvement through volunteering in schools after a criminal conviction.

SB 5004: which would update emergency response systems in public schools including panic or alert buttons.

SB 5007: which would support students who are chronically absent and at risk for not graduating high school.

SB 5008: which would support the use of assessment, diagnostic, and learning tools in public schools.

SB 5009: which modifies the student transportation allocation to accommodate multiple vehicle types for transporting students.

SB 5012: which concerns the organization of interscholastic athletics.

SB 5025: which concerns educational interpreters.

SB 5030: which expands access to educational services by reducing barriers to obtaining vital records and allowing alternative forms of documentation.

SB 5080: which would make financial education instruction a graduation requirement.

SB 5097: which relates to school boards and ensuring the competitiveness in girls’ interscholastic athletic activities.

SB 5113: which concerns the cost-of-living adjustments for plan 1 retirees of the teachers’ retirement system and public employees’ retirement system.

SB 5123: which would expand protections for LGBTQ+ students to promote inclusivity in public schools.

SB 5126: which would establish a statewide network for student mental and behavioral health.

SB 5134: which would require public schools to commemorate the contributions of Chinese Americans and Americans of Chinese descent.

SB 5135: which concerns school districts’ authority to establish their curriculum.

SB 5136: which aims to protect the rights of parents and guardians by using students’ given names in public schools.SB 5137: which requires parental or legal guardian approval before a child participates in comprehensive sexual health education.

Odds and Ends

Is it time to appoint Washington States’ school chief? From the Washington State Standard, Ferguson and GOP Leaders See Value in Eliminating WA’s Elected Schools Chief. From the Seattle Times’ Education Lab, Washington Needs More Early Childhood Educators. But the Pay is the Problem.

From the Seattle Times’ Education Lab, Washington Needs More Early Childhood Educators. But the Pay is the Problem.

Meet CSTP’s Legislative Update Coordinator Samantha Miller

Samantha Miller returns as CSTP’s Legislative Updates Coordinator for the 2024 legislative session. She writes weekly emails during the legislative session focusing on bills that impact Washington educators.

Samantha has degrees in both Political Science and History, as well as a Master in Teaching. Samantha has worked in Elementary Education for 6 years, most recently as a 3rd Grade general education teacher. The majority of her time is spent chasing around her two children who keep her very busy. Samantha enjoys running, working in her yard, listening to political podcasts, and spending time with her family.

Final Weekly Legislative Update: March 15, 2024

Posted by CSTP Staff on March 15, 2024
Education Policy | districts, dual credit, dual language, education, education reform, Legislature, overdose prevention and awareness, paraeducators, teaching, tribal education

Here it is, your final update for the 2024 Legislative Session. Session officially came to a close last Thursday, March 7, and the last week of the legislative session is almost always a busy one on the hill. There are many moving pieces leading up to Sine Die, and it is quite common that last minute decisions are made simply because there is a pressure to get items wrapped up in time. However, this session did not bring with it the typical level of anxiety that we normally see during the last week as there were fewer outstanding issues that needed tending and most budget negotiations had been resolved prior to the last days of session.

During the last week, lawmakers released their finalized negotiated budgets: capital, operating and transportation. The Supplemental Operating budget, ESSB 5950, was released last Wednesday and now sits on the Governor’s desk awaiting signature. This supplemental budget makes slight adjustments to the 2023-25 biennial budget. The League of Education Voters website has a nice side-by-side visual of the final supplemental budget and the areas of education that were most impacted.

As we say goodbye to this session in Olympia, education advocates can feel pleasantly surprised about many of the advancements and financial investments that were made in education policy. Some of which have been discussed by lawmakers for many years. Crosscut noted, “A boost in the school construction formula to add $103 per square foot for school-building, and support for a statewide pilot project to increase the amount of time students with disabilities spend in general-education classrooms,” are just a few of the accomplishments that legislators made in the area of K-12 Education.

Bills Delivered to the Governor

HB 1146 : which requires public schools to notify high school students and their families about available dual credit programs and any available financial assistance in order to reduce dual credit and exam costs for students and their families.

3SHB 1228 : which creates grant programs for establishing dual language education and tribal language education programs, as well as requires literacy supports in service of American Indian and Alaska Native students, and modifies requirements related to the seal of biliteracy and the Transitional Bilingual Instruction Program.

E4SHB 1239 : which would direct the Office of the Education Ombuds to create a simple and uniform access point for the receipt of complaints involving the elementary and secondary education system, as well as require the PESB and the Paraeducator Board to report to the Legislature on a code of educator ethics. This bill would also modify the defense for use of force on children with respect to teachers and other school staff.

ESHB 1277 : which directs the Paraeducator Board to update rules and publish guidance related to the fundamental course of study, and requires school districts to provide paraeducators two days of the four-day fundamental course of study, in person and by specified deadlines, unless the school district is granted an exemption by the Paraeducator Board.

