title: RCW 28A.700.090

text:
(1) Subject to funds appropriated for this purpose, the office of the superintendent of public instruction shall provide grants to eligible students to offset the costs of required examination or testing fees associated with obtaining state or industry certification in the student's career and technical education program.
(2) The office shall establish maximum grant amounts and a process for students to apply for the grants.
(3) For the purposes of this section, "eligible student" means:
(a) A student enrolled in a secondary career and technical education program where state or industry certification can be obtained without additional postsecondary work or study; or
(b) A student who completed a secondary career and technical education program in a Washington public school and is seeking state or industry certification in a program requiring additional postsecondary work or study or where there are age limitations on certification.
(4) Eligible students must have a family income that is at or below two hundred percent of the federal poverty level using the most current guidelines available from the United States department of health and human services.
[ 2008 c 170 s 302.]

catchline: Grants for state or industry certification testing fees.


doc_type: statute

jurisdiction: wa

title: RCW 28A.700.100

text:
(1)(a) Subject to funds appropriated for this purpose, the office of the superintendent of public instruction shall allocate grants to high schools to implement a training program to prepare students for employment as entry-level aerospace assemblers. Grant funds must be allocated on a one-time basis and may be used to purchase or improve course curriculum, purchase course equipment, and support professional development for course teachers. The office of the superintendent of public instruction shall consult and team with the community and technical colleges' center of excellence for aerospace and advanced materials manufacturing regarding the developing aerospace program of study and industry career needs. This information must assist the office of the superintendent of public instruction in refining specific aspects to the criteria in (b) of this subsection and leveraging advantages and opportunities for students in selected high schools.
(b) The superintendent of public instruction must select grant recipients based on the criteria in this subsection (1)(b). This is a competitive grant process. Successful high school applicants must:
(i) Demonstrate engaged and committed high school and district leadership and faculty in support of the aerospace assembler program;
(ii) Demonstrate capacity to offer the program and maximize the use of grant resources addressing: Availability of appropriate physical space, meeting program technology requirements, providing projected enrollment from the high school as well as from other area high schools as appropriate, planned hours and days each week the program is to be offered, and other specific program requirements set forth by the office of the superintendent of public instruction;
(iii) Demonstrate linkages to programs at local community and technical colleges and private technical schools to provide a seamless pathway for students to continue their education and career preparation beyond high school;
(iv) Demonstrate a history of successful partnerships within the community and partner support for implementing an entry-level aerospace assembler program that includes one or more of the following: Apprenticeships, supplying materials, instruction support, internships, mentorships, and other program components;
(v) Provide the plan for program implementation that includes a beginning date for first classes as well as plans for recruiting and retaining students in the course; and
(vi) Demonstrate capacity to continue the program in years succeeding the initial grant year.
(2) The education data center in the office of financial management must collect aerospace assembler program student participation and completion data for grant recipient high schools. The center must follow students to employment or further training and education in the two years following the students' completion of the program. Findings must be reported beginning in January 2014 and each January thereafter through January 2018 to the governor, the office of the superintendent of public instruction, other appropriate state agencies, and the appropriate education and fiscal committees of the legislature.
[ 2011 2nd sp.s. c 1 s 2.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2011 2nd sp.s. c 1: "The legislature finds that careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are critically important to the state's economy and will grow in importance in the future. The vitality of STEM product and process development, manufacturing, international trade, and research are dependent on a well-educated, trained, creative workforce. The legislature also finds that there are current employment opportunities and projected high employer demands in STEM careers. The legislature further finds that the interdisciplinary connections of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics taught in integrated, applied, and hands-on courses not only deepens content understanding but also extends and expands that learning to thoughtful and creative problem-solving practices on the assembly line, in the laboratory, and at the drawing board.
It is the intent of the legislature to support STEM education programs to help increase the number of Washingtonians prepared to enter STEM career fields. It is also the intent of the legislature to support courses and programs that begin in high school and build upon one another so that technical certifications and degrees are connected from high schools and skill centers to community and technical colleges and four-year universities." [ 2011 2nd sp.s. c 1 s 1.]

license: public-domain-government-work

rule_set: Revised Code of Washington

catchline: Entry-level aerospace assembler training program—Grants to high schools—Selection criteria—Data collection by education data center—Reports.

code: rcw

unit: section

court: Washington State Legislature


title: RCW 28A.700.110

text:
(1) Subject to funds appropriated for this purpose, the office of the superintendent of public instruction shall allocate grants to skill centers to implement enhanced manufacturing skills programs. Grant funds must be allocated on a one-time basis and may be used to purchase or improve program curriculum, purchase course equipment, and support professional development for program teachers. The office of the superintendent of public instruction shall consult and team with the community and technical colleges' center of excellence for aerospace and advanced materials manufacturing regarding the developing aerospace program of study and industry career needs as well as other community and technical college manufacturing programs. This information must assist the office of the superintendent of public instruction in refining specific aspects to the criteria in subsection (2) of this section and leveraging advantages and opportunities for students in selected skill centers.
(2) The superintendent of public instruction must select grant recipients based on the criteria in this subsection (2). This is a competitive grant process. Successful skill center applicants must:
(a) Demonstrate that enhanced manufacturing skills programs meet industry certification standards;
(b) Demonstrate engaged and committed skill center and school district leadership and faculty in support of the program;
(c) Demonstrate capacity to offer the enhanced manufacturing skills programs and maximize the use of grant resources addressing: Availability of appropriate physical space, meeting program technology requirements, providing projected enrollment from area high schools and students from area community and technical colleges if space is available, planned hours and days each week the program is to be offered, and other specific program requirements set forth by the office of the superintendent of public instruction;
(d) Demonstrate linkages to programs at local community and technical colleges and private technical schools to provide a seamless pathway for students to continue their education and career preparation beyond high school;
(e) Demonstrate a history of successful partnerships within the community and partner support for implementing an enhanced manufacturing skills program that includes one or more of the following: Apprenticeships, supplying materials, instruction support, internships, mentorships, and other program components;
(f) Provide the plan for program implementation that includes a beginning date for first classes as well as plans for recruiting and retaining students in the program; and
(g) Demonstrate capacity to continue the program in years succeeding the initial grant year.
(3) The education research center in the office of financial management must collect enhanced manufacturing skills programs student participation and completion data for grant recipient skill centers. The center must follow students to employment or further training and education in the two years following the students' completion of the program. Findings must be reported beginning in January 2014 and each January thereafter through January 2018 to the governor, the office of the superintendent of public instruction, other appropriate state agencies, and the appropriate education and fiscal committees of the legislature.
[ 2011 2nd sp.s. c 1 s 3.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2011 2nd sp.s. c 1: See note following RCW 28A.700.100.

catchline: Enhanced manufacturing skills programs—Grants to skill centers—Selection criteria—Data collection by education data center—Reports.


title: RCW 28A.700.130

text:
(1) Beginning in the 2019-20 school year, to allow students to engage in learning outside of the school day or in a summer program, school districts shall be funded up to one and two-tenths full-time equivalents for career launch programs, as defined in RCW 28C.30.020.
(2) The office of the superintendent of public instruction shall develop procedures to ensure that school districts do not report any student for more than one and two-tenths full-time equivalent students, combining both the student's high school enrollment and career launch enrollment.
[ 2019 c 406 s 60.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—2019 c 406: See note following RCW 43.79.195.
Findings—Short title—2019 c 406: See notes following RCW 28B.92.200.
Findings—2019 c 406: See note following RCW 28B.94.020.
Findings—Intent—2019 c 406: See note following RCW 28C.30.050.
Findings—Intent—2019 c 406: See note following RCW 43.216.135.

catchline: Career launch program funding.


title: RCW 28A.700.140

text:
(1) Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the office of the superintendent of public instruction shall establish and administer a grant program for the purpose of supporting high school career and technical education programs in starting or expanding offerings in health science programs.
(2) Grants must be awarded through a competitive grant process administered by the office of the superintendent of public instruction. In developing award criteria, the office of the superintendent of public instruction must consult with the workforce training and education coordinating board and the Washington state apprenticeship and training council.
(3) Grant funds may be allocated on a one-time or ongoing basis dependent on the needs of the program and may be used to purchase or improve curriculum, add additional staff, upgrade technology and equipment to meet industry standards, and for other purposes intended to initiate a new health science program or improve the rigor and quality of an existing health science program. Priority must be given to grant applications that include partnerships between employers and exclusive bargaining representatives as sponsors or cosponsors.
(4) Programs receiving funds under this section must meet the minimum criteria for preparatory secondary career and technical education programs under RCW 28A.700.030.
[ 2023 c 126 s 10.]
Notes:
Findings—2023 c 126: See note following RCW 28B.50.800.

