BILL REQ. #:  S-3250.1 

Read first time 01/09/12.   Referred to Committee on Early Learning & K-12 Education.

     AN ACT Relating to lighthouse schools; amending RCW 28A.630.065; and adding a new section to chapter 28A.630 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1   RCW 28A.630.065 and 2010 c 238 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Subject to funds appropriated for this purpose, the superintendent of public instruction shall designate up to three schools at the elementary, middle ((schools and up to three)), and high school((s)) level to serve as resources and examples of how to combine the following best practices:
     (a) A small, highly personalized learning community;
     (b) An interdisciplinary curriculum with a strong focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics delivered through a project-based instructional approach; and
     (c) Active partnerships with businesses and the local community to connect learning beyond the classroom.
     (2) The designated elementary, middle, and high schools shall serve as lighthouse programs and provide technical assistance and advice to other ((middle and high)) designated schools and communities in the initial stages of creating an alternative learning environment focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The designated ((middle and high)) schools must have proven experience and be recognized as model programs.
     (3) In addition, the office of the superintendent of public instruction shall work with the designated elementary, middle, and high schools to publicize the models of best practices in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics instruction used by the designated ((middle and high)) schools and shall encourage other ((middle and high)) schools and communities to work with the designated ((middle and high)) schools to replicate similar models.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 28A.630 RCW to read as follows:
     The science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education lighthouse account is created in the custody of the state treasurer. The purpose of the account is to support schools designated as lighthouse schools under RCW 28A.630.065 to serve as resources to other schools and communities interested in replicating similar models. Revenues to the account may include gifts from the private sector, federal funds, any appropriations made by the state legislature, or revenues from other sources. Grants to the designated lighthouse schools and their administration shall be paid from the account. Only the superintendent of public instruction or the superintendent's designee may authorize expenditures from the account. The account is subject to allotment procedures under chapter 43.88 RCW, but an appropriation is not required for expenditures.