ESHB 1608 : which requires the Secretary of Health to issue a statewide standing order prescribing epinephrine and epinephrine autoinjectors to any school district for use by designated trained school personnel. The bill also amends requirements related to school supplies of autoinjectors to include epinephrine.

HB 1879 : which would name the curriculum used to inform students about tribal history, culture, and government after John McCoy (lulilaš).

E2SHB 1956 : which directs the Department of Health to develop, implement, and maintain a statewide drug overdose prevention and awareness campaign to address the drug overdose epidemic through 2029, and tasks OSPI with developing and updating age-appropriate substance use prevention and awareness materials for school and classroom use. The bill also requires OSPI to adjust the state health and physical education learning standards for middle and high school students to add opioids to the list of drugs included in drug-related education.

HB 2110 : which makes revisions to high school graduation requirement provisions without modifying the requirements or related school district and state agency duties and authorizations.

ESHB 2331 : which requires school district Instructional Materials Committees (IMCs) to include at least one parent member, and directs the IMC to include recommendations for culturally and experientially representative instructional materials. The bill also prohibits school districts from refusing to approve or prohibit the use of any instructional (or supplemental) material on the basis that it relates to or includes the study or contributions of any individual or group who is part of a protected class unless the content contains discriminatory bias.

ESB 5462 : which directs OSPI and WSSDA to update a model policy to require school districts to adopt inclusive curricula and select diverse, equitable, inclusive, age-appropriate instructional materials that include the histories, contributions, and perspectives of historically marginalized, underrepresented groups, which would also include the perspectives, contributions and histories of LGBTQ people, by December 1, 2024.

SSB 5804 : which requires all school districts, charter schools, and state-tribal education compact schools, to obtain and maintain opioid overdose reversal medication in each school and to adopt a related policy. The bill also makes grant programs available for purchasing opioid overdose reversal medication and training personnel to administer the medication.

SB 5852: which modifies safety net award eligibility and award adjustment provisions and requires that a survey of small school districts be used to implement a simplified, standardized safety net application.

2SSB 5882 : which increases staff allocations for teaching assistants, office support staff, and non instructional aides in the prototypical school funding model.

SB 5883: which establishes burden of proof requirements for special education due process hearings.

Odds and Ends

One of the education bills that made it to the Governor’s desk this session was SB 5883 , which will require school districts to prove that they provided adequate services to children. This bill remained controversial throughout the session. The Seattle Times’ reporter, Dahlia Bazzaz, digs deeper into this issue in WA Lawmakers Ease Burden for Parents Challenging School Special Ed .

Back to the issue of “chronic absenteeism,” although WA State lawmakers were unable to succeed in legislation that tackled this issue, there are others out there doing the work! This week from NPR, Battling Student Absenteeism with Grandmas, Vans and Lots of Love .

Meet CSTP’s Legislative Update Coordinator Samantha Miller

Weekly Legislative Update: February 23, 2024

Posted by CSTP Staff on February 23, 2024
Education Policy | districts, education, education reform, equity, Legislature, multilingual learner, paraeducators, social emotional learning, teaching, tribal education

Happy Friday! This week kicked off with the Senate and House fiscal committees releasing their operating and supplemental budget proposals. Short sessions provide little time for lawmakers to catch their breath, because around every corner there seems to be another cut-off. Budgets tend to move fairly quickly through each chamber and the sooner they pass, the sooner committees can meet and the negotiations begin. Last week, the State Revenue Forecast was released, and it turns out that “Washington’s economy is projected to generate $67 billion for the two-year budget cycle that began July 1, up $122 million from the last forecast in November.” That gives Democratic budget writers more money than previously anticipated.

Senate lawmakers proposed their $71.7 billion supplemental operating budget, while the House is proposing just shy of that. The Olympian quoted Rep. Timm Ormsby, D-Spokane, chair of the House Appropriations Committee, “We are proud of the investments we’re presenting today…We do not go backwards in any part of the budget, nor do we fund one program or project at the expense of another.”

On the Senate side, one of the largest proposals in the supplemental budgets this year is $242 million for K-12 schools, which includes funding for free student meals, school construction and special education. Paraeducators would also get an increase in hourly wages under the new budget proposal that would cost the state $49.6 million.

The session officially ends Thursday, March 7, which is just around the corner. Within that time lawmakers will face two more cut-offs: February 26 (fiscal) and March 1 (Rules). This week included the last of the policy committee meetings, and the focus now shifts to the fiscal committees and whether those education bills make it out of either the House Appropriations or the Senate Ways & Means Committees. It is worth noting that two major bills failed to make it out of policy committees this week. Senator Wellman’s sponsored Senate bill, ESSB 6264, that deals with implementing competency-based education, failed at the last second in executive session to make it out of the House. On the other side, House bill 4SHB 1479, which concerns banning the use of restraints and isolation techniques in schools, also failed to make it out of executive session.

