Date of Adoption: January 16, 2004.

     Purpose: To clarify terms "plan or process" and "parent." The adopted language distinguishes between a "plan" for school improvement and a "continuous improvement process" to monitor and update the plan. In addition, the language has substituted the word "families" for the word "parents." Language also includes advising schools and districts to confer with colleges and universities regarding adoption of local district policies to award credit on a competency basis. Also, the language requires the State Board of Education to inform the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges and the Higher Education Coordinating Board of schools that do not award competency-based high school credits.

     Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Repealing WAC 180-55-150; and amending WAC 180-16-220, 180-16-225, 180-16-227, 180-18-050, 180-18-055, 180-18-080 [new section 180-51-090], 180-51-050, 180-55-005, 180-55-015, and 180-55-020.

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 28A.150.220(4), 28A.305.140, and 28A.305.130(6).

      Adopted under notice filed as WSR 03-23-027 on November 12, 2003.

     Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 1, Amended 10, Repealed 1.

     Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 1, Amended 10, Repealed 1.

     Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 1, Amended 10, Repealed 1;      Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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.

January 31, 2004

Larry Davis

Executive Director

OTS-6637.3

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 02-18-056, filed 8/28/02, effective 9/28/02)

WAC 180-16-220   Supplemental basic education program approval requirements.   The following requirements are hereby established by the state board of education as related supplemental condition to a school district's entitlement to state basic education allocation funds, as authorized by RCW 28A.150.220(4).

     (1) Current and valid certificates. Every school district employee required by WAC 180-79A-140 to possess an education permit, certificate, or credential issued by the superintendent of public instruction for his/her position of employment, shall have a current and valid permit, certificate or credential. In addition, classroom teachers, principals, vice principals, and educational staff associates shall be required to possess endorsements as required by WAC 180-82-105, 180-82-120, and 180-82-125, respectively.

     (2) Annual school building approval.

     (a) Each school in the district shall be approved annually by the school district board of directors under an approval process determined by the district board of directors.

     (b) At a minimum the annual approval shall require each school to have ((in place, and reviewed annually for implementation progress and possible changes,)) a school improvement plan ((or process)) that is data driven ((and)), promotes a positive impact on student learning, and includes a continuous improvement process that shall mean the ongoing process used by a school to monitor, adjust, and update its school improvement plan. For the purpose of this section "positive impact on student learning" shall mean:

     (i) Supporting the goal of basic education under RCW 28A.150.210, "... to provide students with the opportunity to become responsible citizens, to contribute to their own economic well-being and to that of their families and communities, and to enjoy productive and satisfying lives...";

     (ii) Promoting continuous improvement of student achievement of the state learning goals and essential academic learning requirements; and

     (iii) Recognizing nonacademic student learning and growth related, but not limited to: Public speaking, leadership, interpersonal relationship skills, teamwork, self-confidence, and resiliency.

     (c) The school improvement plan ((or process)) shall be based on a self-review of the school's program for the purpose of annual building approval by the district. The self-review shall include active participation and input by building staff, students, families, parents, and community members.

     (d) The school improvement plan ((or process)) shall address, but is not limited to:

     (i) The characteristics of successful schools as identified by the superintendent of public instruction and the educational service districts, including safe and supportive learning environments;

     (ii) Educational equity factors such as, but not limited to: Gender, race, ethnicity, culture, language, and physical/mental ability, as these factors relate to having a positive impact on student learning. The state board of education strongly encourages that equity be viewed as giving each student what ((they)) she or he needs and when and how ((they)) she or he needs it to reach their achievement potential;

     (iii) The use of technology to facilitate instruction and a positive impact on student learning; and

     (iv) Parent, family, and community involvement, as these factors relate to having a positive impact on student learning.

     (3) Nothing in this section shall prohibit a school improvement plan ((or process)) from focusing on one or more characteristics of effective schools during the ensuing three school years.