catchline: Grants to initiate or improve health science programs.


title: RCW 28A.700.150

text:
(1)(a) The office of the superintendent of public instruction, in collaboration with the state board for community and technical colleges, the department of health, the health workforce council convened by the workforce training and education coordinating board, a statewide organization representing career and technical education, representatives from the allied health industry, and representatives from labor organizations representing allied health professions, shall develop an allied health professions career and technical education program for providing instruction to students who are pursuing industry-recognized nondegree credentials that: (i) Lead to entry-level positions in allied health professions; and (ii) lead or articulate to either related, recognized nondegree credentials or two or four-year degrees, or both. The program may include career and technical education courses offered prior to January 1, 2024, and courses developed or modified specifically for the program.
(b) Curriculum and other instructional materials for the program, that reflect consideration of the provisions in section 3(3)(c)(i) through (x), chapter 234, Laws of 2024, must be available for optional use in school districts and skill centers beginning in the 2027-28 school year.
(2) In meeting the requirements of this section, the office of the superintendent of public instruction shall:
(a) Consult with representatives from allied health profession employers and labor organizations representing allied health employees for the purpose of promoting industry sector partnerships, developing relationships with employers that are committed to hiring students who have completed the program, and soliciting recommendations for the establishment of the program on the following topics:
(i) Promotion of student input and awareness of the program, including its instructional offerings and potential work placement opportunities;
(ii) Curriculum;
(iii) Courses and course sequencing;
(iv) Development, maintenance, and expansion of industry, labor, and community partnerships;
(v) Program credentials;
(vi) Professional development for teachers; and
(vii) Other issues deemed necessary by the office of the superintendent of public instruction and the entities with which it must collaborate with as required in subsection (1)(a) of this section;
(b) Implement a process for soliciting comments about the program's establishment and operation from teachers and students, including students' parents or guardians; and
(c) Consider any preliminary or final recommendations of the statewide career and technical education task force established in section 3, chapter 234, Laws of 2024.
(3) Following the establishment of the program, the office of the superintendent of public instruction shall convene and collaborate with an advisory committee consisting of industry leadership from the allied health sector, representatives from a statewide entity representing businesses in the sector, and representatives from labor organizations representing employees in allied health professions for the purpose of:
(a) Informing the administration and continual improvement of the program;
(b) Reviewing data and outcomes;
(c) Recommending program improvements;
(d) Ensuring that the program reflects needed industry competencies; and
(e) Identifying appropriate program credentials.
(4) The office of the superintendent of public instruction may adopt and revise rules as necessary for the implementation of this section.
[ 2024 c 234 s 2.]
Notes:
Finding—Intent—2024 c 234: "(1) The legislature recognizes that career and technical education core plus programs have demonstrated innovation and success in providing meaningful benefits to students and employers though collaborative partnerships that serve as a model for work-integrated learning in Washington. For more than a decade, these programs, and the rigorous career and technical education curricula they incorporate, have prepared students for structured pathways to employment, and presented employers with an expanded pool of candidates with relevant skills and abilities.
(2) Career and technical education core plus programs have been established in three high-demand economic sectors that provide numerous livable wage employment opportunities: Aerospace and advanced manufacturing; construction; and maritime. These programs, which were originally based in manufacturing, but have evolved in response to ever-changing education and economic needs, have been strongly supported by leaders in vital Washington industries, [and] have provided unprecedented education and work-integrated learning opportunities to students. The legislature finds that these successes should be expanded to include an allied health professions program, with a curriculum that is inherently different from that of previously established career and technical education core plus programs, and that related efforts should consider options for future programs that reflect student, teacher, community, and employer needs, including programs in the information technology and natural resources sectors.
(3) Regardless of the sector, continual collaboration between education and industry partners has guided the establishment and operation of career and technical education core plus programs. These joint efforts, and the corresponding financial support from the state and industry partners, have: Focused on developing age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate curricula that is technically focused and academically rigorous; featured employer-supported professional development for teachers; and featured employer-provided worksite-based learning experiences for students and teachers. These elements are instrumental to the success of ongoing programs and offer a strong framework for establishing programs in other industry sectors.
(4) The legislature, therefore, intends to initiate a process for: (a) Soliciting expert recommendations for a career and technical education core plus model framework that can guide: The establishment and operation of successful programs in other high-demand sectors with livable wages and entry-level employment opportunities; and the expansion of operational programs; and (b) establishing a career and technical education program for allied health professions that is responsive to the needs of students, teachers, employers, and communities." [ 2024 c 234 s 1.]

catchline: Allied health professions career and technical education program—Advisory committee.


title: RCW 28A.700.160

text:
A school district may allow sixth grade students in middle school to enroll in exploratory career and technical education courses, but may not include such students in career and technical education enrollment counts for purposes of calculating allocations under RCW 28A.150.260 (4)(c) or (9).
[ 2025 c 134 s 1.]

catchline: Courses for sixth grade students permitted—Funding limited.


title: RCW 28A.700.900

text:
This chapter may be known and cited as the career and technical education act.
[ 2008 c 170 s 406.]

catchline: Short title.


