Education bills pass Legislature

Students who pass on attending college will soon have more options available to them through the state’s skills centers.

A bill introduced by state Sen. Steve Hobbs, D-Lake Stevens, will help develop more satellite and branch campus skill centers.

“Our society has a need for a wide variety of jobs skills. We need skilled electricians, carpenters and plumbers as well as physicians and lawyers, or even legislators,” Hobbs said. “That’s why skills centers are a critical piece of the education puzzle.”

Washington’s 10 skills centers serve students from 85 of the state’s 248 districts with high schools. Senate Bill 5790 directs the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) to revise guidelines for skill centers to encourage development of satellite and branch campus programs; develop a capital plan and K-20 technology plan for skill centers; and broker the development of Skill Centers of Excellence in key economic sectors. It also creates the position of director of Skill Centers in OSPI.

“There are many paths to success,” Hobbs said. “The important thing is that students have options so they can choose the path that best meets their needs.”

The bill, which has passed both the Senate and the House, now goes to Gov. Chris Gregoire for signature.

A bill that would phase in funding for voluntary all-day kindergarten, also introduced by Hobbs, passed the Legislature on Friday, April 20.

In addition to funding the kindergarten by providing support for students in schools with the highest poverty levels, the measure would also create three demonstration or pilot projects: comprehensive K-3 foundations programs; an English as a Second Language field study and project; and career pathways programs in high demand fields.

“Investing in children early will pay dividends throughout their life,” said Sen. Steve Hobbs,

D-Lake Stevens. “It’s a smart investment and it’s the right investment.”

SB 5841 now goes to Gov. Gregoire for her signature.