     (4) School involvement with school improvement assistance under the state accountability system or involvement with school improvement assistance through the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act shall constitute a sufficient school improvement plan ((or process)) for the purposes of this section.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.150.220(4), 28A.305.140, 28A.305.130(6). 02-18-056, § 180-16-220, filed 8/28/02, effective 9/28/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.150.250, 28A.150.260 and 28A.15.220 [28A.150.220]. 99-10-091, § 180-16-220, filed 5/4/99, effective 6/4/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.58.754(6), 28A.58.085 and 28A.58.090. 90-01-137, § 180-16-220, filed 12/20/89, effective 1/20/90. Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.58.090. 86-20-056 (Order 14-86), § 180-16-220, filed 9/29/86. Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.58.754(6). 86-13-015 (Order 5-86), § 180-16-220, filed 6/10/86; 84-11-043 (Order 2-84), § 180-16-220, filed 5/17/84. Statutory Authority: 28A.04.120(4). 81-08-026 (Order 1-81), § 180-16-220, filed 3/26/81. Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.04.120. 80-06-093 (Order 7-80), § 180-16-220, filed 5/29/80. Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.01.010, 28A.04.120, 28A.41.130, 28A.41.140, 28A.58.754, 28A.58.758, and 1979 ex.s. c 250. 79-10-033 (Order 10-79), § 180-16-220, filed 9/12/79. Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.41.130 and 28A.58.754. 78-06-097 (Order 3-78), § 180-16-220, filed 6/5/78.]

     As a condition to a waiver based on substantial lack of classroom space the state board will consider and a school district must demonstrate, at least, that the facilities of the school district do not contain enough classroom space or other space that can reasonably be converted into classroom space, and that necessary classroom space may not reasonably be acquired by lease or rental((,)) to enable the district to comply with the referenced entitlement requirements.

     (2) Waiver procedure. In order to secure a waiver pursuant to subsection (1) of this section a school district must submit a petition together with a detailed explanation and documentation in support of its request not later than thirty days prior to either:

     (a) The state board of education meeting immediately preceding commencement of the school year; or

     (b) The March (or such other meeting as the state board shall have established) meeting of the board at which the board will consider certifications of compliance and noncompliance with these entitlement requirements.

     A school district that can reasonably foresee an inability to comply with entitlement requirements by reason of substantial lack of classroom space should petition for a waiver as early as the state board meeting immediately preceding commencement of the school year in order to allow for the possibility that the request may be denied.

     (3) Nonwaiverable requirements. ((The)) Certification requirements, including endorsements, and the ((student learning objectives)) school improvement plan requirement((s)) set forth in WAC 180-16-220 (2) ((and (3))) may not be waived ((for any reason)).

[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.58.754(6). 86-13-015 (Order 5-86), § 180-16-225, filed 6/10/86; 84-11-043 (Order 2-84), § 180-16-225, filed 5/17/84. Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.04.120. 83-13-002 (Order 3-83), § 180-16-225, filed 6/2/83; 80-06-093 (Order 7-80), § 180-16-225, filed 5/29/80. Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.41.130 and 28A.58.754. 78-06-097 (Order 3-78), § 180-16-225, filed 6/5/78.]

[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.150.220(4), 28A.305.140, 28A.305.130(6). 02-18-056, § 180-16-227, filed 8/28/02, effective 9/28/02.]

OTS-6799.2

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 95-20-054, filed 10/2/95, effective 11/2/95)

WAC 180-18-050   Local restructuring plan requirements to obtain waiver.   (1) State board of education approval of district waiver requests pursuant to WAC 180-18-030 and 180-18-040 shall occur at a state board meeting prior to implementation. A district's waiver application shall be in the form of a resolution adopted by the district board of directors which includes a request for the waiver and a plan for restructuring the educational program of one or more schools which consists of at least the following information:

     (a) Identification of the requirements to be waived;

     (b) Specific standards for increased student learning that the district expects to achieve;

     (c) How the district plans to achieve the higher standards, including timelines for implementation;

     (d) How the district plans to determine if the higher standards are met;

     (e) Evidence that the board of directors, teachers, administrators, and classified employees are committed to working cooperatively in implementing the plan; and

     (f) Evidence that opportunities were provided for families, parents, and citizens to be involved in the development of the plan.

     (2) The district plan for restructuring the educational program of one or more schools in the district may consist of the school improvement plans required under WAC 180-16-220, along with the requirements of subsection (1)(a) through (d) of this section.

     (3) The application for a waiver and all supporting documentation must be received by the state board of education at least thirty days prior to the state board of education meeting where consideration of the waiver shall occur. The state board of education shall review all applications and supporting documentation to insure the accuracy of the information. In the event that deficiencies are noted in the application or documentation, districts will have the opportunity to make corrections and to seek state board approval at a subsequent meeting.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 28A.630 RCW and 1995 c 208. 95-20-054, § 180-18-050, filed 10/2/95, effective 11/2/95.]

     (2) A school district, or high school((,)) with permission of the district board of directors, or approved private high school, desiring to implement a local restructuring plan to provide an effective educational system to enhance the educational program for high school students, may apply to the state board of education for a waiver from one or more of the requirements of chapter 180-51 WAC.

     (3) The state board of education may grant the waiver for a period up to four school years, or until any new graduation requirements the state board of education may adopt take effect, whichever comes first.