Fiscal Hearings Next Week on TVW.org:

House Appropriations Committee

Friday, February 23rd @ 1:30pm
Monday, February 26th @ 10:30am

Senate Ways & Means Committee

Friday, February 23rd @ 1:30pm
Saturday, February 24th @ 9am
Monday, February 26th @ 10am

Bills We’re Following

HB 1146 : which requires public schools to notify high school students and their families about available dual credit programs and any available financial assistance (Senate hearing time: 22:30 and 30:58 ). Testifying in support: representatives from the WSPTA and Stand for Children. The bill is in the Senate Rules Committee.

3SHB 1228 : which relates to grant programs for establishing dual language education and tribal language education programs, as well as multilingual skill bonuses for certificated instructional staff and paraeducators (Senate hearing time: 17:45 and 1:15:58 ). Testifying in support: representatives from WSPTA, OneAmerica and several concerned citizens. The bill is in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

E4SHB 1239 : which would establish a simple, uniform, and easily accessible state-level process for the receipt and classification of complaints involving the elementary and secondary education system, and would require school districts to post the complaint process on their websites and make information available about the complaint process. The bill would also change the defense for use of force on children with respect to teachers and other school staff (Senate hearing time: 2:14 and 42:07 ). Testifying in support: representatives from SCPTSA and several concerned citizens. The bill is in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

ESHB 1277 : which requires improving the consistency and quality of the implementation of the fundamental course of study for paraeducators (Senate hearing time: 2:40 and 35:29 ). Testifying in support: several concerned citizens, representatives from the WEA, PSE and PESB. Testifying as “other:” representatives from Lake Washington SD. The bill is in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

EsHB 1608 : which requires the Secretary of Health to issue a statewide standing order prescribing epinephrine and epinephrine autoinjectors to any school district for use by designated trained school personnel. The bill also permits school districts to maintain a supply of epinephrine and epinephrine autoinjectors (Senate hearing time: 14:28 and 1:25:02 ). Testifying in support: representatives from SNOW. The bill is in the Senate Rules Committee.

HB 1879 : which would name the curriculum used to inform students about tribal history, culture, and government after John McCoy (lulilaš) (Senate hearing time: 6:37 and 50:28 ). Testifying in support: representatives from the SBE, Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation. The bill is in the Senate Rules Committee.

SHB 1915 : which would require school districts by the 2025-26 school year to provide high school students with access to at least one-half credit of financial education instruction. This bill gained some press this week from The Seattle Times . The bill is in the Senate Rules Committee.

E2SHB 1956 : which directs the Secretary of Health to annually develop and distribute a statewide multimedia substance use prevention and awareness campaign that meets specified requirements and requires OSPI to distribute school and classroom substance use prevention and awareness materials (Senate hearing time: 45:19). Testifying in support: representatives from WSPTA, Washington Poison Center, the Governor’s Office, OSPI, several concerned citizens and the Mayor of Mercer Island. The bill is in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

HB 2110 : which concerns reorganizing statutory requirements governing high school graduation (Senate hearing time: 28:38 and 48:50 ). The bill is in the Senate Rules Committee.

2SHB 2236 : which directs OSPI to develop an Allied Health Professions Career and Technical Education Core Plus Program and provide available curriculum and instructional materials to districts and skill centers for optional use by the 2025-26 school year (Senate hearing time: 23:28 and 49:16 ). Testifying in support: representatives from AWB, Washington State Skill Centers, OSPI, MIC, Workforce Board and AGC. The bill is in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

ESHB 2331 : which would bar school boards from refusing to approve, or prohibiting the use of, an educational material on the basis that it relates to the study of contributions of individuals or groups that are part of a protected class, and would establish new requirements for written complaints about instructional materials (Senate hearing time: 1:43:04 ). The bill is in the Senate Rules Committee.

SSB 5804 : which would require school districts to maintain at least one set of opioid reversal medication doses within each high school (hearing time: 9:01 and 38:50 ). Testifying in support: student representatives from Lake Washington HS and several concerned citizens. The bill is in the House Rules Committee.

E2SSB 5849 : which requires that all students show competency in high school learning standards related to computer science in order to graduate from high school, but specifies that the requirements do not increase the number of high school credits required for graduation, beginning with the 2029 graduating class. The bill also provides various options in which students may demonstrate competency in computer science learning standards (hearing time: 00:56 and 1:33:54 ). Testifying in support: representatives from The Sammamish HS Robotics Team. Testifying in opposition: several students from Lake Washington HS. Testifying as “other:” representatives from WSSDA, WSPTA and CSTA Puget Sound. The bill is in the House Appropriations Committee.

SSB 5850 : which would establish a grant program for community-based organizations to support students who are chronically absent, and would require each ESD to develop and offer staff training on early warning systems to identify and locate students who are chronically absent (House hearing time: 59:40 ). Testifying in support: representatives from SBCTC, OSPI, AESD, Open Doors and United Way of King Co. The bill is in the House Appropriations Committee.

