Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Education Committee |
ESSB 6533
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: Granting high school credit for learning experiences.
Sponsors: Senate Committee on Early Learning & K-12 Education (originally sponsored by Senators Roach and Gordon).
Brief Summary of Engrossed Substitute Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/19/10
Staff: Barbara McLain (786-7383).
Background:
The State Board of Education (SBE) is authorized to adopt minimum statewide high school graduation requirements. The current requirements include completion of 19 credits across a specified list of subjects, including mathematics, English, social studies, arts, occupational education, science, health and fitness, and electives. The Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) has authority to adopt rules to implement the course requirements, including granting equivalencies for the required courses.
The SPI rules allow but do not require high school credits to be granted for school-planned or approved learning experiences such as travel study, work study, private lessons, and other educational programs, as well as other out-of-school learning experiences, all based on written policies established by a school district. It is up to a school district to determine which courses meet the high school graduation requirements. School districts can also adopt additional course or activity requirements for graduation.
Summary of Bill:
The SPI must adopt a rule that provides for high school credit equivalencies for physical education, visual and performing arts, and elective requirements for educational experiences selected by parents and students.
By September 1, 2011 each school district must adopt a policy permitting high school credit for certain educational experiences selected by parents and students and must grant such credit to students consistent with the policies adopted by the SPI. Experiences qualifying for credit include, but are not limited to, activities under the supervision of the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association or other nonprofit voluntary entities responsible for interschool extracurricular activities, other activities recognized by regional organizations, and other activities approved by the school board.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.