PROPOSED RULES
Original Notice.
Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 07-19-036.
Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: Amending WAC 180-51-060 Minimum subject areas for high school graduation and 180-51-061 Minimum requirements for high school graduation; and adding a new rule that provides the minimum requirements for high school graduation for those students entering the ninth grade on or after July 1, 2009.
Hearing Location(s): Evergreen School District No. 114, Administrative Service Center, Evergreen Room, Tan Complex Building, 13501 N.E. 28 Street, Vancouver, WA, 98682, phone (360) 604-4009, on July 23, 2008, at 1:30 p.m.
Date of Intended Adoption: July 24, 2008.
Submit Written Comments to: Brad Burnham, Washington State Board of Education, P.O. Box 47206, 600 Washington Street S.E., Olympia, WA 98504-7206, e-mail brad.burnham@k12.wa.us, fax (360) 586-2357, by July 21, 2008.
Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Brad Burnham by July 21, 2008, TTY (360) 664-3631 or (360) 725-6025.
Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: Amendments are proposed to: (1) WAC 180-51-060 to indicate that it applies only to those students who entered the ninth grade before July 1, 2004; and (2) WAC 180-51-061 to indicate that it applies only to students who have entered the ninth grade between July 1, 2004, and June 30, 2009. WAC 180-51-061 is also being amended to require the completion of a high school and beyond plan as a graduation requirement. A new rule is being proposed that provides the minimum high school graduation requirements for those students entering the ninth grade on or after July 1, 2009. The high school graduation requirements set forth in the proposed rule are the same as that in the existing version of WAC 180-51-061 with the exception of the following changes: The proposed rule requires that students take three credits of mathematics to graduate from high school. These credits must include certain mathematics courses taken in a progressive sequence that includes a third credit of mathematics in Algebra II, or Integrated Mathematics III. A student can elect to take a third credit of mathematics other than Algebra II or Integrated Mathematics III if certain conditions prescribed in the rule are met. Equivalent career and technical education (CTE) mathematics courses meeting the requirements of RCW 28A.230.097 can be taken to satisfy the required mathematics credits. Schools are required to align the required mathematics credits with the high school mathematics standards developed and revised by the office of superintendent of public instruction. The proposed rule also requires the completion of a high school and beyond plan as a high school graduation requirement.
Reasons Supporting Proposal: In 2007, the Washington state legislative [legislature] adopted SSHB [2SHB] 1906, codified at RCW 28A.305.215(8), requiring the state board of education to revise the high school graduation requirements under RCW 28A.230.090 to include a minimum of three credits of mathematics and prescribe the mathematics content in the three required credits. Proposed amendments to WAC 180-51-060 and 180-51-061 are necessary to reflect that the changes in the new rule do not apply to those students who entered the ninth grade before July 1, 2009. The current version of WAC 180-51-061 inadvertently excluded the high school and beyond plan graduation requirement when the rule was last amended. It is being amended to include this requirement as a graduation requirement for all students who enter the ninth grade on or after July 1, 2004.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 28A.305.215(8), 28A.230.090.
Statute Being Implemented: RCW 28A.305.215(8), 28A.230.090.
Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.
Name of Proponent: The Washington state board of education, governmental.
Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting, Implementation and Enforcement: Edie Harding, 600 Washington Street S.E., Olympia, WA, 98504-7206, (360) 725-6025.
No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW. A small business economic impact statement is not required for this rule adoption.
A cost-benefit analysis is not required under RCW 34.05.328. RCW 34.05.328 does not apply to this rule adoption.
May 31, 2008
Edie Harding
Executive Director
OTS-1641.5
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 01-13-112, filed 6/20/01,
effective 7/21/01)
WAC 180-51-060
Minimum subject areas for high school
graduation -- Students entering the ninth grade before July 1,
2004.
(1) The minimum subject areas and credits therein shall
be:
| SUBJECT | CREDIT | ||
| English | 3 | ||
| Mathematics | 2 | ||
| Science* | 2 | ||
| Social Studies | 2 1/2 | ||
| United States History and Government |
(1) | ||
| Washington State History and Government |
(1/2)** | ||
| Contemporary World History, Geography, and Problems |
(1)** | ||
| Occupational Education*** | 1 | ||
| Physical Education | 2 | ||
| Restricted Elective | **** | 1 | |
| *At least one credit of the two science credits shall be in a laboratory science. | |||
| **See WAC 180-51-075 for equivalencies. | |||
| ***"Occupational education" means credits resulting from a series of learning experiences designed to assist the student to acquire and demonstrate competency of skills under student learning goal four and which skills are required for success in current and emerging occupations. At a minimum, these competencies shall align with the definition of an exploratory course as proposed or adopted in the career and technical education program standards of the superintendent of public instruction. | |||
| ****This one credit requirement must be selected from visual or performing arts or any of the subject areas listed above. | |||
| Electives | 5 1/2 | ||
| Total | 19 | ||
(3) In accordance with WAC 180-51-035, this section shall expire on June 30, 2014, for those students who begin the equivalent of a four-year high school program prior to July 1, 2004.
