WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

Johnson Introduces New Legislation to Help Foster and Homeless Students, Spark Interest in Renewable Energy Careers

OLYMPIA – Students who experience homelessness or are in foster care in Federal Way Public Schools have significantly lower test scores in English literacy and math compared to other students. They also have lower graduation rates and worse attendance records. That’s why Rep. Jesse Johnson, D-Federal Way, has introduced new legislation to identify where investments can be made to help foster and homeless students catch up with their peers.

HB 2711 helps the Legislature look at the problems facing homeless and foster youth, from transportation and housing issues to inequities in the education system that keep those students from succeeding. The bill will require the Project Education Impact Workgroup to collaborate with state agencies and the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), along with nonprofits, community members, and parents to develop recommendations that will eliminate racial and ethnic disparities and improve educational outcomes for students in foster care and students experiencing homelessness. Those recommendations will be provided to the Legislature in 2021 to be incorporated in the next budget.

“Our students are struggling every day, especially those who are facing homelessness or are in the foster care system. In Federal Way, we have 674 students experiencing homelessness and 137 students in foster care and they have lower passing rates in math and English literacy. There are even more students across the state that are being let down by a system that needs to change. Bringing an equity lens to the discussion is one way we can better understand the issues students are facing that hold them back and implement strategies that result in success and better outcomes,” said Johnson.

Johnson is also sponsoring HB 2811, which will help high school students learn about the environment, both globally and locally. It establishes a joint select committee to work with the OSPI and the Legislature to develop curriculum that educators can use to teach integrated, equitable, locally relevant, real-world environmental science. It will also help students learn more about renewable natural resource career opportunities.

“The world needs more engineers, environmental scientists, conservationists, climate change analysts, and sustainability managers. Washington can start educating students in these areas to spark the interest needed to pursue those careers,” said Johnson. “All students will benefit when they learn more about their local environment, impacts to their health, and are given access to environmental education.”