SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 1120

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, April 1, 2019

Title: An act relating to updating the term essential academic learning requirements to state learning standards to reflect current terminology.

Brief Description: Updating the term essential academic learning requirements to state learning standards to reflect current terminology.

Sponsors: Representative Dolan; by request of Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Brief History: Passed House: 2/07/19, 88-8.

Committee Activity: Early Learning & K-12 Education: 3/27/19, 4/01/19 [DP].

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Replaces the term "essential academic learning requirements" with "state learning standards" in state law.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EARLY LEARNING & K-12 EDUCATION

Majority Report: Do pass.

Signed by Senators Wellman, Chair; Wilson, C., Vice Chair; Hawkins, Ranking Member; Holy, Hunt, McCoy, Mullet, Padden, Pedersen, Salomon and Wagoner.

Staff: Benjamin Omdal (786-7442)

Background: Essential Academic Learning Requirements. Essential Academic Learning Requirements (EALRs), according to state law, are the identified knowledge and skills in which all public school students need to be proficient. These standards are based upon the student learning goals of basic education, as defined by the Legislature.

The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction is required to periodically revise EALRs to match guidelines under state law and to identify grade level content expectations for state assessments and state and federal accountability purposes. Before developing or revising EALRs, the superintendent is required to notify the State Board of Education and provide reasoning for doing so.

Summary of Bill: The term "essential academic learning requirements" is replaced with "state learning standards" in state law. Definitions relating to EARLs that are no longer used are repealed.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

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Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The term "essential academic learning requirements" is an outdated term. Updating the terminology will align state law with the language that is used in the field and in practice.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Marissa Rathbone, Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.