(4) The state board of education and superintendent of public instruction are not authorized by law to issue a high school diploma.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.230.090. 01-13-112, § 180-51-060, filed 6/20/01, effective 7/21/01; 00-19-108, § 180-51-060, filed 9/20/00, effective 10/21/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.05.062 and 28A.05.064. 88-01-109 (Order 18-87), § 180-51-060, filed 12/22/87. Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.05.060. 85-12-041 (Order 12-85), § 180-51-060, filed 6/5/85. Statutory Authority: Chapter 28A.05 RCW. 84-11-049 (Order 7-84), § 180-51-060, filed 5/17/84.]
(a) Three English credits (reading, writing, and
communications) that at minimum align with grade level
expectations for ninth and tenth grade, plus content that is
determined by the district. Assessment shall include the
((10th)) tenth grade Washington assessment of student learning
beginning 2008.
(b) Two mathematics credits that at minimum align with
mathematics grade level expectations for ninth and tenth
grade, plus content that is determined by the district.
Assessment shall include the ((10th)) tenth grade Washington
assessment of student learning beginning 2008.
(c) Two science credits (physical, life, and earth) that
at minimum align with grade level expectations for ninth and
tenth grade, plus content that is determined by the district.
At least one credit in laboratory science is required which
shall be defined locally. Assessment shall include the
((10th)) tenth grade Washington assessment of student learning
beginning 2010.
(d) Two and one-half social studies credits that at minimum align with the state's essential academic learning requirements in civics, economics, geography, history, and social studies skills at grade ten and/or above plus content that is determined by the district. The assessment of achieved competence in this subject area is to be determined by the local district although state law requires districts to have "assessments or other strategies" in social studies at the high school level by 2008-09. In addition, districts shall require students to complete a classroom-based assessment in civics in the eleventh or twelfth grade also by 2008-09. The state superintendent's office has developed classroom-based assessment models for districts to use (RCW 28A.230.095). The social studies requirement shall consist of the following mandatory courses or equivalencies:
(i) One credit shall be required in United States history and government which shall include study of the Constitution of the United States. No other course content may be substituted as an equivalency for this requirement.
(ii) Under the provisions of RCW 28A.230.170 and 28A.230.090, one-half credit shall be required in Washington state history and government which shall include study of the Constitution of the state of Washington and is encouraged to include information on the culture, history, and government of the American Indian people who were the first inhabitants of the state.
(A) For purposes of the Washington state history and
government requirement only, the term "secondary student"
shall mean a student who is in one of the grades seven through
twelve. If a district offers this course in the seventh or
eighth grade, it can still count towards the state history and
government graduation requirement. However, the course should
only count as a high school credit if the academic level of
the course exceeds the requirements for seventh and eighth
grade classes and the course would qualify for high school
credit, because the course is similar or equivalent to a
course offered at a high school in the district as determined
by the school district board of directors((.)) (RCW 28A.230.090(4)((.))).
(B) The study of the United States and Washington state Constitutions shall not be waived, but may be fulfilled through an alternative learning experience approved by the local school principal under written district policy.
(C) Secondary school students who have completed and passed a state history and government course of study in another state may have the Washington state history and government requirement waived by their principal. The study of the United States and Washington state Constitutions required under RCW 28A.230.170 shall not be waived, but may be fulfilled through an alternative learning experience approved by the school principal under a written district policy.
(D) After completion of the tenth grade and prior to commencement of the eleventh grade, eleventh and twelfth grade students who transfer from another state, and who have or will have earned two credits in social studies at graduation, may have the Washington state history requirement waived by their principal if without such a waiver they will not be able to graduate with their class.
(iii) One credit shall be required in contemporary world history, geography, and problems. Courses in economics, sociology, civics, political science, international relations, or related courses with emphasis on current problems may be accepted as equivalencies.
(e) Two health and fitness credits that at minimum align with current essential academic learning requirements at grade ten and/or above plus content that is determined by the local school district. The assessment of achieved competence in this subject area is to be determined by the local district although state law requires districts to have "assessments or other strategies" in health and fitness at the high school level by 2008-09. The state superintendent's office has developed classroom-based assessment models for districts to use (RCW 28A.230.095).
