Date of Adoption: August 25, 2000.

Purpose: To add new sections, amend sections and repeal sections of chapter 180-51 WAC.

Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 180-51-055, 180-51-065, 180-51-070 and 180-51-080; and amending WAC 180-51-025, 180-51-030, 180-51-035, 180-51-040, 180-51-045, 180-51-060, 180-51-085, 180-51-100, 180-51-105, 180-51-110 and 180-51-115; and new section WAC 180-51-001.

Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 28A.230.090.

Adopted under notice filed as WSR 00-15-092 on July 19, 2000.

Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 1, Amended 11, Repealed 4.

Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 1, Amended 11, Repealed 4.

Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 1, Amended 11, Repealed 4; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0. Effective Date of Rule: Thirty-one days after filing.

September 19, 2000

Larry Davis

Executive Director

by Patty Martin

OTS-4202.5

NEW SECTION
WAC 180-51-001
Education reform vision.

(1) The state is shifting from a time and credit-based system of education to a standards and performance-based education system. Certain ways of thinking about time must shift in order to support the on-going implementation of school reform. The board's long-term vision of a performance-based education system includes:

     (a) No references to grade levels or linking a student's educational progress to a particular age. Instead, learning is viewed in terms of developmental progress, academically and vocationally, so that while the curriculum may be sequential the student moves through it at her or his developmental pace, regardless of age;

     (b) An understanding that in the absence of other important information, a student's grade point average and performance on the Washington assessment of student learning do not provide a complete picture of the student's abilities and accomplishments;

     (c) An understanding that our concept of school needs to expand and take into account that education and learning are about connected learning experiences, which can and do occur inside and outside the physical boundaries of a school building; and

     (d) An understanding that students do not all learn in the same way (there are multiple learning styles), that teachers do not all instruct in the same way (there are multiple teaching styles and strategies), and these facts suggest that it should be possible to assess students' performance and achievement in multiple ways while maintaining common, high expectations and standards for learning.

     (2) Long-term, as the performance-based education system continues to evolve, the state board of education believes that there should be an on-going review of assessment administration issues. The state board envisions a time when state assessments are administered during one or more assessment windows annually. During these times, students are allowed to take the appropriate norm-referenced or criterion-referenced state assessment based upon the collective determination by the student, the student's parent(s), teacher(s), and counselor that the student is developmentally ready to take the assessment, rather than because the student is a particular age or is in a particular grade.

[]

OTS-4395.1

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 93-04-115, filed 2/3/93, effective 3/6/93)

WAC 180-51-025
Local school district application of state requirements.

The content of courses and the determination of which courses satisfy particular subject area requirements and whether a particular course may satisfy more than one subject area requirement ((for different students)) shall be determined locally in accordance with ((rules)) written policies adopted by boards of directors of districts: Provided, That if a foreign language graduation requirement is established, credits earned in American sign language shall count toward the completion of the requirement.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.230.090 and 28A.230.100.      93-04-115, § 180-51-025, filed 2/3/93, effective 3/6/93.      Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.05.060.      89-12-061 (Order 10-89), § 180-51-025, filed 6/6/89.      Statutory Authority: Chapter 28A.05 RCW.      84-11-049 (Order 7-84), § 180-51-025, filed 5/17/84.]

OTS-4396.1

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 93-04-115, filed 2/3/93, effective 3/6/93)

WAC 180-51-030
High school credit for courses taken before attending high school.

((Pursuant to RCW 28A.230.090, any student who has completed high school courses before attending high school shall, upon the request of the student and his or her parent or guardian, be given high school credit which shall apply toward fulfilling high school graduation requirements if:

     (1) The academic level of the course exceeds the requirements for seventh and eighth grade classes and is equivalent to or exceeds the requirements for courses in grades nine through twelve; or

     (2) The student successfully completes a regular grade seven or eight course or a supplemented course which has been determined by the district board of directors to be the equivalent of a course offered at a district high school and the course instructor is certificated to teach the course in grades nine through twelve in accordance with WAC 180-16-221 through 180-16-224.

     A student who has taken a course consistent with subsection (1) or (2) of this section shall not be required to satisfy any additional requirements to receive high school credit for the course.

     The provisions of this section shall also apply to any student enrolled in grades nine through twelve on or after April 11, 1990.)) See RCW 28A.230.090(4).

[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.230.090 and 28A.230.100.      93-04-115, § 180-51-030, filed 2/3/93, effective 3/6/93; 91-01-066, § 180-51-030, filed 12/14/90, effective 1/14/91.      Statutory Authority: Chapter 28A.05 RCW.      84-11-049 (Order 7-84), § 180-51-030, filed 5/17/84.]

OTS-4397.1

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order 7-84, filed 5/17/84)

WAC 180-51-035
Applicable standards for graduation -- Amendments to this chapter.

A student shall have the right to graduate in accordance with the standards in effect for the school of graduation for any year since such student commenced the ninth grade or the equivalent of a four-year high school program unless more than ten years has passed since such entry.      In such case, the student shall have the right to graduate in accordance with the standards in effect for the school of graduation for any year within the last ten years.      All subsequent amendments to this chapter and all subsequent local standards shall apply prospectively to the students who enter the ninth grade or begin the equivalent of a four-year high school program subsequent to the amendments.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 28A.05 RCW.      84-11-049 (Order 7-84), § 180-51-035, filed 5/17/84.]

