| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Education Committee | |
ESSB 5450
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
Brief Description: Allowing students whose individualized education program continues beyond high school to participate in high school graduation ceremonies.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Early Learning & K-12 Education (originally sponsored by Senators Rasmussen, McAuliffe, Tom and Keiser).
Brief Summary of Engrossed Substitute Bill |
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Hearing Date: 3/15/07
Staff: Andrew Colvin (786-7304).
Background:
The State Board of Education (SBE) determines the minimum state high school graduation
requirements. School districts may adopt additional graduation requirements. Students are
generally assigned an expected graduation year based on the year they begin ninth grade.
However, students receiving special education services are assigned an expected year of
graduation in the year they turn sixteen based on the students' Individualized Education Program
(IEP).
School districts must adopt written policies and procedures for meeting the unique needs of
students receiving special education services. These procedures must allow special education
students to remain in school until the student graduates or reaches age 21. As a result, a student's
IEP may provide for the student to continue in high school beyond the student's fourth year.
Summary of Bill:
Beginning July 1, 2007, school districts must adopt policies and procedures to allow a student
receiving special education services under an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that
provides for special education or related services beyond the fourth year of high school to
participate in high school graduation ceremonies and receive a certificate of attendance
Participation in graduation ceremonies and receipt of a certificate of attendance do not constitute
receipt of a high school diploma or a Certificate of Individual Achievement, nor do they preclude
the continuation of special education services under an IEP beyond the graduation ceremony.
The act may be known as "Kevin's law."
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: This bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.