title: RCW 28A.705.010

text:
ARTICLE I
PURPOSE
It is the purpose of this compact to remove barriers to educational success imposed on children of military families because of frequent moves and deployment of their parents by:
A. Facilitating the timely enrollment of children of military families and ensuring that they are not placed at a disadvantage due to difficulty in the transfer of education records from the previous school districts or variations in entrance and age requirements;
B. Facilitating the student placement process through which children of military families are not disadvantaged by variations in attendance requirements, scheduling, sequencing, grading, course content, or assessment;
C. Facilitating the qualification and eligibility for enrollment, educational programs, and participation in extracurricular academic, athletic, and social activities;
D. Facilitating the on-time graduation of children of military families;
E. Providing for the promulgation and enforcement of administrative rules implementing the provisions of this compact;
F. Providing for the uniform collection and sharing of information between and among member states, schools, and military families under this compact;
G. Promoting coordination between this compact and other compacts affecting military children; and
H. Promoting flexibility and cooperation between the educational system, parents, and the student in order to achieve educational success for the student.
ARTICLE II
DEFINITIONS
As used in this compact, unless the context clearly requires a different construction:
A. "Active duty" means full-time duty status in the active uniformed service of the United States, including members of the national guard and reserve on active duty orders pursuant to 10 U.S.C. Chapters 1209 and 1211.
B. "Children of military families" means school-aged children, enrolled in kindergarten through twelfth grade, in the household of an active duty member.
C. "Compact commissioner" means the voting representative of each compacting state appointed pursuant to Article VIII of this compact.
D. "Deployment" means the period one month prior to the service members' departure from their home station on military orders through six months after return to their home station.
E. "Education records" or "educational records" means those official records, files, and data directly related to a student and maintained by the school or local education agency, including but not limited to, records encompassing all the material kept in the student's cumulative folder such as general identifying data, records of attendance and of academic work completed, records of achievement and results of evaluative tests, health data, disciplinary status, test protocols, and individualized education programs.
F. "Extracurricular activities" means a voluntary activity sponsored by the school or local education agency or an organization sanctioned by the local education agency. Extracurricular activities include, but are not limited to, preparation for and involvement in public performances, contests, athletic competitions, demonstrations, displays, and club activities.
G. "Interstate commission on educational opportunity for military children" means the commission that is created under Article IX of this compact, which is generally referred to as the interstate commission.
H. "Local education agency" means a public authority legally constituted by the state as an administrative agency to provide control of and direction for kindergarten through twelfth grade public educational institutions.
I. "Member state" means a state that has enacted this compact.
J. "Military installation" means a base, camp, post, station, yard, center, homeport facility for any ship, or other activity under the jurisdiction of the United States department of defense, including any leased facility, which is located within any of the several states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, and any other U.S. territory. Such term does not include any facility used primarily for civil works, rivers and harbors projects, or flood control projects.
K. "Nonmember state" means a state that has not enacted this compact.
L. "Receiving state" means the state to which a child of a military family is sent, brought, or caused to be sent or brought.
M. "Rule" means a written statement by the interstate commission promulgated pursuant to Article XII of this compact that is of general applicability, implements, interprets, or prescribes a policy or provision of the compact, or an organizational, procedural, or practice requirement of the interstate commission, and has the force and effect of statutory law in a member state, and includes the amendment, repeal, or suspension of an existing rule.
N. "Sending state" means the state from which a child of a military family is sent, brought, or caused to be sent or brought.
O. "State" means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, and any other U.S. territory.
P. "Student" means the child of a military family for whom the local education agency receives public funding and who is formally enrolled in kindergarten through twelfth grade.
Q. "Transition" means: (1) The formal and physical process of transferring from school to school; or (2) the period of time in which a student moves from one school in the sending state to another school in the receiving state.
R. "Uniformed services" means the army, navy, air force, marine corps, and coast guard, as well as the commissioned corps of the national oceanic and atmospheric administration, and public health services.
S. "Veteran" means a person who served in the uniformed services and who was discharged or released therefrom under conditions other than dishonorable.
ARTICLE III
APPLICABILITY
A. Except as otherwise provided in section B of this article, this compact shall apply to the children of:
1. Active duty members of the uniformed services as defined in this compact, including members of the national guard and reserve on active duty orders pursuant to 10 U.S.C. Chapters 1209 and 1211;
2. Members or veterans of the uniformed services who are severely injured and medically discharged or retired for a period of one year after medical discharge or retirement; and
3. Members of the uniformed services who die on active duty or as a result of injuries sustained on active duty for a period of one year after death.
B. The provisions of this interstate compact shall only apply to local education agencies as defined in this compact.
C. The provisions of this compact shall not apply to the children of:
1. Inactive members of the national guard and military reserves;
2. Members of the uniformed services now retired, except as provided in section A of this article;
3. Veterans of the uniformed services, except as provided in section A of this article; and
4. Other U.S. department of defense personnel and other federal agency civilian and contract employees not defined as active duty members of the uniformed services.
ARTICLE IV
EDUCATIONAL RECORDS AND ENROLLMENT
A. Unofficial or "hand-carried" education records – In the event that official education records cannot be released to the parents for the purpose of transfer, the custodian of the records in the sending state shall prepare and furnish to the parent a complete set of unofficial educational records containing uniform information as determined by the interstate commission. Upon receipt of the unofficial education records by a school in the receiving state, the school shall enroll and appropriately place the student based on the information provided in the unofficial records pending validation by the official records, as quickly as possible.
B. Official education records and transcripts -Simultaneous with the enrollment and conditional placement of the student, the school in the receiving state shall request the student's official education record from the school in the sending state. Upon receipt of this request, the school in the sending state will process and furnish the official education records to the school in the receiving state within ten days or within such time as is reasonably determined under the rules promulgated by the interstate commission. However, if the student has an unpaid fine at a public school or unpaid tuition, fees, or fines at a private school, then the sending school shall send the information requested but may withhold the official transcript until the monetary obligation is met.
C. Immunizations – On or before the first day of attendance, the parent or guardian must meet the immunization documentation requirements of the Washington board of health. Compacting states shall give thirty days from the date of enrollment or within such time as is reasonably determined under the rules promulgated by the interstate commission, for students to obtain any immunizations required by the receiving state. For a series of immunizations, initial vaccinations must be obtained within thirty days or within such time as is reasonably determined under the rules promulgated by the interstate commission.
D. Kindergarten and first grade entrance age – Students shall be allowed to continue their enrollment at grade level in the receiving state commensurate with their grade level (including kindergarten) from a local education agency in the sending state at the time of transition, regardless of age. A student who has satisfactorily completed the prerequisite grade level in the local education agency in the sending state shall be eligible for enrollment in the next highest grade level in the receiving state, regardless of age. A student transferring after the start of the school year in the receiving state shall enter the school in the receiving state on his or her validated level from an accredited school in the sending state.
ARTICLE V
PLACEMENT AND ATTENDANCE
A. Course placement - When the student transfers before or during the school year, the receiving state school shall initially honor placement of the student in educational courses based on the student's enrollment in the sending state school and/or educational assessments conducted at the school in the sending state if the courses are offered and if space is available, as determined by the school district. Course placement includes but is not limited to honors, international baccalaureate, advanced placement, vocational, technical, and career pathways courses. Continuing the student's academic program from the previous school and promoting placement in academically and career challenging courses should be paramount when considering placement. This does not preclude the school in the receiving state from performing subsequent evaluations to ensure appropriate placement and continued enrollment of the student in the courses.
B. Educational program placement – The receiving state school shall initially honor placement of the student in educational programs based on current educational assessments conducted at the school in the sending state or participation and placement in like programs in the sending state and if space is available, as determined by the school district. Such programs include, but are not limited to: (1) Gifted and talented programs; and (2) English as a second language (ESL). This does not preclude the school in the receiving state from performing subsequent evaluations to ensure appropriate placement of the student.
C. Special education services – (1) In compliance with the federal requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), 20 U.S.C. Sec. 1400 et seq., the receiving state shall initially provide comparable services to a student with disabilities based on his or her current Individualized Education Program (IEP); and (2) in compliance with the requirements of section 504 of the rehabilitation act, 29 U.S.C. Sec. 794, and with Title II of the Americans with disabilities act, 42 U.S.C. Secs. 12131-12165, the receiving state shall make reasonable accommodations and modifications to address the needs of incoming students with disabilities, subject to an existing 504 or Title II plan, to provide the student with equal access to education. This does not preclude the school in the receiving state from performing subsequent evaluations to ensure appropriate placement of the student.
D. Placement flexibility – Local education agency administrative officials shall have flexibility in waiving course and program prerequisites, or other preconditions for placement in courses and programs offered under the jurisdiction of the local education agency.
E. Absence as related to deployment activities – A student whose parent or legal guardian is an active duty member of the uniformed services, as defined by this compact, and has been called to duty for, is on leave from, or immediately returned from deployment to a combat zone or combat support posting, shall be granted additional excused absences at the discretion of the local education agency superintendent to visit with his or her parent or legal guardian relative to such leave or deployment of the parent or guardian.
ARTICLE VI
ELIGIBILITY
A. Eligibility for enrollment
1. Special power of attorney, relative to the guardianship of a child of a military family and executed under applicable law shall be sufficient for the purposes of enrollment and all other actions requiring parental participation and consent.
2. A local education agency shall be prohibited from charging local tuition to a transitioning military child placed in the care of a noncustodial parent or other person standing in loco parentis who lives in a jurisdiction other than that of the custodial parent.
3. A transitioning military child, placed in the care of a noncustodial parent or other person standing in loco parentis who lives in a jurisdiction other than that of the custodial parent, may continue to attend the school in which he or she was enrolled while residing with the custodial parent.
B. Eligibility for extracurricular participation - Under RCW 28A.225.280, the Washington interscholastic activities association and local education agencies shall facilitate the opportunity for transitioning military children's inclusion in extracurricular activities, regardless of application deadlines, to the extent they are otherwise qualified and space is available, as determined by the school district.
ARTICLE VII
GRADUATION
In order to facilitate the on-time graduation of children of military families, states and local education agencies shall incorporate the following procedures:
A. Waiver requirements – Local education agency administrative officials shall waive specific courses required for graduation if similar coursework has been satisfactorily completed in another local education agency or shall provide reasonable justification for denial. Should a waiver not be granted to a student who would qualify to graduate from the sending school, the local education agency shall use best efforts to provide an alternative means of acquiring required coursework so that graduation may occur on time.