OTS-4398.1

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order 7-84, filed 5/17/84)

WAC 180-51-040
Copies of graduation requirements for each year.

Each high school shall keep on file for student and public inspection a copy of the state board of education rules and ((regulations)) guidelines regarding high school graduation requirements and procedures for equivalencies applicable for the school year, including the preceding ten years.      Any locally adopted high school graduation requirements and procedures for equivalencies shall also be kept on file with such state requirements.      Copies of state requirements by year also shall be kept on file in the office of ((superintendent of public instruction)) the state board of education.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 28A.05 RCW.      84-11-049 (Order 7-84), § 180-51-040, filed 5/17/84.]

OTS-4399.1

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order 7-84, filed 5/17/84)

WAC 180-51-045
Notice to students, parents, and guardians.

Commencing with the beginning of the ninth grade, or the equivalent of a four-year high school program, and each year thereafter, each high school shall provide each student and his or her parents or guardians with a copy of the high school graduation requirements applicable to each student and a progress report at the close of each school year thereafter of each individual student's progress toward meeting those requirements.      If a student is not making normal progress toward such requirements, the high school shall notify the student and parents or guardians of alternative education experiences, including summer school opportunities available in the community, if any, or in close proximity.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 28A.05 RCW.      84-11-049 (Order 7-84), § 180-51-045, filed 5/17/84.]

OTS-4401.1

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order 18-87, filed 12/22/87)

WAC 180-51-060
Minimum subject areas for high school graduation.

(1) The minimum subject areas and credits therein shall be:

SUBJECT		CREDIT
English			3
Mathematics			2
Science*			2
Social Studies			2 1/2
United States History and           Government	(1)
Washington State History           and Government	(1/2)**
Contemporary World           History, Geography,           and Problems	(1)**
Occupational Education***			1
Physical Education			2
Restricted Elective	****		1
*At least one credit of the two science credits shall be in a laboratory science.
**See WAC 180-51-075 for equivalencies.
***"Occupational education" means credits resulting from a series of learning experiences designed to assist the student to acquire and demonstrate competency of skills under student learning goal three, student learning goal four, and the vocational-technical education program approval standards adopted by the superintendent of public instruction and which skills are required for success in current and emerging occupations.
****This one credit requirement must be selected from ((fine,)) visual((,)) or performing arts or any of the subject areas listed above.
Electives			5 1/2
Total			19

     (2) The minimum elective credits shall be met by additional courses in the required subject areas, by specific local district requirements, or by any course offered pursuant to WAC 180-50-115.

     (3) In accordance with WAC 180-51-035, this section shall expire on June 30, 2014, for those students who begin the equivalent of a four-year high school program prior to July 1, 2004.

     (4) The state board of education and superintendent of public instruction are not authorized by law to issue a high school diploma.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.05.062 and 28A.05.064.      88-01-109 (Order 18-87), § 180-51-060, filed 12/22/87.      Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.05.060.      85-12-041 (Order 12-85), § 180-51-060, filed 6/5/85.      Statutory Authority: Chapter 28A.05 RCW.      84-11-049 (Order 7-84), § 180-51-060, filed 5/17/84.]

OTS-4402.1

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 92-08-078, filed 3/31/92, effective 5/1/92)

WAC 180-51-085
Physical education requirement -- Excuse.

The ((two credit physical education)) fitness requirement shall be met by course work in ((physical)) fitness education.      The content of courses shall be determined locally pursuant to WAC 180-51-025.      ((Suggested course outlines and student outcomes shall be developed by the office of the superintendent of public instruction.))      Students ((shall)) may be excused from physical education pursuant to RCW 28A.230.050.      Such excused students shall be required to substitute equivalency credits in accordance with policies of boards of directors of districts.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.230.100.      92-08-078, § 180-51-085, filed 3/31/92, effective 5/1/92; 91-11-018, § 180-51-085, filed 5/6/91, effective 6/6/91.      Statutory Authority: 1990 c 33.      90-17-009, § 180-51-085, filed 8/6/90, effective 9/6/90.      Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.05.060.      85-12-041 (Order 12-85), § 180-51-085, filed 6/5/85.      Statutory Authority: Chapter 28A.05 RCW.      84-11-049 (Order 7-84), § 180-51-085, filed 5/17/84.]

OTS-4403.1

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 93-04-115, filed 2/3/93, effective 3/6/93)

WAC 180-51-100
Temporary exemption from ((1985)) course and credit requirements.

Annual exemptions to the definition of an annualized high school credit may be granted upon the request of a public or approved private school which offers evidence that delineates content, time, or competency assessments which are substantially equivalent to the definition stated in WAC 180-51-050.      The waiver process shall be administered by the ((superintendent of public instruction)) state board of education.      ((School districts shall have the right to appeal decisions of the superintendent of public instruction to the state board of education.      The superintendent of public instruction shall present to the state board of education an annual report on the waivers granted.))

