PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
PUBLIC INSTRUCTION
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Rules implementing the collection of evidence (COE) an alternative assessment to the Washington assessment of student learning (WASL). The rules may also include eligibility criteria to access the process for students to appeal the score they receive on the COE.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 28A.655.061 and 28A.655.065.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The superintendent of public instruction is required to implement objective alternative assessment methods for students to demonstrate achievement of the state standards in content areas in which the student has not yet met the standard on the high school WASL. The COE may require a student to comply with eligibility criteria in addition to that set forth in statute. Additionally, the superintendent is required to develop a process for students to appeal the score they receive on the WASL and may provide for an appeals process for the COE implemented by OSPI. A student may use the COE to demonstrate that the student successfully meets the state standards for that content area if the student has retaken the WASL at least once. If the student successfully meets the state standards on the COE (and other options) then the student shall earn a certificate of academic achievement.
Process for Developing New Rule: The process for developing the COE has included consultation with state and national experts in all three content areas (reading, writing and mathematics). A pilot project was implemented evaluating the COE. The collection of work samples alternative assessment method was approved by the state board of education using a process that included consultation with district superintendents, school principals, other educators and the public.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Amanda Mount, CAA Analyst, Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, P.O. [Box] 47200, Olympia, WA 98504-7200, (360) 725-6037, TDD (360) 664-3631, fax (360) 725-6332, e-mail amanda.mount@k12.wa.us, www.k12.wa.us/assessment/CAAoptions.
August 31, 2007
Dr. Terry Bergeson
Superintendent of
Public Instruction