SENATE BILL REPORT

                            SB 5695

               AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 17, 1993

Brief Description:  Changing provisions relating to GED tests.

SPONSORS: Senators Bauer, Gaspard, Sellar, Pelz, Drew, Prince and M. Rasmussen; by request of State Board for Community and Technical Colleges

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

Majority Report:  Do pass. 

     Signed by Senators Bauer, Chairman; Drew, Vice Chairman; Cantu, Jesernig, Prince, Quigley, Sheldon, von Reichbauer, and West.

Staff:  Jean Six (786‑7423)

Hearing Dates: February 22, 1993; February 26, 1993

BACKGROUND:

The General Educational Development (GED) testing program is jointly administered by GED Testing Service and by state GED administrators.  The tests are taken by adults who leave school without earning a high school diploma.

In 1991 the administration of the GED testing program transferred from the office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction to the office of Adult Literacy of the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC).

SUMMARY:

The age of 16 is established as the minimum age for students eligible to take the GED test.  The State Board of Education will establish the eligibility criteria of individuals under age 19 to take the GED tests.

The SBCTC will establish rules and regulations governing the operating of the GED testing programs and the issuance of GED certificates in Washington.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested

TESTIMONY FOR:

Legislation is needed to conform to rules of the testing agency.  Clarification of the roles and responsibilities of the SBE and the SBCTC is required.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  Susan Griffin, SBCTC (pro)