(1) As part of the estimates and
information submitted to the governor by the superintendent of
public instruction under RCW 28A.300.170, the superintendent of
public instruction shall biennially make determinations on the
educational system's capacity to accommodate increased resources
in relation to the elements in the prototypical funding
allocation model. In areas where there are specific and
significant capacity limitations to providing enhancements to a
recommended element, the superintendent of public instruction
shall identify those limitations and make recommendations on how
to address the issue.
(2) The legislature shall:
(a) Review the recommendations of the superintendent of
public instruction submitted under subsection (1) of this
section; and
(b) Use the information as it continues to review, evaluate,
and revise the definition and funding of basic education in a
manner that serves the educational needs of the citizens of
Washington; continues to fulfill the state's obligation under
Article IX of the state Constitution and ensures that no enhancements are imposed on the educational
system that cannot be accommodated by the existing system
capacity.
(3) "System capacity" for purposes of this section includes,
but is not limited to, the ability of schools and districts to
provide the capital facilities necessary to support a particular
instructional program, the staffing levels necessary to support
an instructional program both in terms of actual numbers of staff
as well as the experience level and types of staff available to
fill positions, the higher education systems capacity to prepare
the next generation of educators, and the availability of data
and a data system capable of helping the state allocate its
resources in a manner consistent with evidence-based practices
that are shown to improve student learning.
(4) The office of the superintendent of public instruction
shall report to the legislature on a biennial basis beginning
December 1, 2010.
[2009 c 548 § 113.]
NOTES:
Intent -- 2009 c 548: See RCW 28A.150.1981.
Finding -- 2009 c 548: See note following RCW 28A.410.270.
Intent -- Finding -- 2009 c 548: See note following RCW 28A.305.130.