SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6136

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.

As Reported by Senate Committee On:

Early Learning & K-12 Education, January 23, 2018

Title: An act relating to removing concurrent enrollment requirement of algebra II for AP computer science courses to be counted as equivalent to high school mathematics.

Brief Description: Removing concurrent enrollment requirement of algebra II for AP computer science courses to be counted as equivalent to high school mathematics.

Sponsors: Senators Rolfes, Zeiger, Wellman and Hasegawa; by request of Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Committee Activity: Early Learning & K-12 Education: 1/16/18, 1/23/18 [DP].

Brief Summary of Bill

Removes the requirement for a student to be concurrently enrolled in or have successfully completed algebra II for AP computer science to be counted as a career and technical equivalent to high school mathematics.

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators Wellman, Chair; Rolfes, Vice Chair; Zeiger, Ranking Member; Billig, Hawkins, Hunt, Mullet, Padden, Pedersen and Rivers.

Background: Each high school or school district board of directors must adopt course equivalencies for career and technical courses offered to students in high schools and skill centers. Boards of directors must approve AP computer science courses, which are career and technical courses, as equivalent to high school mathematics or science. In order for a board to approve AP computer science as equivalent to high school mathematics, the student must be concurrently enrolled in or have successfully completed algebra II.

Summary of Bill: The requirement for the student to be concurrently enrolled in or have successfully completed algebra II for AP computer science to be counted as a career and technical equivalent to high school mathematics is removed.

Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This creates equitable access to advanced AP computer science classes. It is not intended to suggest that AP computer science is equivalent to algebra I. Students do not need algebra II to be successful in AP computer science.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Christine Rolfes, Prime Sponsor; Shannon Thissen, Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.