BILL ANALYSIS �
SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION
Carol Liu, Chair
2013-2014 Regular Session
BILL NO: AB 2684
AUTHOR: Stone
AMENDED: June 12, 2014
FISCAL COMM: Yes HEARING DATE: June 25, 2014
URGENCY: Yes CONSULTANT:Daniel Alvarez
SUBJECT : Pupil attendance: service on precinct board.
SUMMARY
This bill, an urgency measure, deems a pupil serving as a
member of a precinct board for an election to be
participating in independent studies for purposes of
calculating average daily attendance (ADA) and thus
allowing the school district to generate state
apportionment payments for the pupil's absence.
BACKGROUND
Under current law, state aid to school districts for
general purpose funding is driven by the average daily
attendance (ADA) of the school district. Average daily
attendance is generated by pupils actually attending
classes "under the immediate supervision" of a properly
credentialed teacher. While pupils may be excused from
attendance for various reasons, most commonly illness; such
"excused absences" define the pupil as not being truant,
but are not included in the computation of ADA. (Education
Code � 46300 et.seq.)
Current law allows a pupil to be excused from school if the
absence is due to among, but not limited to, the following
reasons:
a) Due to his or her illness, or quarantine under the
direction of a county or city health officer;
b) For the purpose of having medical, dental,
optometric, or chiropractic services rendered;
c) For the purpose of attending the funeral services,
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as specified; and
d) For the purpose of serving as a member of a
precinct board for an election pursuant to Elections
Code Section 12302.
Furthermore, current law specifies that excused absences
are deemed to be absences in computing average ADA and
shall not generate state apportionment payment, but does
allow the pupil to make up any missed classroom assignments
or tests during the absence. (Education Code � 48205)
Current law allows pupils to work at polls if, at the time
of the election, they are 16 years of age, a citizen in
good standing attending a public or private secondary
educational institution, and a senior with a grade point
average of at least 2.5. (Election Code � 12302)
ANALYSIS
This bill, an urgency measure, deems a pupil serving as a
member of a precinct board for an election to be
participating in independent studies for purposes of
calculating average daily attendance (ADA) and thus
allowing the school district to generate state
apportionment payments for the pupil's absence. In
addition, this bill:
1) Provides that the pupil shall not be required to
participate in this activity for five or more
consecutive days as is currently required of
independent study pupils for purposes of computing the
ADA of a district.
2) Requires the pupil to complete all assignments and
tests during the pupil's absence and requires the
pupil to complete a report or written assignment on
his or her activities while serving as a member of a
precinct board for an election.
STAFF COMMENTS
1) Need for the bill . According to the author's office,
current law stipulates that excused absences for high
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school student poll workers cannot generate state
apportionment for ADA purposes, therefore resulting in
a loss to local school districts when a student serves
as a poll worker. In order to promote civic
engagement, provide for a greater awareness of the
electoral process, and encourage public service, this
measure, allows for eligible high school student
workers to be counted for ADA funding at their
schools.
2) California Task Force on K-12 Civic Learning was
established as part of the Power of Democracy by
California Chief Justice Cantil-Sakauye and State
Superintendent of Public Instruction to explore and
elevate the status of civic learning and engagement in
California. According to the Power of Democracy,
relevant, active civic learning gives students the
knowledge, skills and interest necessary to
participate meaningfully in civic life. Youth have
more exposure to current political and societal issues
and events than ever before. While they are
increasingly able to share their concerns and views
through social media, a weak grasp of the processes
and workings of democracy will hamper their ability to
meaningfully and productively act on those concerns
and affect change as engaged Californians and
Americans.
Research shows that robust civic learning helps
students beyond the classroom - giving them
opportunities to analyze, address and ultimately have
a hand in solving complex issues that are important to
them and those around them. Furthermore, research
findings correlate high-quality civic learning to
increased academic achievement, student engagement and
reduced dropout rates. Putting a priority on civic
learning can help young people engage more
meaningfully in their lives, schools and communities,
understand that education has a deeper purpose, and
help prepare them for higher education and the
workplace.
According to the Power of Democracy website, the
following core activities - "The Six Proven Practices"
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- are shown to improve the quality and effectiveness
of civic learning both in and out of the classroom and
ultimately build a stronger and more engaged society:
a) Classroom instruction in government,
history, law and democracy combining formal
instruction of fact and documents with
illustration and discussion demonstrating their
relevance and application in today's society.
b) Discussion of current events and
controversial issues, including their relevance
to young people's lives.
c) Service learning experiences that are
directly linked to curriculum and instruction and
provide students a chance to apply what they are
learning.
d) Extracurricular activities that give
students opportunities to get involved in their
schools and communities and work together toward
a common goal.
e) Student participation in school
governance to cultivate a sense of responsibility
and give students an opportunity to participate
in the management of their own classrooms and
schools.
f) Simulations of democratic processes that
allow students to participate in simulated
voting, trials, legislative deliberation, and
diplomacy
1) Past legislative efforts :
a) AB 466 (Hancock, 2007) was nearly identical
to this measure and was vetoed by then Governor
Schwarzenegger with the following message:
"I vetoed substantively similar bills in prior
years. This bill would allow schools to receive
funding for times when students are volunteering
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as elections precinct board members through
independent study programs. While civic and other
volunteer activities can offer many educational
opportunities to students, these activities
should be in addition to, and not in place of,
valuable classroom learning time with a teacher.
Independent study programs are intended to help
schools address the needs of students who are
unable to attend school in a traditional
classroom setting for an extended period of time
- not to be used as means to circumvent the
fulfillment of criteria for instruction required
in order to receive school funding."
b) SB 1193 (Bowen, 2006) was nearly identical
to this measure and was vetoed by then Governor
Schwarzenegger.
SUPPORT
AFSCME
Association of American University Women
California School Employees Association
California State PTA
Secretary of State, Debra Bowen
OPPOSITION
None on file.