     (4) The waiver application shall be in the form of a resolution adopted by the district or private school board of directors which includes a request for the waiver and a plan for restructuring the educational program of one or more high schools which consists of at least the following information:

     (a) Identification of the requirements of chapter 180-51 WAC to be waived;

     (b) Specific standards for increased student learning that the district or school expects to achieve;

     (c) How the district or school plans to achieve the higher standards, including timelines for implementation;

     (d) How the district or school plans to determine if the higher standards are met;

     (e) Evidence that the board of directors, teachers, administrators, and classified employees are committed to working cooperatively in implementing the plan;

     (f) Evidence that students, families, parents, and citizens were involved in developing the plan; and

     (g) Identification of the school years subject to the waiver.

     (5) The plan for restructuring the educational program of one or more high schools may consist of the school improvement plans required under WAC 180-16-220, along with the requirements of subsection (4)(a) through (d) of this section.

     (6) The application also shall include documentation that the school is successful as demonstrated by indicators such as, but not limited to, the following:

     (a) The school has clear expectations for student learning;

     (b) The graduation rate of the high school for the last three school years;

     (c) Any follow-up employment data for the high school's graduate for the last three years;

     (d) The college admission rate of the school's graduates the last three school years;

     (e) Use of student portfolios to document student learning;

     (f) ((Student scores on the state eleventh grade test the last three school years;

     (g))) Student scores on the ((secondary)) high school Washington assessments of student learning;

     (((h))) (g) The level and types of family and parent involvement at the school;

     (((i))) (h) The school's annual performance report the last three school years; and

     (((j))) (i) The level of student, family, parent, and public satisfaction and confidence in the school as reflected in any survey done by the school the last three school years.

     (((6))) (7) A waiver of WAC 180-51-060 may be granted only if the district or school provides documentation and rationale that any noncredit based graduation requirements that will replace in whole or in part WAC 180-51-060, will support the state's performance-based education system being implemented pursuant to RCW 28A.630.885, and the noncredit based requirements meet the minimum college core admissions standards as accepted by the higher education coordinating board for students planning to attend a baccalaureate institution.

     (((7))) (8) A waiver granted under this section may be renewed upon the state board of education receiving a renewal request from the school district board of directors. Before filing the request, the school district shall conduct at least one public meeting to evaluate the educational requirements that were implemented as a result of the waiver. The request to the state board shall include information regarding the activities and programs implemented as a result of the waiver, whether higher standards for students are being achieved, assurances that students in advanced placement or other postsecondary options programs, such as but not limited to: College in the high school, running start, and tech-prep, shall not be disadvantaged, and a summary of the comments received at the public meeting or meetings.

     (((8))) (9) The state board of education shall notify the state board for community and technical colleges and the higher education coordinating board of any waiver granted under this section.

     (((9))) (10) Any waiver requested under this section will be granted with the understanding that the state board of education will affirm that students who graduate under alternative graduation requirements have in fact completed state requirements for high school graduation in a nontraditional program.

     (((10))) (11) Any school or district granted a waiver under this chapter shall report annually to the state board of education, in a form and manner to be determined by the board, on the progress and effects of implementing the waiver.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.230.090, 28A.305.140 and 28A.600.010. 99-10-094, § 180-18-055, filed 5/4/99, effective 6/4/99.]

[]

OTS-6639.1

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 00-23-032, filed 11/8/00, effective 12/9/00)

WAC 180-51-050   High school credit -- Definition.   As used in this chapter the term "high school credit" shall mean:

     (1) Grades nine through twelve or the equivalent of a four-year high school program, and grades seven and eight under the provisions of RCW 28A.230.090 (4) and (5):

     (a) One hundred fifty hours of planned instructional activities approved by the district; or

     (b) Satisfactory demonstration by a student of clearly identified competencies established pursuant to a process defined in written district policy. Districts are strongly advised to confirm with the higher education coordinating board that the award of competency-based high school credit meets the minimum college core admissions standards set by the higher education coordinating board for admission into a public, baccalaureate institution.

     (2) College and university course work. At the college or university level, five quarter or three semester hours shall equal 1.0 high school credit: Provided, That for the purpose of this subsection, "college and university course work" means course work that generally is designated 100 level or above by the college or university.

     (3) Community college high school completion program - Diploma awarded by community college. Five quarter or three semester hours of community college high school completion course work shall equal 1.0 high school credit: Provided, That for purposes of awarding equivalency credit under this subsection, college and university high school completion course work includes course work that is designated below the 100 level by the college and the course work is developmental education at grade levels nine through twelve or the equivalent of a four-year high school program.

