Washington 2023-2024 Regular Session

Washington Senate Bill SB5248

Introduced
1/11/23  
Refer
1/11/23  
Report Pass
2/6/23  

Caption

Using COVID-19 relief funding on high quality tutoring and rigorous extended learning programs.

Impact

If enacted, SB5248 would directly allocate federal COVID-19 relief resources to state and local educational authorities, enabling them to implement tutoring and extended learning services that align with strategies to counteract learning loss. This bill may reshape existing educational funding landscapes, as it prioritizes direct intervention strategies focused on educational recovery. By emphasizing high-quality tutoring, the bill ensures that funds are directed towards programs that meet rigorous standards, thus potentially improving the quality of education across various districts.

Summary

SB5248 focuses on the utilization of COVID-19 relief funding specifically for high-quality tutoring and rigorous extended learning programs. The bill aims to address educational gaps exacerbated by the pandemic, providing targeted support to students who have been disproportionately affected by disruptions in traditional learning environments. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance educational outcomes and mitigate learning loss, particularly within K-12 educational settings. Proponents believe that the structured tutoring initiatives will play a crucial role in helping students regain lost academic ground.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB5248 appears to be largely positive, particularly among educational advocates who emphasize the critical need for remedial educational support in the wake of the pandemic. Legislators who support the bill highlight the importance of using available resources to directly benefit students, fostering a proactive approach to educational challenges. However, there are also discussions surrounding the effectiveness of such programs, leading to some skepticism regarding their actual implementation and the potential for equitable distribution of resources among districts.

Contention

Despite the general support, there are points of contention regarding the allocation and management of funds. Critics express concern about how the funding will be administered and whether the programs will be accessible to all students, particularly those in under-resourced areas. Additionally, there are ongoing debates about the long-term sustainability of such tutoring initiatives once the COVID-19 funding is depleted. This points to deeper issues regarding educational equity and resource allocation across different demographic and socio-economic groups.

Companion Bills

WA HB1710

Crossfiled Using COVID-19 relief funding on high quality tutoring and rigorous extended learning programs.

Previously Filed As

WA HB1710

Using COVID-19 relief funding on high quality tutoring and rigorous extended learning programs.

WA SB5817

Creating the state elections confidence using rigorous examination act.

WA SB5140

Creating the state elections confidence using rigorous examination act.

WA SB6253

Increasing funding for the learning assistance program.

WA HB2124

Supporting and expanding access to child care and early learning programs.

WA SB5870

Expanding and streamlining eligibility for early learning programs.

WA HB1511

Concerning calculation of income for certain early learning and child care programs.

WA HB1324

Funding the state transportation system using climate commitment act revenues.

WA SB5550

Funding the state transportation system using climate commitment act revenues.

WA SB5904

Extending the terms of eligibility for financial aid programs.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.