Senate Education Committee passes two Wolk bills

Bills would ensure charter school accountability, authorize adoption of preschool learning standards

Two bills authored by Assemblywoman Lois Wolk (D-Davis) and sponsored by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction (SSPI) Jack O’Connell were passed by the Senate Education Committee passed late last week.

Assembly bill 1246 would authorize the State Superintendent of Public Instruction (SSPI) to develop and adopt preschool learning standards in the areas of preliteracy and prenumeracy. The learning standards will be developmentally appropriate, will assist in the transition from home to preschool--and from preschool to kindergarten--and will address the emotional and physical skills they need to grow and learn.

As a former teacher and Chair of Yolo County First 5, I know that the preschool experience provides the foundation for a child’s cognitive and social development,” said Wolk. “A strong preschool experience prepares a child for a lifetime of learning.”

AB 1610 would require that when a student exits a charter school, the charter school must provide notification within 30 days to the student’s school district of residence, or county office of education, that the student no longer attends their school. Current law allows the State Superintendent of Public Instruction and the State Board of Education to waive financial penalties relating to instructional minutes for traditional, non-charter schools but not for charter schools. AB 1610 resolves this inequity by allowing them to waive financial penalties for charter schools as well. The bill also addresses several other issues relating to charter schools.

This bill strengthens accountability measures and ensures equity for charter schools, and is critical to ensure that these students don’t fall through the cracks,” said Wolk.

AB 1246 passed on an 8-2 vote, AB 1610 on a 9-2 vote. Both bills will next be heard in the Senate Appropriations Committee.