B. Exit exams - For students entering high school in eleventh or twelfth grade, states shall accept: (1) Exit or end-of-course exams required for graduation from the sending state; or (2) national norm-referenced achievement tests; or (3) alternative testing, in lieu of testing requirements for graduation in the receiving state. In the event the above alternatives cannot be accommodated by the receiving state for a student transferring in his or her senior year, then the provisions of section C of this article shall apply.
C. Transfers during senior year – Should a military student transferring at the beginning or during his or her senior year be ineligible to graduate from the receiving local education agency after all alternatives have been considered, the sending and receiving local education agencies shall ensure the receipt of a diploma from the sending local education agency, if the student meets the graduation requirements of the sending local education agency. In the event that one of the states in question is not a member of this compact, the member state shall use best efforts to facilitate the on-time graduation of the student in accordance with sections A and B of this article.
ARTICLE VIII
STATE COORDINATION
A. Each member state shall, through the creation of a state council or use of an existing body or board, provide for the coordination among its agencies of government, local education agencies, and military installations concerning the state's participation in, and compliance with, this compact and interstate commission activities. While each member state may determine the membership of its own state council, its membership must include at least: The state superintendent of public instruction, a superintendent of a school district with a high concentration of military children, a representative from a military installation, one representative each from the legislative and executive branches of government, and other offices and stakeholder groups the state council deems appropriate. A member state that does not have a school district deemed to contain a high concentration of military children may appoint a superintendent from another school district to represent local education agencies on the state council.
B. The state council of each member state shall appoint or designate a military family education liaison to assist military families and the state in facilitating the implementation of this compact.
C. The compact commissioner responsible for the administration and management of the state's participation in the compact shall be appointed by the governor or as otherwise determined by each member state. The governor is strongly encouraged to appoint a practicing K-12 educator as the compact commissioner.
D. The compact commissioner and the military family education liaison designated herein shall be ex officio members of the state council, unless either is already a full voting member of the state council.
ARTICLE IX
INTERSTATE COMMISSION ON EDUCATIONAL
OPPORTUNITY FOR MILITARY CHILDREN
The member states hereby create the "interstate commission on educational opportunity for military children." The activities of the interstate commission are the formation of public policy and are a discretionary state function. The interstate commission shall:
A. Be a body corporate and joint agency of the member states and shall have all the responsibilities, powers, and duties set forth herein, and such additional powers as may be conferred upon it by a subsequent concurrent action of the respective legislatures of the member states in accordance with the terms of this compact;
B. Consist of one interstate commission voting representative from each member state who shall be that state's compact commissioner.
1. Each member state represented at a meeting of the interstate commission is entitled to one vote.
2. A majority of the total member states shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, unless a larger quorum is required by the bylaws of the interstate commission.
3. A representative shall not delegate a vote to another member state. In the event the compact commissioner is unable to attend a meeting of the interstate commission, the governor or state council may delegate voting authority to another person from their state for a specified meeting.
4. The bylaws may provide for meetings of the interstate commission to be conducted by telecommunication or electronic communication;
C. Consist of ex officio, nonvoting representatives who are members of interested organizations. Such ex officio members, as defined in the bylaws, may include but not be limited to, members of the representative organizations of military family advocates, local education agency officials, parent and teacher groups, the U.S. department of defense, the education commission of the states, the interstate agreement on the qualification of educational personnel, and other interstate compacts affecting the education of children of military members;
D. Meet at least once each calendar year. The chairperson may call additional meetings and, upon the request of a simple majority of the member states, shall call additional meetings;
E. Establish an executive committee, whose members shall include the officers of the interstate commission and such other members of the interstate commission as determined by the bylaws. Members of the executive committee shall serve a one-year term. Members of the executive committee shall be entitled to one vote each. The executive committee shall have the power to act on behalf of the interstate commission, with the exception of rule making, during periods when the interstate commission is not in session. The executive committee shall oversee the day-to-day activities of the administration of the compact including enforcement and compliance with the provisions of the compact, its bylaws and rules, and other such duties as deemed necessary. The U.S. department of defense shall serve as an ex officio, nonvoting member of the executive committee;
F. Establish bylaws and rules that provide for conditions and procedures under which the interstate commission shall make its information and official records available to the public for inspection or copying. The interstate commission may exempt from disclosure information or official records to the extent they would adversely affect personal privacy rights or proprietary interests;
G. Give public notice of all meetings and all meetings shall be open to the public, except as set forth in the rules or as otherwise provided in the compact. The interstate commission and its committees may close a meeting, or portion thereof, where it determines by two-thirds vote that an open meeting would be likely to:
1. Relate solely to the interstate commission's internal personnel practices and procedures;
2. Disclose matters specifically exempted from disclosure by federal and state statute;
3. Disclose trade secrets or commercial or financial information which is privileged or confidential;
4. Involve accusing a person of a crime, or formally censuring a person;
5. Disclose information of a personal nature where disclosure would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy;
6. Disclose investigative records compiled for law enforcement purposes; or
7. Specifically relate to the interstate commission's participation in a civil action or other legal proceeding;
H. Cause its legal counsel or designee to certify that a meeting may be closed and shall reference each relevant exemptible provision for any meeting, or portion of a meeting, which is closed pursuant to this provision. The interstate commission shall keep minutes which shall fully and clearly describe all matters discussed in a meeting and shall provide a full and accurate summary of actions taken, and the reasons therefor, including a description of the views expressed and the record of a roll call vote. All documents considered in connection with an action shall be identified in such minutes. All minutes and documents of a closed meeting shall remain under seal, subject to release by a majority vote of the interstate commission;
I. Collect standardized data concerning the educational transition of the children of military families under this compact as directed through its rules which shall specify the data to be collected, the means of collection, and data exchange and reporting requirements. Such methods of data collection, exchange, and reporting shall, in so far as is reasonably possible, conform to current technology and coordinate its information functions with the appropriate custodian of records as identified in the bylaws and rules;
J. Create a process that permits military officials, education officials, and parents to inform the interstate commission if and when there are alleged violations of the compact or its rules or when issues subject to the jurisdiction of the compact or its rules are not addressed by the state or local education agency. This section shall not be construed to create a private right of action against the interstate commission or any member state.
ARTICLE X
POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION
The interstate commission shall have the following powers:
A. To provide for dispute resolution among member states;
B. To promulgate rules and take all necessary actions to effect the goals, purposes, and obligations as enumerated in this compact. The rules shall have the force and effect of statutory law and shall be binding in the compact states to the extent and in the manner provided in this compact;
C. To issue, upon request of a member state, advisory opinions concerning the meaning or interpretation of the interstate compact, its bylaws, rules, and actions;
D. To enforce compliance with the compact provisions, the rules promulgated by the interstate commission, and the bylaws, using all necessary and proper means, including but not limited to the use of judicial process;
E. To establish and maintain offices which shall be located within one or more of the member states;
F. To purchase and maintain insurance and bonds;
G. To borrow, accept, hire, or contract for services of personnel;
H. To establish and appoint committees including, but not limited to, an executive committee as required by Article IX, section E of this compact, which shall have the power to act on behalf of the interstate commission in carrying out its powers and duties hereunder;
I. To elect or appoint such officers, attorneys, employees, agents, or consultants, and to fix their compensation, define their duties, and determine their qualifications; and to establish the interstate commission's personnel policies and programs relating to conflicts of interest, rates of compensation, and qualifications of personnel;
J. To accept any and all donations and grants of money, equipment, supplies, materials, and services, and to receive, utilize, and dispose of it;
K. To lease, purchase, accept contributions or donations of, or otherwise to own, hold, improve, or use any property, real, personal, or mixed;
L. To sell, convey, mortgage, pledge, lease, exchange, abandon, or otherwise dispose of any property, real, personal, or mixed;
M. To establish a budget and make expenditures;
N. To adopt a seal and bylaws governing the management and operation of the interstate commission;
O. To report annually to the legislatures, governors, judiciary, and state councils of the member states concerning the activities of the interstate commission during the preceding year. Such reports shall also include any recommendations that may have been adopted by the interstate commission;
P. To coordinate education, training, and public awareness regarding the compact, its implementation, and operation for officials and parents involved in such activity;
Q. To establish uniform standards for the reporting, collecting, and exchanging of data;
R. To maintain corporate books and records in accordance with the bylaws;
S. To perform such functions as may be necessary or appropriate to achieve the purposes of this compact; and
T. To provide for the uniform collection and sharing of information between and among member states, schools, and military families under this compact.
ARTICLE XI
ORGANIZATION AND OPERATION OF THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION
A. The interstate commission shall, by a majority of the members present and voting, within twelve months after the first interstate commission meeting, adopt bylaws to govern its conduct as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes of the compact, including, but not limited to:
1. Establishing the fiscal year of the interstate commission;
2. Establishing an executive committee, and such other committees as may be necessary;
3. Providing for the establishment of committees and for governing any general or specific delegation of authority or function of the interstate commission;
4. Providing reasonable procedures for calling and conducting meetings of the interstate commission, and ensuring reasonable notice of each such meeting;
5. Establishing the titles and responsibilities of the officers and staff of the interstate commission;
6. Providing a mechanism for concluding the operations of the interstate commission and the return of surplus funds that may exist upon the termination of the compact after the payment and reserving of all of its debts and obligations; and
7. Providing "start-up" rules for initial administration of the compact.
B. The interstate commission shall, by a majority of the members, elect annually from among its members a chairperson, a vice chairperson, and a treasurer, each of whom shall have such authority and duties as may be specified in the bylaws. The chairperson or, in the chairperson's absence or disability, the vice chairperson, shall preside at all meetings of the interstate commission. The officers so elected shall serve without compensation or remuneration from the interstate commission; provided that, subject to the availability of budgeted funds, the officers shall be reimbursed for ordinary and necessary costs and expenses incurred by them in the performance of their responsibilities as officers of the interstate commission.
C. Executive committee, officers, and personnel
1. The executive committee shall have such authority and duties as may be set forth in the bylaws, including but not limited to:
a. Managing the affairs of the interstate commission in a manner consistent with the bylaws and purposes of the interstate commission;
b. Overseeing an organizational structure within, and appropriate procedures for the interstate commission to provide for the creation of rules, operating procedures, and administrative and technical support functions; and
c. Planning, implementing, and coordinating communications and activities with other state, federal, and local government organizations in order to advance the goals of the interstate commission.
2. The executive committee may, subject to the approval of the interstate commission, appoint or retain an executive director for such period, upon such terms and conditions and for such compensation, as the interstate commission may deem appropriate. The executive director shall serve as secretary to the interstate commission, but shall not be a member of the interstate commission. The executive director shall hire and supervise such other persons as may be authorized by the interstate commission.
