2009 WA-ACTE LEGISLATIVE AGENDA

Washington Association for Career and Technical Education

WAVA - An Association of Career and Technical Education Administrators

Position Paper on the State Board of Education Proposed 'Core 24' High School Graduation Requirements

Position Paper on the Basic Education Finance Taskforce Career and Technical Education (CTE) Funding

WASHINGTON ASSOCIATION FOR CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION

LEGISLATIVE AGENDA 2009

ISSUE:The WA-ACTE Legislative Agenda for 2009 is based on work being done by the Basic Education Finance Taskforce. We support the following concepts being included in any final action taken on the recommendations of the taskforce.

If the recommendation continues with the present funding formula model, we request the following:

• The staffing ratio for secondary CTE should be improved and phased in. The funding formula should begin in the 7 th grade and should include a “use it or lose it” provision for certified administrative staff. The ratio should be 19.1 for 7 th & 8 th grade and exploratory programs and 16.1 for preparatory and skills centers.
• The NERC (Non-Employee Related Costs) should be enhanced that would include funding for equipment and technology upgrading. CTSOs (Career and Technical Student Organizations) should continue to receive state funding.
• In addition, we recommend that certificated career counselors be funded at the rate of 1:500.

ISSUE: CTE Middle School Funding

CTE middle school funding for STEM should be continued at the same rate as high school programs. The funding should be a permanent allocation and not through grants. Previous grants funded 69 schools for $1.13 Million; however, districts requested almost $4 Million. The funding was never meant to be in the form of grants. Legislation to correct this challenge should be enacted. Providing these courses in middle school will address the challenge of students being disengaged in their education.

ISSUE: State Board of Education’s CORE 24 High School Graduation Framework

WA-ACTE supports the concept of CORE 24; however, recommends some changes. At least one of the Career Concentration credits should be a required CTE credit; CTE equivalency credits earned should be eligible to receive dual credit; and the Art credit should be flexible with only one required for graduation.

ISSUE: Implementation of the 2008 CTE Legislation

The CTE bill was funded with one-year grants and should be implemented fully by expanding high-demand grants, middle school CTE, equivalency crediting, and curriculum integration. In addition, middle and secondary CTE summer school should be funded.

ISSUE:Support Career and Technical Student Organizations’ (CTSO) Legislative Request

The CTSOs are working on legislation to provide support and resources to enhance CTSOs at the state and local level. WA-ACTE will support their request.