SB 5852: would require that special education safety net awards only be adjusted for errors in applications or IEPs that materially affect the demonstration of need (House hearing time: 33:09). Testifying in support: representatives from PSE, Chehalis SD and WSSDA. The bill is in the House Appropriations Committee.

SB 5883 : provides that a school district has the burden of proof when it is a party to a special education due process hearing and creates an exception to this burden of proof requirement in circumstances when a parent seeks reimbursement for a unilateral parental placement (House hearing time: 1:10:44 ). Testifying in support: representatives from TeamChild and The Arc of WA State. Testifying as “other:” representatives from WSSDA, Mercer Island SD, School Alliance and Small School Districts of Lewis Co. The bill is in the House Rules Committee.

Odds and Ends

Bonds vs. Levies and the heavy lift of a supermajority. This week from Crosscut, Over Half of WA School Bond Measures Get a Majority Vote but Fail .

“Test scores are one way to look at how well kids are doing in school, but they increasingly don’t match grades. This is problematic when families use both to signal academic gains or strains.” From The Seattle Times’ Education Lab, “Grade Inflation is Hurting WA Students, Researchers Say .”

Meet CSTP’s Legislative Update Coordinator Samantha Miller

Weekly Legislative Update: February 16, 2024

Posted by CSTP Staff on February 16, 2024
Education Policy | CTE, districts, dual credit, education, education reform, equity, Legislature, paraeducators, teaching

Happy Friday! Lawmakers have worked their way through another busy week on the hill and with much to show for it. Tuesday, February 13, brought with it the cut-off for all bills to be passed out of their house of origin. That put all eyes on the “Rules Committees,” with legislators waiting to see if their bill would be one to make it onto the House or Senate floor, voted on, and passed on to the opposite house. There were several education bills that did get stuck in Rules and will not move forward this session, but it is worth noting that both houses worked quickly and did get an extraordinary amount of bills on the floor and out of committee.

With that cut-off behind them, committee leaders wasted no time scheduling public hearings for bills that came to them from the opposite house. Education committees in both the House and the Senate held meetings Wednesday and Thursday with packed agendas. The next cut-off comes next Wednesday, February 21, and is the last day for policy committees of the opposite house to pass bills out of committee.

Education Hearings Next Week on TVW.org:

House Education Committee

Monday, February 19th @ 1:30pm
Tuesday, February 20th @ 4pm

Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee

Monday, February 19th @ 1:30pm
Wednesday, February 21st @ 10:30am

Bills We’re Following

ESHB 1113 : which requires the Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) to adopt rules for reviewing and vacating reprimands related to behavior that did not involve a student issued to certificated professional educators. The bill is in the Senate Early Learning and K-12 Committee.

4SHB 1239 : which would establish a simple, uniform, and easily accessible state-level process for the receipt and classification of complaints involving the elementary and secondary education system, and would require school districts to post the complaint process on their websites and make information available about the complaint process. The bill would also change the defense for use of force on children with respect to teachers and other school staff. The bill is in the Senate Early Learning and K-12 Committee.

EsHB 1608 : which requires the Secretary of Health to issue a statewide standing order prescribing epinephrine and epinephrine autoinjectors to any school district for use by designated trained school personnel. The bill also permits school districts to maintain a supply of epinephrine and epinephrine autoinjectors. The bill is in the Senate Early Learning & K-12 Committee.

2SHB 1956 : which directs the Secretary of Health to annually develop and distribute a statewide multimedia substance use prevention and awareness campaign that meets specified requirements and requires OSPI to distribute school and classroom substance use prevention and awareness materials. The bill is in the Senate Early Learning & K-12 Committee.

SHB 2037 : which would require, beginning with the 2027-28 school year, public schools to provide instruction on the Holocaust and other genocides and crimes against humanity when the topic aligns with the social studies learning standards. The bill is in the Senate Early Learning & K-12 Committee.

HB 2110 : which concerns reorganizing statutory requirements governing high school graduation (Senate hearing time: 28:38 and 48:50 ). The bill is in the Senate Early Learning & K-12 Committee.

2SHB 2239 : which would encourage school districts to provide instruction on skills that promote social, emotional, behavioral, and mental health and wellness. The bill is in the Senate Early Learning & K-12 Committee.

ESHB 2331 : which would bar school boards from refusing to approve, or prohibiting the use of, an educational material on the basis that it relates to the study of contributions of individuals or groups that are part of a protected class, and would establish new requirements for written complaints about instructional materials. The bill is in the Senate Early Learning & K-12 Committee.