D. The interstate commission's executive director and its employees shall be immune from suit and liability, either personally or in their official capacity, for a claim for damage to or loss of property or personal injury or other civil liability caused or arising out of or relating to an actual or alleged act, error, or omission that occurred, or that such person had a reasonable basis for believing occurred, within the scope of interstate commission employment, duties, or responsibilities; provided, that such person shall not be protected from suit or liability for damage, loss, injury, or liability caused by the intentional or willful and wanton misconduct of such person.
1. The liability of the interstate commission's executive director and employees or interstate commission representatives, acting within the scope of such person's employment or duties for acts, errors, or omissions occurring within such person's state may not exceed the limits of liability set forth under the Constitution and laws of that state for state officials, employees, and agents. The interstate commission is considered to be an instrumentality of the states for the purposes of any such action. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to protect such person from suit or liability for damage, loss, injury, or liability caused by the intentional or willful and wanton misconduct of such person.
2. The interstate commission shall defend the executive director and its employees and, subject to the approval of the attorney general or other appropriate legal counsel of the member state represented by an interstate commission representative, shall defend such interstate commission representative in any civil action seeking to impose liability arising out of an actual or alleged act, error, or omission that occurred within the scope of interstate commission employment, duties, or responsibilities, or that the defendant had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of interstate commission employment, duties, or responsibilities, provided that the actual or alleged act, error, or omission did not result from intentional or willful and wanton misconduct on the part of such person.
3. To the extent not covered by the state involved, member state, or the interstate commission, the representatives or employees of the interstate commission shall be held harmless in the amount of a settlement or judgment, including attorneys' fees and costs, obtained against such persons arising out of an actual or alleged act, error, or omission that occurred within the scope of interstate commission employment, duties, or responsibilities, or that such persons had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of interstate commission employment, duties, or responsibilities, provided that the actual or alleged act, error, or omission did not result from intentional or willful and wanton misconduct on the part of such persons.
ARTICLE XII
RULE-MAKING FUNCTIONS OF THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION
A. Rule-making authority - The interstate commission shall promulgate reasonable rules in order to effectively and efficiently achieve the purposes of this compact. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event the interstate commission exercises its rule-making authority in a manner that is beyond the scope of the purposes of this compact, or the powers granted hereunder, then such an action by the interstate commission shall be invalid and have no force or effect.
B. Rule-making procedure - Rules shall be made pursuant to a rule-making process that substantially conforms to the "model state administrative procedure act," of 1981, Uniform Laws Annotated, Vol. 15, p.1 (2000) as amended, as may be appropriate to the operations of the interstate commission.
C. Not later than thirty days after a rule is promulgated, any person may file a petition for judicial review of the rule; provided, that the filing of such a petition shall not stay or otherwise prevent the rule from becoming effective unless the court finds that the petitioner has a substantial likelihood of success. The court shall give deference to the actions of the interstate commission consistent with applicable law and shall not find the rule to be unlawful if the rule represents a reasonable exercise of the interstate commission's authority.
D. If a majority of the legislatures of the compacting states rejects a rule by enactment of a statute or resolution in the same manner used to adopt the compact, then such rule shall have no further force and effect in any compacting state.
ARTICLE XIII
OVERSIGHT, ENFORCEMENT, AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION
A. Oversight
1. The executive, legislative, and judicial branches of state government in each member state shall enforce this compact and shall take all actions necessary and appropriate to effectuate the compact's purposes and intent. The provisions of this compact and the rules promulgated hereunder shall have standing as statutory law.
2. All courts shall take judicial notice of the compact and the rules in any judicial or administrative proceeding in a member state pertaining to the subject matter of this compact which may affect the powers, responsibilities, or actions of the interstate commission.
3. The interstate commission shall be entitled to receive all service of process in any such proceeding, and shall have standing to intervene in the proceeding for all purposes. Failure to provide service of process to the interstate commission shall render a judgment or order void as to the interstate commission, this compact, or promulgated rules.
B. Default, technical assistance, suspension, and termination - If the interstate commission determines that a member state has defaulted in the performance of its obligations or responsibilities under this compact, or the bylaws or promulgated rules, the interstate commission shall:
1. Provide written notice to the defaulting state and other member states of the nature of the default, the means of curing the default, and any action taken by the interstate commission. The interstate commission shall specify the conditions by which the defaulting state must cure its default;
2. Provide remedial training and specific technical assistance regarding the default;
3. If the defaulting state fails to cure the default, the defaulting state shall be terminated from the compact upon an affirmative vote of a majority of the member states and all rights, privileges, and benefits conferred by this compact shall be terminated from the effective date of termination. A cure of the default does not relieve the offending state of obligations or liabilities incurred during the period of the default;
4. Suspension or termination of membership in the compact shall be imposed only after all other means of securing compliance have been exhausted. Notice of intent to suspend or terminate shall be given by the interstate commission to the governor, the majority and minority leaders of the defaulting state's legislature, and each of the member states;
5. The state which has been suspended or terminated is responsible for all assessments, obligations, and liabilities incurred through the effective date of suspension or termination including obligations the performance of which extends beyond the effective date of suspension or termination;
6. The interstate commission shall not bear any costs relating to any state that has been found to be in default or which has been suspended or terminated from the compact, unless otherwise mutually agreed upon in writing between the interstate commission and the defaulting state;
7. The defaulting state may appeal the action of the interstate commission by petitioning the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia or the federal district where the interstate commission has its principal offices. The prevailing party shall be awarded all costs of such litigation including reasonable attorneys' fees.
C. Dispute Resolution
1. The interstate commission shall attempt, upon the request of a member state, to resolve disputes which are subject to the compact and which may arise among member states and between member and nonmember states.
2. The interstate commission shall promulgate a rule providing for both mediation and binding dispute resolution for disputes as appropriate.
D. Enforcement
1. The interstate commission, in the reasonable exercise of its discretion, shall enforce the provisions and rules of this compact.
2. The interstate commission, may by majority vote of the members, initiate legal action in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia or, at the discretion of the interstate commission, in the federal district where the interstate commission has its principal offices, to enforce compliance with the provisions of the compact, and its promulgated rules and bylaws, against a member state in default. The relief sought may include both injunctive relief and damages. In the event judicial enforcement is necessary the prevailing party shall be awarded all costs of such litigation including reasonable attorneys' fees.
3. The remedies herein shall not be the exclusive remedies of the interstate commission. The interstate commission may avail itself of any other remedies available under state law or the regulation of a profession.
ARTICLE XIV
FINANCING OF THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION
A. The interstate commission shall pay, or provide for the payment of the reasonable expenses of its establishment, organization, and ongoing activities.
B. The interstate commission may levy on and collect an annual assessment from each member state to cover the cost of the operations and activities of the interstate commission and its staff which must be in a total amount sufficient to cover the interstate commission's annual budget as approved each year. The aggregate annual assessment amount shall be allocated based upon a formula to be determined by the interstate commission, which shall promulgate a rule binding upon all member states.
C. The interstate commission shall not incur obligations of any kind prior to securing the funds adequate to meet the same; nor shall the interstate commission pledge the credit of any of the member states, except by and with the authority of the member state.
D. The interstate commission shall keep accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements. The receipts and disbursements of the interstate commission shall be subject to the audit and accounting procedures established under its bylaws. However, all receipts and disbursements of funds handled by the interstate commission shall be audited yearly by a certified or licensed public accountant and the report of the audit shall be included in and become part of the annual report of the interstate commission.
ARTICLE XV
MEMBER STATES, EFFECTIVE DATE, AND AMENDMENT
A. Any state is eligible to become a member state.
B. The compact shall become effective and binding upon legislative enactment of the compact into law by no less than ten of the states. The effective date shall be no earlier than December 1, 2007.
Thereafter it shall become effective and binding as to any other member state upon enactment of the compact into law by that state. The governors of nonmember states or their designees shall be invited to participate in the activities of the interstate commission on a nonvoting basis prior to adoption of the compact by all states.
C. The interstate commission may propose amendments to the compact for enactment by the member states. No amendment shall become effective and binding upon the interstate commission and the member states unless and until it is enacted into law by unanimous consent of the member states.
ARTICLE XVI
WITHDRAWAL AND DISSOLUTION
A. Withdrawal
1. Once effective, the compact shall continue in force and remain binding upon each and every member state; provided that a member state may withdraw from the compact by specifically repealing the statute, which enacted the compact into law.
2. Withdrawal from this compact shall be by the enactment of a statute repealing the same, but shall not take effect until one year after the effective date of such statute and until written notice of the withdrawal has been given by the withdrawing state to the governor of each other member jurisdiction.
3. The withdrawing state shall immediately notify the chairperson of the interstate commission in writing upon the introduction of legislation repealing this compact in the withdrawing state. The interstate commission shall notify the other member states of the withdrawing state's intent to withdraw within sixty days of its receipt thereof.
4. The withdrawing state is responsible for all assessments, obligations, and liabilities incurred through the effective date of withdrawal, including obligations, the performance of which extend beyond the effective date of withdrawal.
5. Reinstatement following withdrawal of a member state shall occur upon the withdrawing state reenacting the compact or upon such later date as determined by the interstate commission.
B. Dissolution of compact
1. This compact shall dissolve effective upon the date of the withdrawal or default of the member state which reduces the membership in the compact to one member state.
2. Upon the dissolution of this compact, the compact becomes null and void and shall be of no further force or effect, and the business and affairs of the interstate commission shall be concluded and surplus funds shall be distributed in accordance with the bylaws.
ARTICLE XVII
SEVERABILITY AND CONSTRUCTION
A. The provisions of this compact shall be severable, and if any phrase, clause, sentence, or provision is deemed unenforceable, the remaining provisions of the compact shall be enforceable.
B. The provisions of this compact shall be liberally construed to effectuate its purposes.
C. Nothing in this compact shall be construed to prohibit the applicability of other interstate compacts to which the states are members.
ARTICLE XVIII
BINDING EFFECT OF COMPACT AND OTHER LAWS
A. Other laws
1. Nothing herein prevents the enforcement of any other law of a member state that is not inconsistent with this compact.
2. All member states' laws conflicting with this compact are superseded to the extent of the conflict.
B. Binding effect of the compact
1. All lawful actions of the interstate commission, including all rules and bylaws promulgated by the interstate commission, are binding upon the member states.
2. All agreements between the interstate commission and the member states are binding in accordance with their terms.
3. In the event any provision of this compact exceeds the constitutional limits imposed on the legislature of any member state, such provision shall be ineffective to the extent of the conflict with the constitutional provision in question in that member state.
[ 2023 c 470 s 3022; 2009 c 380 s 1.]
Notes:
Explanatory statement—2023 c 470: See note following RCW 10.99.030.

