Rep. Kagi’s dropout reengagement
program moves through the House

Plan is similar to successful venture in lawmaker’s home district

March 6, 2009

The House on Friday took steps to initiate a statewide dropout reengagement program when Rep. Ruth Kagi’s House Bill 1418 was approved with strong bi-partisan support.

Kagi’s statewide dropout reengagement strategy is similar to a 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 establishes a statutory and regulatory framework for drop out reengagement programs,” said Kagi (D-Lake Forest Park). “It is good public policy and makes good business sense to create pathways for dropouts to complete high school and move on with their lives. Without those opportunities, dropouts face poor employment prospects.”

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).

While schools are required to abide by the parameters of the reengagement program, Kagi’s bill does provide flexibility in how respective school districts implement their own programs.

The data suggests that something needs to be done. Nearly thirty percent of all high school students drop out.

“Dropping out of high school is not necessarily an indicator that students are slow or unable to do the work,” Kagi said. “There could be a lot of factors outside of school. Students don't realize the impact of dropping out. These programs can help students be successful for the first time.”