Lawmaker looks for ways
to give dropouts a second chance

Rep. Kagi working with educators from 32nd District on reengagement program

OLYMPIA -- There are many programs in the state of Washington that prepare students for college and the workplace. But what about those students who fall through the cracks?

Rep. Ruth Kagi (D-Lake Forest Park) is calling for the establishment of a statewide dropout reengagement strategy similar to the program in her home district involving the Shoreline School District and Shoreline Community College. The program, which had been in effect since the mid 1990s, was discontinued due to a need for specific legislative authorization.

“This bill will provide the legal structure for continuing a highly successful program run by Shoreline Community College, and other community colleges and community based agencies across the state, through the Educational School Districts,” Kagi said.

Shoreline School District Deputy Superintendant Marcia Harris has been in contact with Kagi about her efforts to revive this program and hopes the 32nd District Representative is successful.

“In this world, having educational alternatives available for different students is certainly a positive,” Harris said. “Students all learn in different ways and the more opportunities we have for them, the greater the benefit for our community and our economy.”

Kagi’s legislation provides a variety of services for students in need of a second chance. It creates a statewide dropout retrieval program to expand the educational/vocational continuum for students who are still eligible to attend K-12 schools (aged 16-21).

The data suggests that something needs to be done. According to the Office of Superintendant of Public Instruction, 21 percent of the students who entered the ninth grade in the fall of 2001 had dropped out before their expected graduation date in 2006.

“This bill provides critically needed alternatives for high school students who are way behind in credits, and do not want to return to high school,” Kagi said. “We cannot just allow these students to drop out of sight with no opportunity to complete their high school education and then move on with their lives.”

A public hearing is scheduled for Friday, February 6 at 8 a.m. in Olympia.