catchline: Compact provisions.


title: RCW 28A.705.020

text:
By December 1, 2014, the state council, created in accordance with RCW 28A.705.010, shall conduct a review of the implementation of the interstate compact on educational opportunity for military children and recommend to the state legislature whether Washington should continue to be a member of the compact and whether any other actions should be taken.
[ 2009 c 380 s 9.]


title: RCW 28A.707.005

text:
It shall be the policy of the state of Washington that:
(1) The office of the superintendent of public instruction shall ensure that each child of a homeless individual and each homeless youth has equal access to the same free, appropriate public education, including a public preschool education for qualifying children, as provided to other children and youths;
(2) When requirements of law, practice, or policy, including compulsory residency requirements, create barriers to the identification of or to the enrollment, attendance, or success in school of homeless children and youths, the office of the superintendent of public instruction and school districts must review and undertake steps to revise such laws, regulations, practices, or policies to ensure that homeless children and youths are afforded the same free, appropriate public education as provided to other children and youths;
(3) Homelessness is not sufficient reason to separate students from the mainstream school environment; and
(4) Homeless children and youths should have access to the education and other services that such children and youths need to ensure that such children and youths have an opportunity to meet the same challenging state academic standards to which all students are held.
[ 2026 c 201 s 101.]
Notes:
Conflict with federal requirements—2026 c 201: "If any part of this act is found to be in conflict with federal requirements that are a prescribed condition to the allocation of federal funds to the state, the conflicting part of this act is inoperative solely to the extent of the conflict and with respect to the agencies directly affected, and this finding does not affect the operation of the remainder of this act in its application to the agencies concerned. Rules adopted under this act must meet federal requirements that are a necessary condition to the receipt of federal funds by the state." [ 2026 c 201 s 1202.]

catchline: State policy.


title: RCW 28A.707.010

text:
The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(1) "Enroll" and "enrollment" include attending classes and participating fully in school activities.
(2) "Homeless children and youths" means individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence and includes:
(a) Children and youths who are sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason; are living in motels, hotels, trailer parks, or camping grounds due to the lack of alternative adequate accommodations; are living in emergency or transitional shelters; or are abandoned in hospitals;
(b) Children and youths who have a primary nighttime residence that is a public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings;
(c) Children and youths who are living in cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar settings; and
(d) Migratory children, as such term is defined in 20 U.S.C. Sec. 6399, who qualify as homeless for the purposes of this chapter or under applicable federal law, because the children are living in circumstances described in (a) through (c) of this subsection.
(3) "School of origin" means the school that a child or youth attended when permanently housed or the school in which the child or youth was last enrolled, including a preschool. When the child or youth completes the final grade level served by the school of origin, the term "school of origin" includes the designated receiving school at the next grade level for all feeder schools.
(4) "Unaccompanied youth" includes a homeless child or youth not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian.
[ 2026 c 201 s 201.]
Notes:
Conflict with federal requirements—2026 c 201: See note following RCW 28A.707.005.

catchline: Definitions.


title: RCW 28A.707.020

text:
(1) The superintendent of public instruction shall submit to the legislature a plan to provide for the education of homeless children and youths within the state. Such plan must include the following:
(a) A description of how homeless children and youths are, or will be, given the opportunity to meet the same challenging state academic standards as all students are expected to meet;
(b) A description of the procedures the office of the superintendent of public instruction will use to identify homeless children and youths in the state and to assess their needs;
(c) A description of procedures for the prompt resolution of disputes regarding the educational placement of homeless children and youths;
(d) A description of programs for school personnel, including school district liaisons designated under (j)(ii) of this subsection, principals and other school leaders, attendance officers, teachers, enrollment personnel, and specialized instructional support personnel, to heighten the awareness of such school personnel of the specific needs of homeless children and youths, including such children and youths who are runaway and homeless youths;
(e) A description of procedures that ensure that homeless children and youths who meet the relevant eligibility criteria are able to participate in federal, state, or local nutrition programs;
(f) A description of procedures that ensure that:
(i) Homeless children and youths who meet the relevant eligibility criteria have access to public preschool programs administered by school districts to the same extent as other children;
(ii) Homeless children and youths, and youths separated from public schools, are identified and accorded equal access to appropriate secondary education and support services, including by identifying and removing barriers that prevent youths described in this subsection from receiving appropriate credit for full or partial coursework satisfactorily completed while attending a prior school, in accordance with state, local, and school policies; and
(iii) Homeless children and youths who meet the relevant eligibility criteria do not face barriers to accessing academic and extracurricular activities, including magnet school, summer school, career and technical education, advanced placement, alternative learning experience courses, and charter school programs, if such programs are available at the local levels;
(g) Strategies to address problems identified in the report provided to the secretary of the United States department of education under RCW 28A.707.060(2)(c), if applicable;
(h) Strategies to address other problems with respect to the education of homeless children and youths, including problems resulting from enrollment delays that are caused by:
(i) Requirements of immunization and other required health records;
(ii) Residency requirements;
(iii) Lack of birth certificates, school records, or other documentation;
(iv) Guardianship issues; or
(v) Uniform or dress code requirements;
(i) A demonstration that the office of the superintendent of public instruction and all school districts have developed, and shall review and revise, policies to remove barriers to the identification of homeless children and youths, and the enrollment and retention of homeless children and youths in schools in the state, including barriers to enrollment and retention due to outstanding fees or fines, or absences, if applicable;
(j) Assurances that the following will be carried out:
(i) The office of the superintendent of public instruction and all school districts will adopt policies and practices to ensure that homeless children and youths are not stigmatized or segregated on the basis of their status as homeless;
(ii) All school districts will designate an appropriate staff person, able to carry out the duties described in RCW 28A.707.050, who may also be a coordinator for other federal programs, as a school district liaison for homeless children and youths;
(iii) The office of the superintendent of public instruction and all school districts will adopt policies and practices to ensure that transportation is provided, at the request of the parent or guardian, or in the case of an unaccompanied youth, the school district liaison, to and from the school of origin, as determined in accordance with RCW 28A.707.030, and in accordance with the following, as applicable:
(A) If the homeless child or youth continues to live in the area served by the school district in which the school of origin is located, the homeless child's or youth's transportation to and from the school of origin must be provided or arranged by the school district in which the school of origin is located; and
(B) If the homeless child's or youth's living arrangements in the area served by the school district of origin terminate and the homeless child or youth, though continuing the homeless child's or youth's education in the school of origin, begins living in an area served by another school district, the school district of origin and the school district in which the homeless child or youth is living shall agree upon a method to apportion the responsibility and costs for providing the homeless child or youth with transportation to and from the school of origin. If the school districts are unable to agree upon such method, the responsibility and costs for transportation must be shared equally; and
(iv) The office of the superintendent of public instruction and all school districts will adopt policies and practices to ensure participation by school district liaisons in professional development and other technical assistance activities provided pursuant to RCW 28A.707.060(2) (e) and (f), as determined appropriate by the office of the coordinator for education of homeless children and youths established in RCW 28A.707.060; and
(k) A description of how homeless youths will receive assistance from counselors to advise such youths and prepare and improve the readiness of such youths for college.
(2) The plan adopted under this section must also: Describe how the state will ensure that school districts will comply with the requirements of RCW 28A.707.030, and indicate what technical assistance the state will furnish to school districts and how compliance efforts will be coordinated with the school district liaisons designated under subsection (1)(j)(ii) of this section.
[ 2026 c 201 s 301.]
Notes:
Conflict with federal requirements—2026 c 201: See note following RCW 28A.707.005.

