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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