HOUSE BILL REPORT

EHB 2626

BYRepresentatives Wang, Betrozoff, Peery, Walker, Holland, G. Fisher, Ebersole, Rasmussen, Phillips, Horn, Pruitt, Dorn, Valle, Jones, K. Wilson, Cole, P. King, Brumsickle, Winsley, Rector, Ferguson, Nealey, Fraser, D. Sommers, Moyer and Spanel

Giving high school credit for high school courses taken in the seventh and eighth grades.

House Committe on Education

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.  (18)

      Signed by Representatives Peery, Chair; G. Fisher, Vice Chair; Betrozoff, Ranking Republican Member; Brumsickle, Cole, Dorn, Fuhrman, Holland, Horn, Jones, P. King, Pruitt, Rasmussen, Rayburn, Schoon, Valle, Walker and K. Wilson.

House Staff:Susan Patrick (786-7111)

AS PASSED HOUSE FEBRUARY 12, 1990

BACKGROUND:

The Education Committees of the House of Representatives and Senate asked the State Board of Education to determine whether a student in high school may receive credit for high school courses taken while the student was enrolled in grades seven and eight.  This issue was the subject of proposed legislation and a hearing during 1989.

On January 11, 1990, the State Board of Education responded as follows: "Based on RCW 28A.05.060 high school graduation rules apply to students enrolled in grades nine through 12.  The exception is Washington State History and Government; this course requirement may be satisfied in grades seven or eight, but high school graduation credit is not granted.

However, local school boards may adopt procedures for granting high school credit based on examination (WAC 180-51-110), and when a student is enrolled in grade nine he or she can receive credit based on the results of competency testing.  In the case of a student in grade seven or eight who takes a high school course at the high school, the final exam on the course may satisfy the competency testing requirement for the purpose of high school credit."

No language was adopted to require districts to grant high school credit for the successful completion of a high school course with high school students, including passage of all examinations, by a seventh and eighth grade student when the student reaches high school.

SUMMARY:

If a student or his or her family requests, a student who has:  A) successfully completed a high school course taken at the high school with high school student while in grades seven and eight; and B) successfully passed the course by completing the same requirements and examination as the high school students, shall be given high school credit.

The credit shall be reported on the student's transcript and shall be applied toward fulfilling high school graduation requirements.  To receive this credit, the student shall not be required to complete any additional assignments or pass a competency examination.

Students who are currently in high school and took courses while they were in seventh and eighth grade may count them at this time.  This act shall take effect immediately.

Fiscal Note:      Not Requested.

Effective Date:The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Rep. Art Wang; Jean Taylor, Patrons of Capitol High School; Jeannine Masumoto, Patrons of Capitol High School; Jessica Wiskus, Student; and Paula Bascilla, Teacher Tacoma School District.

House Committee - Testified Against:      Marcia Costello, State Board of Education and Superintendent of Public Instruction.

House Committee - Testimony For:    It is important that we meet the needs of all students.  The student who is able to take high school classes with high school students and successfully complete the high school course while he or she is in the seventh or eighth grade should receive credit for these courses.  Their achievement is no less valuable because they were able to perform at this level while in the seventh or eighth grade.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      This is an issue that should be determined locally.