catchline: State plan for education.


title: RCW 28A.707.030

text:
(1) The school district serving each homeless child or youth to be assisted under this chapter shall, according to the homeless child's or youth's best interest:
(a) Continue the homeless child's or youth's education in the school of origin for the duration of homelessness:
(i) In any case in which a family becomes homeless between school years or during school year; and
(ii) For the remainder of the academic year, if the homeless child or youth becomes permanently housed during a school year; or
(b) Enroll the homeless child or youth in any public school that nonhomeless students who live in the attendance area in which the homeless child or youth is actually living are eligible to attend, and provide the homeless child's or youth's academic records to the school in which the homeless child or youth is enrolling.
(2) In determining the best interest of the homeless child or youth under subsection (1) of this section, the school district shall:
(a) Presume that keeping the homeless child or youth in the school of origin is in the homeless child's or youth's best interest, except when doing so is contrary to the request of the homeless child's or youth's parent or guardian, or, in the case of an unaccompanied youth, the youth;
(b) Consider student-centered factors related to the homeless child's or youth's best interest, including factors related to the impact of mobility on achievement, education, health, and safety of homeless children and youth, giving priority to the request of the homeless child's or youth's parent or guardian or, in the case of an unaccompanied youth, the youth;
(c) If, after conducting the best interest determination based on consideration of the presumption in (a) of this subsection (2) and the student-centered factors in (b) of this subsection (2), the school district determines that it is not in the homeless child's or youth's best interest to attend the school of origin or the school requested by the parent or guardian, or, in the case of an unaccompanied youth, the youth, provide the homeless child's or youth's parent or guardian or the unaccompanied youth with a written explanation of the reasons for its determination, in a manner and form understandable to such parent, guardian, or unaccompanied youth, including information regarding the right to appeal under subsection (5) of this section; and
(d) In the case of an unaccompanied youth, ensure that the school district liaison designated under RCW 28A.707.020(1)(j)(ii) assists in placement or enrollment decisions under this subsection, gives priority to the views of such unaccompanied youth, and provides notice to such youth of the right to appeal under subsection (5) of this section.
(3)(a) The school selected in accordance with subsection (2) of this section shall immediately enroll the homeless child or youth, even if the homeless child or youth:
(i) Is unable to produce records normally required under RCW 28A.225.330 for enrollment, such as previous academic records, records of immunization and other required health records, proof of residency, or other documentation; or
(ii) Has missed application or enrollment deadlines during any period of homelessness.
(b) The enrolling school shall immediately contact the school last attended by the homeless child or youth to obtain relevant academic and other records.
(c) If the homeless child or youth needs to obtain immunizations or other required health records, the enrolling school shall immediately refer the parent or guardian of the homeless child or youth, or, in the case of an unaccompanied youth, the youth, to the school district liaison designated under RCW 28A.707.020(1)(j)(ii), who shall assist in obtaining necessary immunizations or screenings, or immunization or other required health records, in accordance with subsection (4) of this section.
(4) Any record ordinarily kept by the school, including immunization or other required health records, academic records, birth certificates, guardianship records, and evaluations for special services or programs, regarding each homeless child or youth must be maintained so that the records involved are available, in a timely fashion, when a homeless child or youth enters a new school or school district.
(5) If a dispute arises over eligibility, or school selection or enrollment in a school:
(a) The homeless child or youth must be immediately enrolled in the school in which enrollment is sought, pending final resolution of the dispute, including all available appeals;
(b) The parent or guardian of the homeless child or youth or, in the case of an unaccompanied youth, the youth must be provided with a written explanation of any decisions related to school selection or enrollment made by the school, the school district, or the office of the superintendent of public instruction, including the rights of the parent, guardian, or unaccompanied youth to appeal such decisions;
(c) The parent, guardian, or unaccompanied youth must be referred to the school district liaison designated under RCW 28A.707.020(1)(j)(ii), who shall carry out the dispute resolution process as described in RCW 28A.707.020(1)(c) as expeditiously as possible after receiving notice of the dispute; and
(d) In the case of an unaccompanied youth, the school district liaison shall ensure that the youth is immediately enrolled in the school in which the youth seeks enrollment pending resolution of such dispute.
(6) The choice regarding placement must be made regardless of whether the homeless child or youth lives with the homeless parents or has been temporarily placed elsewhere.
(7) Information about a homeless child's or youth's living situation must be treated as a student education record, and may not be deemed to be directory information, under 20 U.S.C. Sec. 1232g.
(8) Nothing in this section prohibits a school district from requiring a parent or guardian of a homeless child or youth to submit contact information.
[ 2026 c 201 s 401.]
Notes:
Conflict with federal requirements—2026 c 201: See note following RCW 28A.707.005.

catchline: School district duties—Selection of school—Best interest determination—Disputes.


title: RCW 28A.707.040

text:
(1) Each homeless child or youth to be assisted under this chapter must be provided services comparable to services offered to other students in the school selected under RCW 28A.707.030(1), including the following:
(a) Transportation services;
(b) Educational services for which the homeless child or youth meets the eligibility criteria, such as services provided under Title I of the elementary and secondary education act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 6301 et seq.) or similar state or local programs, educational programs for children with disabilities, and educational programs for English learners;
(c) Programs in career and technical education;
(d) Programs for highly capable students; and
(e) School nutrition programs.
(2) Each school district serving homeless children and youths that receives funding provided by specific reference for this chapter in the omnibus appropriations act shall coordinate:
(a) The provision of services under this chapter with local social services agencies and other agencies or entities providing services to homeless children and youths and their families, including services and programs funded under the runaway and homeless youth act, 42 U.S.C. 5701 et seq.; and
(b) Transportation, transfer of school records, and other interdistrict activities, with other school districts.
(3) If applicable, each school district that receives funding for implementing this chapter shall coordinate with state and local housing agencies responsible for developing the comprehensive housing affordability strategy described in 42 U.S.C. Sec. 12705 to minimize educational disruption for children and youths who become homeless.
(4) The coordination required under subsections (2) and (3) of this section must be designed to:
(a) Ensure that all homeless children and youths are promptly identified;
(b) Ensure that all homeless children and youths have access to, and are in reasonable proximity to, available education and related support services; and
(c) Raise the awareness of school personnel and service providers of the effects of short-term stays in a shelter and other challenges associated with homelessness.
(5) For homeless children and youths who are to be assisted both under this chapter and under the individuals with disabilities education act, 20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq. or 29 U.S.C. Sec. 794, each school district shall coordinate the provision of services under this chapter with the provision of programs for children with disabilities served by that school district and other involved school districts.
[ 2026 c 201 s 402.]
Notes:
Conflict with federal requirements—2026 c 201: See note following RCW 28A.707.005.

