Hawkins’ ‘Learning Loss’ Bill Finds Support in Teacher’s Union, OSPI

12th District State Senator Brad Hawkins spoke Tuesday about Senate bill 5127, legislation he introduced earlier this year that would set up a pilot program where 50 school districts expand their traditional calendar to combat learning loss over summer vacation.

Hawkins said the Washington Education Association actually testified in support of his bill, which creates financial incentive for pilot school districts.

"If teachers are accustomed to having the summer break and then they're being asked to not have a summer break, they need to be compensated for that time." stated Hawkins, "So my bill kind of factors in the possibility that they could."

The bill aims to take the 180 days of the school year the state already funds and spread them out over 11 or 12 months instead of 9. According to Hawkins, currently school districts have the ability to apportion their 180 days differently, but they choose not to.

State Superintendent Chris Reykdal and his staff are helping Hawkins advocate for Senate Bill 5127. Hawkins said Reykdal sent a letter in January to the governor and legislature outlining 10 strategic changes for Washington schools, one of which was re-balancing the school calendar.

The bill is set to go before the State Senate Ways and Means Committee.