New opportunities for dropouts under Kagi’s re-engagement bill

State Representative Ruth Kagi of Lake Forest Park represents the 32nd legislative district (Shoreline, LFP, part of Edmonds, Kenmore, Juanita) in the state house of representatives.

Kagi introduces improved legislation for dropout re-engagement, offering more flexibility for administrators

OLYMPIA — For young people who have dropped out of high school, the thought of having no options can be discouraging. But if a bill reintroduced this session in the state Legislature becomes law, dropouts will have new opportunities to re-engage in further education and lay the groundwork for successful career paths.

Rep. Ruth Kagi (D-Lake Forest Park) reintroduced House Bill 1418, which would establish a statewide dropout re-engagement system. The bill passed the House overwhelmingly during the 2009 session but did not reach the Senate floor for a full vote.

Kagi, along with administrators and students from Shoreline Community College, testified in front of the House Education Committee’s public hearing on the bill last Friday. Many elements of Kagi’s proposal are similar to a successful program in Shoreline that has existed since the mid-1990s but is threatened due to a need for specific legislative authorization.

“We must provide young people with a range of education programs that keep them engaged in learning so they don’t feel dropping out and never returning is their best option,” Kagi said. “A one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work. This bill provides the legal framework necessary to run these important re-engagement programs.”

Since the 2009 session, Kagi has worked to revise the bill for improvement. Under this year’s proposal, a statutory framework would be created through agreements developed by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), rather than a model managed by local educational service districts. Another difference is that school districts have the option of offering re-engagement programs, whereas last year’s bill required their offering.

The general program specifications remain the same in this year’s bill. Programs would be open to anyone age 16-21 who has not accumulated credits at a rate high enough to receive a diploma by age 21. Academic instruction in the program can include GED preparation, academic skills training, and college and work-readiness preparation. If the program provider is a community or technical college, students can have the opportunity to enroll in college courses without having to pay tuition.

Program providers can be educational service districts, community and technical colleges, other public entities or community-based organizations.

Recent OSPI statistics show a 21.4 percent four-year dropout rate among students who entered high school in 2004 and were expected to graduate in 2008.

Rep. Ruth Kagi

(D)  32nd LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT

Olympia Office: 328 John L. O'Brien Building PO Box 40600 Olympia, WA 98504-0600 (360) 786-7910

District Office: (206) 368-4691 Fax: (206) 368-4693

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