SSB 5849 : which requires that all students show competency in high school learning standards related to computer science in order to graduate from high school, but specifies that the requirements do not increase the number of high school credits required for graduation, beginning with the 2029 graduating class. The bill also provides various options in which students may demonstrate competency in computer science learning standards (hearing time: 00:56 and 1:33:54 ). Testifying in support: representatives from The Sammamish HS Robotics Team. Testifying in opposition: several students from Lake Washington HS. Testifying as “other:” representatives from WSSDA, WSPTA and CSTA Puget Sound. The bill is in the House Education Committee.

SSB 5850 : which would establish a grant program for community-based organizations to support students who are chronically absent, and would require each ESD to develop and offer staff training on early warning systems to identify and locate students who are chronically absent. The bill is in the House Education Committee.

ESSB 6264 : which would require the State Board of Education (SBE) to develop and recommend a process to identify and designate schools and school districts that are implementing competency-based education (CBE) and identify costs associated with this process (House hearing time: 1:19 and 1:32:38 ). Testifying in support: representatives from Medical Lake SD and SBE. Testifying in opposition: a concerned citizen. Testifying as “other:” representatives from OSPI. The bill is in the House Education Committee.

Odds and Ends

Celebrate Black History Month with these books for kids about African Americans in the arts and entrepreneurship, handpicked by the Chicago Public Library staff.

Dig into the details of HB 1956, referred to as the “fentanyl education bill,” this week in The Seattle Times .

Meet CSTP’s Legislative Update Coordinator Samantha Miller

Weekly Legislative Update: February 9, 2024

Posted by CSTP Staff on February 9, 2024
Education Policy | districts, dual credit, education, education reform, equity, Legislature, paraeducators, social emotional learning, teaching

Happy Friday! The legislature reached yet another major cut-off of the 2023-24 Legislative Session. Monday, February 5, was the last day for fiscal committees (House Appropriations and Senate Ways & Means) to pass bills out of their house of origin. Both fiscal committees held marathon hearings, a few surpassing 9 hour stretches, in the hopes to cover as many bills as possible. Many education bills we have been following made the cut, however, there were several bills that died in the fiscal committee process. One such bill, HB 2058, which aimed to provide free school meals to all requesting students, failed to make it out of the House Appropriations Committee on Monday and will no longer move forward this session.

After the fiscal cut-off on Monday, both the House and Senate shifted their focus to full-time floor activity. Bills that are sitting in respective “Rules Committees,” may get considered, and scheduled to be placed on the floor calendar by their leadership, caucused on, and then brought to a vote before they move on to the opposite house. This is a lot of steps to be completed before the next session cut-off date and there are hundreds of bills sitting in Rules Committees. Next Tuesday, February 13, is the last day for bills to be passed out of their house of origin in order to “stay alive.”

Watch TVW.org for live action floor coverage of the House and Senate this week.

Bills We’re Following

HB 1146 : which requires public schools to notify high school students and their families about available dual credit programs and any available financial assistance. The bill is in the Senate Early Learning and K-12 Committee.

2SHB 1228 : which relates to grant programs for establishing dual language education and tribal language education programs, as well as multilingual skill bonuses for certificated instructional staff and paraeducators (hearing time: 1:41:46 ). Testified in support: representatives from OSPI and OneAmerica. The bill is in the House Rules Committee.

4SHB 1239 : which would establish a simple, uniform, and easily accessible state-level process for the receipt and classification of complaints involving the elementary and secondary education system, and would require school districts to post the complaint process on their websites and make information available about the complaint process (hearing time: 1:50:07 ). Testified in support: a concerned citizen and representatives from the SCPTSA. The bill is in the House Rules Committee.

ESHB 1277 : which requires improving the consistency and quality of the implementation of the fundamental course of study for paraeducators. The bill is in the Senate Early Learning and K-12 Committee.

4SHB 1479 : which would limit restraint and isolation of students, including by prohibiting chemical and mechanical restraint, modifies requirements for incident notification, adds staff and governing body training requirements and establishes state compliance monitoring and support (hearing time: 1:57:00 ). Testifying in support: a concerned citizen and representatives from Disability Rights Washington and the Arc of King County. Testifying as “other:” a concerned citizen and representatives from the WEA, PSE. The bill is in the House Rules Committee.

3SHB 1565 : which considers a feasibility report for a statewide online platform for recruitment and hiring of public school employees, establishes teacher residency programs, requires a teacher exchange program report, intends to improve beginning educator quality and increase beginning educator retention and to establish minimum requirements for educator workforce research (hearing time: 1:20:54 ). The bill is in the House Rules Committee.

EsHB 1608 : which requires the Secretary of Health to issue a statewide standing order prescribing epinephrine and epinephrine autoinjectors to any school district for use by designated trained school personnel. The bill also permits school districts to maintain a supply of epinephrine and epinephrine autoinjectors (hearing time: 3:42 ). The bill is in the Senate Early Learning & K-12 Committee.

HB 1879 : which would name the curriculum used to inform students about tribal history, culture, and government after John McCoy (lulilaš) (hearing time: 00:37 ). The bill is in the House Rules Committee.

