issue area reports | education and workforce missed opportunities
SB 5183 / HB 1282 / SB 5853 career and technical education
Failed / AWB Supported
Career and Technical Education( CTE) courses teach skills employers are looking for such as problem solving, project completion, research, communication, time management, and critical thinking. CTE also provides students insight into career options through a practical application of theoretical curriculum and offers students the opportunity to earn college credit and / or an industry certification.
The cost of providing CTE is significantly higher than providing basic education courses. Equipment, materials, and instructor expertise are all factors in the increased cost. To put this into perspective, the cost of providing books to read for an English class is far less expensive than providing medical equipment and materials for a biomedical class or machinery for a welding class. CTE funding has been dramatically reduced in Washington, from a high of 28 percent above basic education in 1995 to the current level of just shy of 6 percent of basic education. The final education funding plan provided for a slight increase in CTE funding, lowering class sizes and raising the materials, supplies, and operating costs( MSOC) for Skills Centers to the CTE level.
In 2017, the Legislature missed a critical opportunity to fund this important aspect of the state’ s education system. Sponsored by Sen. Christine Rolfes, D-Bainbridge Island, and Rep. Gael Tarleton, D-Ballard, respectively, Senate Bill 5183 and House Bill 1282 provided an increase to CTE funding. Unfortunately, the Legislature elected to
forgo addressing the issue independent of the full education funding proposal.
Basic employability skills, practical application of taught curriculum, and an understanding of career options all lead to lowering our state’ s high school dropout rate, increasing post-secondary degree completion and providing a skilled workforce needed by our businesses. AWB will work to find a solution to adequately fund CTE in the 2018 session.
SHB 1452 opportunity scholarship
Failed / AWB Supported
The Washington State Opportunity Scholarship program provides scholarships to low- and middle-income Washington state students who are pursuing high-demand four-year degrees in science, technology, engineering, math( STEM) and health care. Sponsored by Reps. Jeff Holy, R-Cheney; Gael Tarleton, D-Ballard; Luanne Van Werven, R-Lynden; Larry Springer, D-Kirkland; Melanie Stambaugh, R-Puyallup; Larry Haler, R-Richland; Gerry Pollet, D-Seattle; and Vandra Slatter, D-Bellevue, House Bill 1452 would have provided scholarships for students pursuing professional-technical certificates and degrees in high employer demand, health professional shortage areas. With an increase in employer demand for skilled workers who possess professional-technical certificates and degrees, the Legislature missed an opportunity to provide the workforce necessary to support business growth in the state.
Sen. Barbara Bailey, R-Oak Harbor, Senate majority whip and vice chair of the Higher Education Committee.
Bill considered as part of AWB’ s voting record
Favorable outcome for Washington businesses
Missed Opportunities
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