catchline: School district duties—Provision of comparable services—Coordination of services.


title: RCW 28A.707.050

text:
(1) Each school district liaison for homeless children and youths, designated under RCW 28A.707.020(1)(j)(ii), shall ensure that:
(a) Homeless children and youths are identified by school personnel through outreach and coordination activities with other entities and agencies;
(b) Homeless children and youths are enrolled in, and have a full and equal opportunity to succeed in, schools of that school district;
(c) Homeless families and homeless children and youths have access to and receive educational services for which such families, children, and youths are eligible, including services through head start programs, including early head start programs under the head start act, 42 U.S.C. Sec. 9831 et seq., early intervention services under Part C of the individuals with disabilities education act, 20 U.S.C. Sec. 1431 et seq., and other preschool programs administered by the school district;
(d) Homeless families and homeless children and youths receive referrals to health care services, dental services, mental health and substance abuse services, housing services, and other appropriate services;
(e) The parents or guardians of homeless children and youths are informed of the educational and related opportunities available to their children and are provided with meaningful opportunities to participate in the education of their children;
(f) Public notice of the educational rights of homeless children and youths is disseminated in locations frequented by parents or guardians of such children and youths, and unaccompanied youths, including schools, shelters, public libraries, and soup kitchens, in a manner and form understandable to the parents and guardians of homeless children and youths, and unaccompanied youths;
(g) Enrollment disputes are mediated in accordance with RCW 28A.707.030(5);
(h) The parent or guardian of a homeless child or youth, and any unaccompanied youth, is fully informed of all transportation services, including transportation to the school of origin, as described in RCW 28A.707.020(1)(j)(iii), and is assisted in accessing transportation to the school that is selected under RCW 28A.707.030(1);
(i) School personnel providing services under this chapter receive professional development and other support; and
(j) Unaccompanied youths:
(i) Are enrolled in school;
(ii) Have opportunities to meet the same challenging state academic standards as the state establishes for other children and youth, including through implementation of the procedures under RCW 28A.707.020(1)(f)(ii); and
(iii) Are informed of their status as independent students under 20 U.S.C. Sec. 1087vv and that the youths may obtain assistance from the school district liaison to receive verification of such status for purposes of the free application for federal student aid described in 20 U.S.C. Sec. 1090.
(2) The coordinator for education of homeless children and youths established under RCW 28A.707.060 and school districts shall inform school personnel, service providers, advocates working with homeless families, parents and guardians of homeless children and youths, and homeless children and youths of the duties of the school district liaisons, and publish an annually updated list of the school district liaisons on the website of the office of the superintendent of public instruction.
(3) School district liaisons for homeless children and youths shall, as a part of their duties, coordinate and collaborate with the coordinator for education of homeless children and youths established under RCW 28A.707.060 and community and school personnel responsible for the provision of education and related services to homeless children and youths. Such coordination must include collecting and providing to the coordinator for education of homeless children and youths the reliable, valid, and comprehensive data needed to meet the requirements of RCW 28A.707.060(2) (a) and (c).
(4)(a) Each school district that receives funding provided by specific reference for this chapter in the omnibus appropriations act shall review and revise any policies that may act as barriers to the identification of homeless children and youths or the enrollment of homeless children and youths in schools that are selected in accordance with best interest determinations for the students.
(b) In reviewing and revising such policies, consideration must be given to issues concerning transportation, immunization, residency, birth certificates, school records and other documentation, and guardianship.
(c) Special attention must be given to ensuring the identification, enrollment, and attendance of homeless children and youths who are not currently attending school.
[ 2026 c 201 s 501.]
Notes:
Conflict with federal requirements—2026 c 201: See note following RCW 28A.707.005.

catchline: School district liaisons.


title: RCW 28A.707.060

text:
(1) The office of the superintendent of public instruction shall establish or designate an office of the coordinator for education of homeless children and youths.
(2) The coordinator for education of homeless children and youths established in accordance with either applicable federal law, this section, or both, shall:
(a) Gather and make publicly available reliable, valid, and comprehensive information on:
(i) The number of homeless children and youths identified in the state, which must be posted annually on the website of the superintendent of public instruction;
(ii) The nature and extent of the problems homeless children and youths have in gaining access to public preschool programs and to public elementary schools and secondary schools;
(iii) The difficulties in identifying the special needs and barriers to the participation and achievement of such children and youths;
(iv) Any progress made by the office of the superintendent of public instruction and school districts in the state in addressing such problems and difficulties; and
(v) The success of the programs under this chapter in identifying homeless children and youths and allowing such children and youths to enroll in, attend, and succeed in, school;
(b) Develop and carry out the state plan described in RCW 28A.707.020;
(c) Collect data for and transmit to the secretary of the United States department of education, at such time and in such manner as the secretary may reasonably require, a report containing information necessary to assess the educational needs of homeless children and youths within the state, including data necessary for the secretary to fulfill the responsibilities under the McKinney-Vento homeless assistance act, 42 U.S.C. Sec. 11434(h), if applicable;
(d) In order to improve the provision of comprehensive education and related services to homeless children and youths and their families, coordinate activities and collaborate with:
(i) Educators, including teachers, special education personnel, administrators, and child development and preschool program personnel;
(ii) Providers of services to homeless children and youths and their families, including public and private child welfare and social services agencies, law enforcement agencies, juvenile and family courts, agencies providing mental health services, domestic violence agencies, child care providers, runaway and homeless youth centers, and providers of services and programs funded under the runaway and homeless youth act, 42 U.S.C. 5701 et seq.;
(iii) Providers of emergency, transitional, and permanent housing to homeless children and youths, and their families, including public housing agencies, shelter operators, operators of transitional housing facilities, and providers of transitional living programs for homeless youths;
(iv) School district liaisons designated under RCW 28A.707.020(1)(j)(ii) for homeless children and youths; and
(v) Community organizations and groups representing homeless children and youths and their families;
(e) Provide technical assistance to and conduct monitoring of school districts in coordination with school district liaisons designated under RCW 28A.707.020(1)(j)(ii), to ensure that school districts comply with the requirements in RCW 28A.707.030 through 28A.707.050, 28A.707.090, and 28A.707.900;
(f) Provide professional development opportunities for school district personnel and the school district liaison designated under RCW 28A.707.020(1)(j)(ii) to assist such personnel and liaison in identifying and meeting the needs of homeless children and youths, and provide training to the liaison on the definitions of terms related to homelessness specified in RCW 28A.707.010 and the McKinney-Vento homeless assistance act, 42 U.S.C. Secs. 11302 and 11360, if applicable; and
(g) Respond to inquiries from parents and guardians of homeless children and youths, and, in the case of unaccompanied youths, such youths, to ensure that each child or youth who is the subject of such an inquiry receives the full protections and services provided by this chapter.
[ 2026 c 201 s 601.]
Notes:
Conflict with federal requirements—2026 c 201: See note following RCW 28A.707.005.

catchline: Office of the coordinator.


title: RCW 28A.707.070

text:
(1) The office of the superintendent of public instruction shall, directly or through grants, contracts, or cooperative agreements, periodically collect and disseminate data and information regarding:
(a) The number and primary nighttime residence of homeless children and youths in all areas served by school districts;
(b) The education and related services such children and youths receive;
(c) The extent to which the needs of homeless children and youths are being met; and
(d) Such other data and information as the superintendent of public instruction determines to be necessary and relevant to carry out this chapter.
(2) The office of the superintendent of public instruction shall coordinate such collection and dissemination with other agencies and entities that receive assistance and administer programs under the McKinney-Vento homeless assistance act, 42 U.S.C. Secs. 11431-11435, this chapter, or both.
(3) The requirements of subsections (1) and (2) of this section do not apply if equivalent requirements in the McKinney-Vento homeless assistance act, 42 U.S.C. Secs. 11431-11435 are assigned to the secretary of the United States department of education.
(4) By October 1, 2030, and every four years thereafter, the office of the superintendent of public instruction must prepare and submit to the governor and the legislature, a report on the status of education of homeless children and youths in Washington, which must include information on:
(a) The education of homeless children and youths; and
(b) The actions of the superintendent of public instruction and the effectiveness of the programs supported under this chapter.
[ 2026 c 201 s 701.]
Notes:
Conflict with federal requirements—2026 c 201: See note following RCW 28A.707.005.

catchline: Superintendent of public instruction duties—Dissemination of data—Reports.