SHB 1915 : which would require school districts by the 2025-26 school year to provide high school students with access to at least one-half credit of financial education instruction (hearing time: 22:26 ). The bill is in the House Rules Committee.

HB 1935 : which promotes resource conservation practices that include student education and leadership opportunities in public schools (hearing time: 45:54 ). The bill is in the House Rules Committee.

2SHB 1956 : which directs the Secretary of Health to annually develop and distribute a statewide multimedia substance use prevention and awareness campaign that meets specified requirements and requires OSPI to distribute school and classroom substance use prevention and awareness materials (hearing time: 2:14:49 ). Testifying in support: representatives from the Office of the Governor. The bill is in the House Rules Committee.

SHB 2037 : which would require, beginning with the 2027-28 school year, public schools to provide instruction on the Holocaust and other genocides and crimes against humanity when the topic aligns with the social studies learning standards (hearing time: 51:04 ). The bill is in the House Rules Committee.

SHB 2038 : which concerns data collection on student transfers and withdrawals from public schools and school districts (hearing time: 1:18:20 ). The bill is in the House Rules Committee.

HB 2110 : which concerns reorganizing statutory requirements governing high school graduation (hearing time: 48:53 ). The bill is in the House Rules Committee.

2SHB 2236 : which directs OSPI to develop an Allied Health Professions Career and Technical Education Core Plus Program and provide available curriculum and instructional materials to districts and skill centers for optional use by the 2025-26 school year (hearing time: 4:07:09 ). Testified as “other:” representatives from the AGC and the AWB. The bill is in the House Rules Committee.

2SHB 2239 : which would encourage school districts to provide instruction on skills that promote social, emotional, behavioral, and mental health and wellness (hearing time: 3:07:24 ). Testifying in support: representatives from Committee for Children, NAMI Washington and the National Parents Association. Testifying in opposition: representatives from the Conservative Ladies of WA. The bill is in the House Rules Committee.

SHB 2267 : which would provide public school students with opportunities for cultural expression at commencement ceremonies (hearing time: 56:00 ). The bill is in the House Rules committee.

SHB 2331 : which would bar school boards from refusing to approve, or prohibiting the use of, an educational material on the basis that it relates to the study of contributions of individuals or groups that are part of a protected class, and would establish new requirements for written complaints about instructional materials (hearing time: 11:08 ). The bill is in the House Rules Committee.

SHB 2398 : which would require school district instructional materials committees (IMCs) to include parents of students in a number equaling less than one half of the total membership of the IMC (hearing time: 11:08 ). The bill is in the House Rules Committee.

SSB 5804 : which would require school districts to maintain at least one set of opioid reversal medication doses within each high school (hearing time: 11:24 and 45:14 ). The bill is in the House Education Committee.

SSB 5849 : which requires that all students show competency in high school learning standards related to computer science in order to graduate from high school, but specifies that the requirements do not increase the number of high school credits required for graduation, beginning with the 2029 graduating class. The bill also provides various options in which students may demonstrate competency in computer science learning standards (hearing time: 4:37:24). Testifying in support: a concerned citizen. Testifying as “other:” representatives from OSPI. The bill is in the Senate Rules Committee.

SSB 5850 : which would establish a grant program for community-based organizations to support students who are chronically absent, and would require each ESD to develop and offer staff training on early warning systems to identify and locate students who are chronically absent (hearing time: 32:28 ). Testifying in support: representatives from the SBTCT, OPSI, UWKC, WSCA and several concerned citizens. The bill is in the Senate Rules Committee.

2SSB 5851 : which requires public middle, junior high, and high schools to provide Holocaust and genocide instruction when this topic aligns with the social studies learning standards beginning with the 2027-28 school year (hearing time: 5:52:23 ). Testifying in support: representatives of the Holocaust Center for Humanity, Jewish Federation of Greater Seattle, Vancouver Schools and several concerned citizens. Testified as “other:”representatives from WASEN and several concerned citizens. Testifying in opposition: representatives from BAI and several concerned citizens. The bill is in the Senate Rules Committee.

SB 5852: would require that special education safety net awards only be adjusted for errors in applications or IEPs that materially affect the demonstration of need (hearing time: 5:44:50 ). Testifying in support: representatives from South Sound Superintendents, Chehalis SD, WSSDA and Mercer Island SD. The bill is in the Senate Rules Committee.

2SSB 5882 : which would phase in additional staffing allocations for paraprofessionals in instructional and non-instructional roles in an effort to improve the individualized support for student learning and behavioral needs (hearing time: 4:54:06). Testifying in support: representatives from the WEA, OSPI, Tukwila SD, South Sound Superintendents, PSE and the WSPTA. Testifying in opposition: representatives from the Washington Policy Center. The bill is in the Senate Rules Committee.

SSB 6205: which would mandate instruction on the meaning and history of the pledge of allegiance in public schools (hearing time: 19:00 ). The bill is in the Senate Rules Committee.