     (4) Community college high school completion program - Diploma awarded by school district. A minimum of .5 and a maximum of 1.0 high school credit may be awarded for every five quarter or three semester hours of community college high school completion course work: Provided, That for purposes of awarding equivalency credit under this subsection, college and university high school completion course work includes course work that is designated below the 100 level by the college and the course work is developmental education at grade levels nine through twelve or the equivalent of a four-year high school program.

     (5) Each high school district board of directors shall adopt a written policy for determining the awarding of equivalency credit authorized under subsection (4) of this section. The policy shall apply uniformly to all high schools in the district.

     (6) Each high school district board of directors shall adopt a written policy regarding the recognition and acceptance of earned credits. The policy shall apply to all high schools in the district. The policy may include reliance on the professional judgment of the building principal or designee in determining whether or not a credit meets the district's standards for recognition and acceptance of a credit. The policy shall include an appeal procedure to the district if it includes reliance on the professional judgment of the building principal or designee.

     (7) A student must first obtain a written release from their school district to enroll in a high school completion program under subsection (3) of this section if the student has not reached age eighteen or whose class has not graduated.

     (8) The state board of education shall notify the state board for community and technical colleges and the higher education coordinating board of any school or school district that awards high school credit as authorized under subsection (1)(b) of this section.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.230.090. 00-23-032, § 180-51-050, filed 11/8/00, effective 12/9/00; 99-10-093, § 180-51-050, filed 5/4/99, effective 6/4/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.230.090 and 28A.305.130. 97-08-020, § 180-51-050, filed 3/25/97, effective 4/25/97; 96-09-027, § 180-51-050, filed 4/9/96, effective 5/10/96. Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.230.090, 28A.305.130 and 1994 c 222. 95-16-063, § 180-51-050, filed 7/27/95, effective 8/27/95. Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.230.090(1) and 28A.305.130 (8) and (9). 94-13-017, § 180-51-050, filed 6/3/94, effective 7/4/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.230.090. 94-03-100 (Order 1-94), § 180-51-050, filed 1/19/94, effective 9/1/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.05.060. 85-12-041 (Order 12-85), § 180-51-050, filed 6/5/85. Statutory Authority: Chapter 28A.05 RCW. 84-11-049 (Order 7-84), § 180-51-050, filed 5/17/84.]

OTS-6640.2

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 02-18-056, filed 8/28/02, effective 9/28/02)

WAC 180-55-005   Purposes and authority.   (1) Purposes. The provision of school accreditation procedures by the state board of education is designed to serve the following purposes:

     (a) Support the state board's long-term vision of a performance-based education system under WAC 180-51-001 by aligning school accreditation requirements to continuous improvement of student learning, achievement, and growth;

     (b) Promote educational excellence and equity for every student through enhancement of the quality and effectiveness of the school's educational program in safe and supportive learning environments;

     (c) Promote staff growth and commitment to the learning of every student;

     (d) Build stronger links with families, parents, and the community by reaching consensus about educational expectations through family, parent, and community involvement;

     (e) Provide a statement of accountability to the public;

     (f) Assure that school districts, under the district policy on recognizing earned credits under WAC 180-51-050, shall accept credits earned from schools or programs, accredited by the state board of education, the Northwest Association of Schools, ((Colleges and Universities,)) or other accrediting body as may be recognized by the state board of education pursuant to WAC 180-55-150; and

     (g) Facilitate the sharing of effective schools practices and positive impacts on student learning through an external appraisal process.

     (2) Authority. The authority for this chapter is RCW 28A.305.130(6).

[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.150.220(4), 28A.305.140, 28A.305.130(6). 02-18-056, § 180-55-005, filed 8/28/02, effective 9/28/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.305.130(6). 91-04-015, § 180-55-005, filed 1/28/91, effective 2/28/91. Statutory Authority: 1990 c 33. 90-17-009, § 180-55-005, filed 8/6/90, effective 9/6/90. Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.04.120(4). 81-08-027 (Order 2-85), § 180-55-005, filed 3/26/81.]

     (2) "Approved private school" shall mean a school approved by the state board of education pursuant to chapter 28A.195 RCW and chapter 180-90 WAC.

     (3) "Accredited" status shall be assigned to public or state board of education approved private schools that:

     (a) Complete and meet fully state board of education requirements for accreditation as described in WAC 180-55-020, or;

     (b) Participate and qualify in accordance with standards and procedures established by the Northwest Association of Schools ((Colleges and Universities)) (NAS((CU) (see WAC 180-55-032))).