[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.230.090 and 28A.230.100.      93-04-115, § 180-51-100, filed 2/3/93, effective 3/6/93.      Statutory Authority: 1990 c 33.      90-17-009, § 180-51-100, filed 8/6/90, effective 9/6/90.      Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.05.060.      85-12-041 (Order 12-85), § 180-51-100, filed 6/5/85.      Statutory Authority: Chapter 28A.05 RCW.      84-11-049 (Order 7-84), § 180-51-100, filed 5/17/84.]

OTS-4404.1

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order 4-94, filed 1/19/94, effective 2/19/94)

WAC 180-51-105
Exceptions to graduation requirements for former educational ((clinic)) center students.

Pursuant to the provisions of RCW 28A.205.030 and chapter 392-184 WAC, the provisions of this chapter are modified in order to provide for the exemptions required by RCW 28A.205.030 for former education center students.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.410.010.      94-03-103 (Order 4-94), § 180-51-105, filed 1/19/94, effective 2/19/94.      Statutory Authority: 1990 c 33.      90-17-009, § 180-51-105, filed 8/6/90, effective 9/6/90.      Statutory Authority: Chapter 28A.05 RCW.      84-11-049 (Order 7-84), § 180-51-105, filed 5/17/84.]

OTS-4405.1

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending Order 12-85, filed 6/5/85)

WAC 180-51-110
Equivalency credit for alternative learning experiences, nonhigh school courses, electronically mediated courses, work experience, and challenges.

The board of directors of a district offering a high school diploma shall adopt ((rules)) written policies providing for the granting of high school graduation credit for alternative learning experiences, nonhigh school courses, work experience, and challenges.      High school credits may be given for, but not limited to, the following:

     (1) Planned learning experiences conducted away from the school under the supervision or with the approval of the school and linked to one or more of the state learning goals and related essential academic learning requirements;

     (2) Work experience on the basis that four hundred five hours of work experience equals one credit;

     (3) National guard high school career training;

     (4) Postsecondary courses in accredited colleges and universities. In the case of courses taken under the statutory running start option under RCW 28A.600.300 through 28A.600.400, the district shall award high school credit pursuant to RCW 28A.230.090(6);

     (5) Courses in accredited or approved ((vocational-)) technical ((institutes)) colleges;

     (6) Correspondence courses from accredited colleges and universities or schools approved by the National University ((Extension)) Education Association or the ((National Home Study)) Distance Education and Training Council;

     (7) Electronically mediated courses meeting standards which shall be adopted by written policy by the school district, or standards adopted by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges, or the Distance Education and Training Council, or the Commission for International and Trans-regional Accreditation;

     (8) Other courses offered by any school or institution if specifically approved for credit by the district; and

     (((8))) (9) Credit based on competency testing, in lieu of enrollment or taking specific courses, may be granted by the district.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.05.060.      85-12-041 (Order 12-85), § 180-51-110, filed 6/5/85.      Statutory Authority: Chapter 28A.05 RCW.      84-11-049 (Order 7-84), § 180-51-110, filed 5/17/84.]

OTS-4406.1

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 90-17-009, filed 8/6/90, effective 9/6/90)

WAC 180-51-115
Procedures for granting high school graduation credits for students with special educational needs.

(1) No student shall be denied the opportunity to earn a high school diploma solely because of limitations on the student's ability.      The board of directors of districts granting high school diplomas shall ((develop rules)) adopt written policies, including procedures, for meeting the unique limitations of each student.      Such procedures may provide for:

     (((1))) (a) The extension of time the student remains in school up to and including the school year in which such student reaches twenty-one years of age;

     (((2))) (b) A special education program in accordance with chapter 28A.155 RCW if the student is eligible; and

     (((3))) (c) Special accommodations for individual students, or in lieu thereof, exemption from any requirement in this chapter, if such requirement impedes the student's progress toward graduation and there is a direct relationship between the failure to meet the requirement and the student's limitation.

     (2) Unless otherwise prohibited by federal or state special education laws, such procedures may not provide for exemption from the certificate of mastery graduation requirement under RCW 28A.655.060 (3)(c).

[Statutory Authority: 1990 c 33.      90-17-009, § 180-51-115, filed 8/6/90, effective 9/6/90.      Statutory Authority: Chapter 28A.05 RCW.      84-11-049 (Order 7-84), § 180-51-115, filed 5/17/84.]

OTS-4407.1

REPEALER

     The following section of the Washington Administrative Code is repealed:

WAC 180-51-055

Minimum credits for high school graduation.

OTS-4408.1

REPEALER

     The following section of the Washington Administrative Code is repealed:

WAC 180-51-065

Sequential requirement for English, mathematics, and science -- Exception for transfer students from without the state, for students who fail a required course, and special accommodations.

OTS-4409.1

REPEALER

     The following section of the Washington Administrative Code is repealed:

WAC 180-51-070

Laboratory science requirement.

OTS-4410.1

REPEALER

     The following section of the Washington Administrative Code is repealed:

WAC 180-51-080

Occupational education requirement.

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