SSB 6264 : which would require the State Board of Education (SBE) to develop and recommend a process to identify and designate schools and school districts that are implementing competency-based education (CBE) and identify costs associated with this process (hearing time: 5:33:51 ). Testifying in support: a concerned citizen. Testifying in opposition: several concerned citizens and representatives from the Conservative Ladies of WA. The bill is in the Senate Rules Committee.

Odds and Ends

Is there a good way to go about combating screen time in the lives of teens? This week from The Seattle Times’ Education Lab, Educators Share 5 Ways to Confront Kids’ Screen Time .

This made me smile and thought it worth including: The Music Teacher Who Just Won a Grammy Says it Belongs to Her Students.

Meet CSTP’s Legislative Update Coordinator Samantha Miller

Weekly Legislative Update: February 2, 2024

Posted by CSTP Staff on February 2, 2024
Education Policy | districts, dual language, education, education reform, educator retention, equity, high school dual credit, Legislature, paraeducators, school, school districts, social emotional behavior, washington legislature

We have made it to the end of another week on the hill, and this one came with its first major cut-off of the session. Wednesday, January 31, was the last day for committees to pass bills out of their house of origin. Bills that were not scheduled for executive session and voted out of committee by 5pm on Wednesday, did not move forward. It was a flurry of activity and hearing schedules were packed. Lawmakers have to make the most of their time during short sessions because time between cut-offs is brief at best. Monday, February 5, is the fiscal committee cut-off, meaning that bills currently in the House Appropriations and Senate Ways & Means committees will need to be voted out by end of day Monday.

We watched as various bills that were expected to move forward this session came to a standstill on Wednesday. Although not uncommon, there were quite a few bills that shared companion bills in the opposite house that did not move forward. SB 5559 , which concerned restraint or isolation of students in public schools, did not make it out of the Senate Ed committee on Wednesday, but its companion bill in the house, 3SHB 1479, did move forward.

A big win for Senator Wellman and the Senate Early Learning & K-12 Committee was moving forward SSB 5804, which would put the life-saving opioid reversal medication naloxone, or “narcan,” in all Washington K-12 public schools. As reported in Crosscut, this legislation is timely as Washington experiences a public health crisis driven by the rise in fentanyl related overdoses and deaths. Its companion in the house, HB 2029, did not move forward.

Fiscal Committee Hearings on TVW.org:

Senate Ways & Means Committee

Friday, February 2nd @ 1:30pm
Saturday, February 3rd @ 9am
Monday, February 5th @ 10am

House Appropriations Committee

Friday, February 2nd @ 10:30pm
Saturday, February 3rd @ 9am
Monday, February 5th @ 10:30am

Bills We’re Following

2SHB 1228 : which would establish grant programs for establishing dual language education and tribal language education programs, as well as establish multilingual skill bonuses for certificated instructional staff and paraeducators (hearing time: 12:47 ). The bill is in the House Appropriations Committee.

3SHB 1239 : which would establish a simple, uniform, and easily accessible state-level process for the receipt and classification of complaints involving the elementary and secondary education system, and would require school districts to post the complaint process on their websites and make information available about the complaint process (hearing time: 39:40 ). The bill is in the House Appropriations Committee.

3SHB 1479 : which concerns restraint or isolation of students in public schools and educational programs (hearing time: 18:33 and 40:26 ). The bill is in the House Appropriations Committee.

3SHB 1565 : which requires a feasibility report for a statewide online platform for recruitment and hiring of public school employees, establishes teacher residency programs, requires a teacher exchange program report, intends to improve beginning educator quality and increase beginning educator retention and to establish minimum requirements for educator workforce research (hearing time: 1:20:54 ). The bill is in the House Rules Committee.

EsHB 1608 : which requires the Secretary of Health to issue a statewide standing order prescribing epinephrine and epinephrine autoinjectors to any school district for use by designated trained school personnel. The bill also permits school districts to maintain a supply of epinephrine and epinephrine autoinjectors (hearing time: 3:42 ). The bill is in the Senate Early Learning & K-12 Committee.

SHB 1914 : which aims to improve special education services received by qualifying students by requiring school districts to provide parents information about the Office of the Education Ombuds with special education materials, and to provide parents with a monthly report about the quantity and method of special education services delivered to their students (hearing time: 1:37:53 ). The bill is in the House Appropriations Committee.

SHB 1915 : which would require school districts by the 2025-26 school year to provide high school students with access to at least one-half credit of financial education instruction (hearing time: 22:26 ). The bill is in the House Appropriations Committee.

HB 1922 : which would require OSPI to establish a grant program for the purchase and installation of vape detectors in public schools (hearing time: 1:36:19 ). The bill is in the House Appropriations Committee.

