OLYMPIA – On Monday, the House passed HB 1182 to make the Learning Assistance Program (LAP) more flexible for districts to respond to students’ academic needs.
The bill’s prime sponsor, Rep. Sharon Tomiko Santos (D-Seattle), said that the legislation will enable districts to better target barriers to learning and strengthen partnerships with communities.
“We need to tailor our policies to best serve student needs and to address the challenges that some students face early in their educational experiences,” she continued.
LAP was designed to provide additional support to students who are not meeting academic standards. Currently, districts may select from a menu of different strategies and best practices designed to improve student outcomes. HB 1182 allows districts to choose options other than those on the menu based on an assessment of students’ needs.
“Districts should have the flexibility to decide the best ways to serve students and their families,” said Santos.
HB 1182 passed 97-1 in the House. It now goes to the Senate for consideration.