Legislation introduced by Sen. Andy Billig would begin the Summer Knowledge Improvement Pilot (SKIP) program, an extended school year for selected high-poverty elementary schools to combat academic regression over the summer. The bill was introduced with a strong bipartisan list of cosponsors.
“There are mountains of evidence that summer learning loss is a major factor in the opportunity gap that many low income children face at school,” said Billig, D-Spokane. “Academic regression over the summer vacation has a disproportionate impact on low-income students, and stepping up to address this problem is an important part of closing the opportunity gap that already holds too many students back.”
SB 6163 would authorize a pilot program to provide state funding for 20 additional student learning days at the beginning or end of the 180-day school year for up to 10 high-poverty elementary schools. Eligible schools would be those that have at least grades K-5 and where 75 percent or more of the students qualify for the free and reduced-priced lunch program.
To apply, a school district must hold a public meeting to receive input from parents and the community on a plan for the extra days. The district’s plans must include best practices and evidence-based strategies to be implemented over the extra 20 days for all students enrolled in the school and evidence that the plan has been agreed to by the principal of the school and at least 70 percent of the certificated and classified school staff who work in the building at least two days per week.
The Washington State Institute for Public Policy will evaluate the pilot program and report to the governor and the Legislature.
Sen. Billig worked with the education advocacy organization League of Education Voters (LEV) to develop the legislation. Closing the opportunity gap through policies like the SKIP program is a top priority for LEV.
“This is an important bill and we were glad to work with Sen. Billig on it,” said Frank Ordway, LEV’s Director of Government Relations. “The opportunity gap in this state is far too wide and we need to take immediate proven approaches to closing it.”
“If our goal is to help all children succeed, we must close the opportunity gap,” said Billig. “Since summer learning loss is such a significant contributor to the gap for low income children, an extended school year very well may be the most effective, and cost-effective solution. Beginning SKIP as a pilot gives us a chance to review and evaluate this program and find the best way to deliver on that potential.”