     (4) "School improvement plan ((or process))" shall mean the same as described under WAC 180-16-220 (2)(b) and (d).

     (5) "Continuous improvement process" shall mean the ongoing process used by a school to monitor, adjust, and update its school improvement plan.

     (6) "Self-review" shall mean the same as described under WAC 180-16-220 (2)(c).

     (((6))) (7) "Appraisal" shall mean an objective, external appraisal of a school's self-review activities and school improvement plan ((or process)) pursuant to WAC 180-55-020(5).

[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.150.220(4), 28A.305.140, 28A.305.130(6). 02-18-056, § 180-55-015, filed 8/28/02, effective 9/28/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.305.130(6). 91-04-015, § 180-55-015, filed 1/28/91, effective 2/28/91. Statutory Authority: 1990 c 33. 90-17-009, § 180-55-015, filed 8/6/90, effective 9/6/90. Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.04.120(4). 84-11-050 (Order 8-84), § 180-55-015, filed 5/17/84; 81-08-027 (Order 2-85), § 180-55-015, filed 3/26/81.]

     (b) Certification by the state board of education of compliance with private school approval requirements under chapter 28A.190 RCW and chapter 180-90 WAC shall be prerequisite to a private school's application to the state board of education for accreditation under WAC 180-55-015 (3)(b).

     (2) Standard accreditation - six years, shall be granted to a school after a satisfactory external appraisal of the school's self-review activities and school improvement plan ((or process)), and approval by the state board of education of the appraisal findings and recommendations by the ((superintendent of public instruction under WAC 180-55-030)) external site appraisal team.

     (3) Conditional accreditation - one year, for a school where the external appraisal identifies omissions, inaccuracies or weaknesses in the building's self-review activities, or school improvement plan or continuous improvement process.

     (4) Application. Application for school accreditation shall be made to the state board of education or other body or entity designated by the state board of education. Such application shall be submitted jointly by the appropriate officials of the school and school district, or private school and governing board ((in the case of private schools)), in accordance with procedures and timelines established by the state board of education.

     (5)(a) External appraisal. The state ((superintendent of public instruction)) board of education, or other body or entity designated by the state board of education, shall direct an external appraisal ((program)) process for school accreditation purposes. The state ((superintendent)) board may place yearly limits on the number of schools that may participate in the external appraisal ((program)) process using the state board accreditation option. The external appraisal shall be conducted by persons external to the school and district. The external site appraisal team shall include, but is not limited to, certificated teachers and administrators who may earn continuing education clock hours pursuant to WAC 180-85-033(2).

     (b) The external appraisal shall focus on the provisions of WAC 180-16-220 (2)(b), (c) and (d), and 180-55-005(1). The appraisal shall ((give weight to the district's school approval process and)) focus on((, but not be restricted to,)) an ((appraisal)) analysis of the ((progress and impact of)) school's self-review activities, the school's improvement plan ((or)) and its progress and impact, in particular relating to WAC 180-55-005 (1)(c), and the school's continuous improvement process.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.150.220(4), 28A.305.140, 28A.305.130(6). 02-18-056, § 180-55-020, filed 8/28/02, effective 9/28/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.305.130(6). 91-01-068, § 180-55-020, filed 12/14/90, effective 1/14/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.04.120(4). 84-11-050 (Order 8-84), § 180-55-020, filed 5/17/84; 81-08-027 (Order 2-85), § 180-55-020, filed 3/26/81.]

     (a) Staffing and resources directly or indirectly available to the state board for administration of the accreditation program are insufficient to timely process applications for accreditation under regular procedures;

     (b)(i) The school has current accredited status through the state board accreditation ((process)) option; or

     (ii) The school has current accredited status through the Northwest Association of Schools((, Colleges and Universities)) (NAS((CU))) accreditation ((process)) option and desires to switch to the state board ((process)) option upon termination of the validity period of its NAS((CU)) accreditation; or

     (iii) The school began the process for first-time accreditation or renewal accreditation, using the state board of education accreditation option, before January 1, 2001.

     (2) In order to be considered for a temporary extension of accredited status, a school must submit to the state board a written request for an extension, signed by the building principal.

     (((3) This section shall expire June 30, 2003, unless program staffing and funding support issues are not resolved.))

[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.150.220(4), 28A.305.140, 28A.305.130(6). 02-18-056, § 180-55-034, filed 8/28/02, effective 9/28/02.]

     The following section of the Washington Administrative Code is repealed:

WAC 180-55-150

Standards and criteria study and report.

© Washington State Code Reviser's Office