Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Higher Education Committee

ESB 5234

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: Requiring establishment of credit policies regarding AP exams.

Sponsors: Senators Mullet, Palumbo, Rivers, Liias, Wilson and Kuderer.

Brief Summary of Engrossed Bill

  • Requires the institutions of higher education to establish a coordinated, evidence-based policy for granting undergraduate credit for Advanced Placement exams.

  • Requires the policy to be posted on campus websites effective for the fall 2017 academic term.

  • Requires the institutions of higher education to conduct biennial reviews of the policy and report to the Legislature beginning November 1, 2019.

Hearing Date:

Staff: Megan Mulvihill (786-7304).

Background:

The Advance Placement (AP) program is administered by the College Board and offers around 40 AP classes. The AP classes are considered college-level courses, but are taught in high school. At the end of the AP class, an exam is issued to students in May each year to measure their preparedness. The exams are usually a combination of multiple choice and free-response questions. If a student scores well, the student may earn college credit or have the option to opt-out of an introductory college course. Each postsecondary institution makes its own decisions about awarding credit for AP exams and most have a written policy about minimum required scores and how many credits may be applied. Overall, a minimum score of three or higher is required to earn credit, but this varies by subject and by institution.

Summary of Bill:

The institutions of higher education must establish a coordinated, evidence-based policy for granting as many undergraduate college credits to students who earn minimum scores of three on AP exams as possible and appropriate. The credit policy for all AP exams must be posted on campus websites effective for the 2017 fall academic term. In addition, the institutions of higher education must conduct biennial reviews of their policy and report to the Legislature by November 1st each year, beginning November 1, 2019.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.