SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5068

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 of January 24, 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: Senators Wellman, Zeiger and Wilson, C.; by request of Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Early Learning & K-12 Education: 1/18/19.

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

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 Definitions relating to EARLs that are no longer used are repealed.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Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The EALR term is outdated and should be replaced with current terminology. The updates are technical in nature with no policy effect.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Lisa Wellman, Prime Sponsor; Marissa Rathbone, Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.

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