SHB 1956 : which directs the Secretary of Health to annually develop and distribute a statewide multimedia substance use prevention and awareness campaign that meets specified requirements and requires OSPI to distribute school and classroom substance use prevention and awareness materials (hearing time: 0:46 ). The bill is in the House Appropriations Committee.

HB 2018 : which would require OSPI to conduct a two year pilot program where selected sites implement a strategy to restrict student mobile device use during instructional hours and to report to the OSPI with certain information related to implementing the restriction, and would requires the Washington State School Directors’ Association (WSSDA) to develop a model policy for restricting student mobile device use during instructional hours based on the information gathered from the pilot program (hearing time 1:21:44 ). The bill is in the House Appropriations Committee.

SHB 2037 : which would require, beginning with the 2027-28 school year, public schools to provide instruction on the Holocaust and other genocides and crimes against humanity when the topic aligns with the social studies learning standards (hearing time: 51:04 ). The bill is in the House Rules Committee.

SHB 2038 : which concerns data collection on student transfers and withdrawals from public schools and school districts (hearing time: 1:18:20 ). The bill is in the House Rules Committee.

HB 2058 : which would require all school districts to provide breakfast and lunch without charge to any requesting students, beginning with the 2024–25 school year (hearing time: 31:24 and 1:04:15 ). The bill is in the House Appropriations Committee.

HB 2110 : which concerns reorganizing statutory requirements governing high school graduation (hearing time: 48:53 ). The bill is in the House Rules Committee.

SHB 2130 : which would extend eligibility for special education services to the end of the school year in which a student eligible for special education services turns 22 years of age (hearing time: 0:44 ). The bill is in the House Appropriations Committee.

SHB 2236 : which directs OSPI to develop an Allied Health Professions Career and Technical Education Core Plus Program and provide available curriculum and instructional materials to districts and skill centers for optional use by the 2025-26 school year (hearing time 1:05:30 ). The bill is in the House Appropriations Committee.

SHB 2239 : which would encourage school districts to provide instruction on skills that promote social, emotional, behavioral, and mental health and wellness (hearing time: 16:12 ). The bill is in the House Appropriations Committee.

SHB 2267 : which would provide public school students with opportunities for cultural expression at commencement ceremonies (hearing time: 56:00 ). The bill is in the House Rules committee.

SSB 5809 : which would authorize charter schools to apply for state grants on the same basis as school districts (hearing time: 1:05:54 ). The bill is in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

SB 5850 : which would establish a grant program for community-based organizations to support students who are chronically absent, and would require each ESD to develop and offer staff training on early warning systems to identify and locate students who are chronically absent (hearing time: 1:12:13 ). The bill is in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

SSB 5851 : which requires public middle, junior high, and high schools to provide Holocaust and genocide instruction when this topic aligns with the social studies learning standards beginning with the 2027-28 school year (hearing time: 4:00 ). The bill is in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

SB 5852: would require that special education safety net awards only be adjusted for errors in applications or IEPs that materially affect the demonstration of need. (hearing time: 1:52 and 26:52 ). The bill is in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

SSB 5882 : which would phase in additional staffing allocations for paraprofessionals in instructional and non-instructional roles in an effort to improve the individualized support for student learning and behavioral needs (hearing time: 28:55 ). The bill is in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

SSB 5923: which tasks OSPI to review and update substance use prevention education materials and resources provided to students and families in middle and high schools and requires education to prevent fentanyl and other opioid use to be provided once a year to all students in seventh and ninth grade (hearing time: 14:11 and 58:18 ). The bill is in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

SB 6014 : which would increase the K-12 special education enrollment funding cap from 15 percent to 17.25 percent (hearing time 19:51 and 1:06:02 ). The bill is in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

SB 6018 : which would designate early learning coordinators at educational service districts (hearing time: 51:07 ). The bill is in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

SB 6123 : which would establish the minimum state average allocation for salaries for classified administrative staff at $91,733, and for other classified staff to $54,633, beginning with the 2024-25 school year (hearing time: 22:23 ). The bill is in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

SSB 6205 : which would mandate instruction on the meaning and history of the pledge of allegiance in public schools (hearing time: 19:00 ). The bill is in the Senate Rules Committee.

SB 6216 : which would establish a regional school-based mental and behavioral health student assistance program through the educational service districts (ESDs), and would create a grant program to support school districts in developing and implementing a plan for recognition, screening, and response to emotional or behavioral distress in students (hearing time: 1:02:39 ). The bill is in the Senate Ways & Means Committee.

Odds and Ends

How daily mindfulness lessons are showing positive results in one Florida elementary school. This week from NPR, To Help These Kids Deal With Trauma, Mindfulness Lessons Over the Loudspeaker .

“Some educators prefer inquiry; some prefer direct instruction. Depending upon your biases, you’re likely to see a complicated, mixed body of research as glass half full or glass half empty.” From KQED’s MindShift, Two Groups of Scholars Revive the Debate Over Inquiry vs. Direct Instruction.