Subject of Possible Rule Making: High school graduation and dropout rate goals and other academic indicators.

     Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 28A.655.030 (1)(a).

     Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Under RCW 28A.655.030, the commission has the discretion to adopt or revise school and school district performance improvement goals in reading and mathematics as well as goals addressing high school graduation rates and dropout reduction goals for students in grades seven through twelve. Such rules are intended to help students progress toward achievement of the essential academic learning requirements of RCW 28A.655.060 and help achieve the goals provided in the Basic Education Act (RCW 28A.150.210). This rule will align the state improvement goals with amendments to Washington's Consolidated State Application Accountability Workbook under the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. The amendments have been submitted by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction and conditionally approved by the United States Department of Education.

     Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: None.

     Process for Developing New Rule: Early solicitation of public comments and recommendations respecting new rules, and consideration of the comments and recommendations in the course of drafting rules.

     Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by sending written comments via internet to cthompson.aaac@ospi.wednet.edu or by regular mail to A+ Commission Rules Coordinator, P.O. Box 47220, Olympia, WA 98504. For telephone assistance contact Christopher Thompson at (360) 725-6032.

September 28, 2004

Christopher M. Thompson

Executive Director

© Washington State Code Reviser's Office