WASHINGTON STATUTES AND CODES

28A.657.125 - Joint select committee on education accountability -- Reports.

Joint select committee on education accountability — Reports. (Expires June 30, 2014.)

(1) The legislature finds that a unified and equitable system of education accountability must include expectations and benchmarks for improvement, along with support for schools and districts to make the necessary changes that will lead to success for all students. Such a system must also clearly address the consequences for persistent lack of improvement. Establishing a process for school districts to prepare and implement a required action plan is one such consequence. However, to be truly accountable to students, parents, the community, and taxpayers, the legislature must also consider what should happen if a required action district continues not to make improvement after an extended period of time. Without an answer to this significant question, the state's system of education accountability is incomplete. Furthermore, accountability must be appropriately shared among various levels of decision makers, including in the building, in the district, and at the state.

     (2)(a) A joint select committee on education accountability is established beginning no earlier than May 1, 2012, with the following members:

     (i) The president of the senate shall appoint two members from each of the two largest caucuses of the senate.

     (ii) The speaker of the house of representatives shall appoint two members from each of the two largest caucuses of the house of representatives.

     (b) The committee shall choose its cochairs from among its membership.

     (3) The committee shall:

     (a) Identify and analyze options for a complete system of education accountability, particularly consequences in the case of persistent lack of improvement by a required action district;

     (b) Identify and analyze appropriate decision-making responsibilities and accompanying consequences at the building, district, and state level within such an accountability system;

     (c) Examine models and experiences in other states;

     (d) Identify the circumstances under which significant state action may be required; and

     (e) Analyze the financial, legal, and practical considerations that would accompany significant state action.

     (4) Staff support for the committee must be provided by the senate committee services and the house of representatives office of program research.

     (5) The committee shall submit an interim report to the education committees of the legislature by September 1, 2012, and a final report with recommendations by September 1, 2013.

     (6) This section expires June 30, 2014.