HB 1641: Washington learns

Summary

• Establishes an Early Learning Advisory Council; directs the Department of Early Learning (DEL) to implement a five-star voluntary rating system for child care centers and early education programs; and outlines the private-public responsibilities between the DEL and Thrive by Five.
• Phases in voluntary full-day kindergarten; creates demonstration projects for K-12 student learning opportunities; requires review of mathematics and science standards and curricula; creates demonstration projects, regional professional development programs, and alternative routes to teacher certification to support improvement in mathematics and science education; creates an academy for school leadership; establishes a bonus program for National Board-certified teachers; and directs development of a performance pay structure for K-12 staff.
• Establishes a Washington Learns Scholarship and a Guaranteed Education Tuition (GET) Ready for Math and Science Scholarship; requires implementation of the regional opportunity grant program; expands eligibility for the State Need Grant; creates and state tuition policy; and changes the appointment of the director of the Higher Education Coordinating Board.

From the House Bill Analysis 2007 (HB 1641), written by the Legislature's nonpartisan staff. Read the full report ↗