Learning Assistance Program

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What is the Learning Assistance Program (LAP)?

Each year the state Legislature proposes to fund the Learning Assistance Program - a statewide program for students in schools who are not meeting the academic standard. Our district applies to the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction to receive an allocation for the program. The state then sends funding to our district based on the number of low income families and other factors.

What is the Purpose of LAP?

The Learning Assistance Program (LAP) is a state-funded program that provides additional academic support to eligible students who need academic support for reading, writing, and math, or who need readiness skills to learn these core subjects. With special emphasis on reading literacy in the early grades, schools use their state LAP funds to deliver supplemental services that give these students the strong start they need for academic success.

Lap funding is designed to assist underachieving students in grades k-12 who score below standard in reading, writing, and mathematics. Lap requirements are designed to:

 

  • Direct funds to first address the needs of students in grades kindergarten through grade 4 who are deficient in reading or reading readiness skills to improve reading literacy.

  • Promote the use of data when developing programs to assist underachieving students and reduce disruptive behaviors in the classroom.

  • Guide districts in providing the most effective and efficient practices when implementing supplemental instruction and services to assist underachieving students, and reduce disruptive behaviors.

  • Guide districts in providing extended learning opportunities to assist underachieving students and students in grades 11 and 12 who are at risk of not meeting state and local graduation requirements.

     

What Does LAP Pay For?

LAP funds are used to first focus on K-4 reading and reading readiness skills in our elementary schools.
LAP funds are used to supply assistance in addition to core instruction.

  • LAP funds also serve K-12 students in math and writing, and the readiness skills for those subjects.

  • LAP funds support our district-wide efforts in the successful use of assessment and data to improve student outcomes.

  • LAP funds are used to support students in 11th and 12th grades who are at risk of not meeting state graduation requirements.

     

The Strengthening Student Educational Outcomes Statute

The 2013 Washington State Legislature passed a bill into law (ESSB 5946) and in 2015 an amendment (ESSB 5803) that affirms the intent of our constitution to make ample provision for the education of all children. Lawmakers grouped the new statutes under the title 'Strengthening Student Educational Outcomes.

State funding is directed toward three areas of focus:

  • Early literacy programming for beginning readers

  • Rigorous adoption of instructional and assessment strategies proven to help all struggling learners

  • Integration of best practices for discipline that keeps students in school and on a path of continuous academic improvement.

     

How are Parents Involved?

Olympia School District has a family involvement policy that describes different ways that families can be involved in their school:

  1. Parenting
  2. Communicating
  3. Volunteering
  4. Learning at Home
  5. Decision Making
  6. Collaborating with the community

Every attempt is made to reach to out to all parents and families.

Summary

The goal of LAP is to provide funds so that each and every student has a high quality education. LAP gives that extra support to students that need it the most.