(i) The fitness portion of the requirement shall be met by course work in fitness education. The content of fitness courses shall be determined locally under WAC 180-51-025. Suggested fitness course outlines shall be developed by the office of the superintendent of public instruction. Students may be excused from the physical portion of the fitness requirement under RCW 28A.230.050. Such excused students shall be required to substitute equivalency credits in accordance with policies of boards of directors of districts, including demonstration of the knowledge portion of the fitness requirement.
(ii) "Directed athletics" shall be interpreted to include community-based organized athletics.
(f) One arts credit that at minimum is aligned with current essential academic learning requirements at grade ten and/or above plus content that is determined by the local school district. The assessment of achieved competence in this subject area is to be determined by the local district although state law requires districts to have "assessments or other strategies" in arts at the high school level by 2008-09. The state superintendent's office has developed classroom-based assessment models for districts to use (RCW 28A.230.095). The essential content in this subject area may be satisfied in the visual or performing arts.
(g) One credit in occupational education. "Occupational education" means credits resulting from a series of learning experiences designed to assist the student to acquire and demonstrate competency of skills under student learning goal four and which skills are required for success in current and emerging occupations. At a minimum, these competencies shall align with the definition of an exploratory course as proposed or adopted in the career and technical education program standards of the office of the superintendent of public instruction. The assessment of achieved competence in this subject area is determined at the local district level.
(h) Five and one-half electives: Study in a world language other than English or study in a world culture may satisfy any or all of the required electives. The assessment of achieved competence in these subject areas is determined at the local district level.
(i) Each student shall complete a culminating project for graduation. The project shall consist of the student demonstrating both their learning competencies and preparations related to learning goals three and four. Each district shall define the process to implement this graduation requirement, including assessment criteria, in written district policy.
(j) Each student shall have a high school and beyond plan for their high school experience, including what they expect to do the year following graduation.
(k) Each student shall attain a certificate of academic
achievement or certificate of individual achievement. The
((10th)) tenth grade Washington assessment of student learning
and Washington alternate assessment system shall determine
attainment.
(2) State board of education approved private schools under RCW 28A.305.130(5) may, but are not required to, align their curriculums with the state learning goals under RCW 28A.150.210 or the essential academic learning requirements under RCW 28A.655.070.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.230.090. 07-07-051, § 180-51-061, filed 3/14/07, effective 4/14/07; 04-23-004, § 180-51-061, filed 11/4/04, effective 12/5/04; 04-04-092, § 180-51-061, filed 2/3/04, effective 3/5/04; 01-13-114, § 180-51-061, filed 6/20/01, effective 7/21/01; 00-23-032, § 180-51-061, filed 11/8/00, effective 12/9/00.]
(a) Three English credits (reading, writing, and communications) that at minimum align with grade level expectations for ninth and tenth grade, plus content that is determined by the district. Assessment shall include the tenth grade Washington assessment of student learning beginning 2008.
(b) Three mathematics credits that align with the high school mathematics standards as developed and revised by the office of superintendent of public instruction and satisfy the requirements set forth below:
(i) Unless otherwise provided for in (b)(iii) of this subsection, the three mathematics credits required under this section must include mathematics courses taken in the following progressive sequence:
(A) Algebra I, geometry, and algebra II; or
(B) Integrated mathematics I, integrated mathematics II, and integrated mathematics III; or
(C) Any combination of three mathematics courses set forth in (b)(i)(A) and (B) of this subsection.
(ii) A student may elect to pursue a third credit of mathematics, other than algebra II or integrated mathematics III if all of the following requirements are met:
(A) The student has completed, for credit, mathematics courses in:
(I) Algebra I and geometry; or
(II) Integrated mathematics I and integrated mathematics II; or
(III) Any combination of two mathematics courses set forth in (b)(ii)(A)(I) and (II) of this subsection;
(B) The student's elective choice is based on a career oriented program of study identified in the student's high school and beyond plan that is currently being pursued by the student;
(C) The student's parent(s)/guardian(s) (or designee for the student if a parent or guardian is unavailable) agree that the third credit of mathematics elected is a more appropriate course selection than algebra II or integrated mathematics III because it will better serve the student's education and career goals;
(D) A meeting is held with the student, the parent(s)/guardian(s) (or designee for the student if a parent or guardian is unavailable), and a high school representative for the purpose of discussing the student's high school and beyond plan and advising the student of the requirements for credit bearing two and four year college level mathematics courses; and
(E) The school has the parent(s)/guardian(s) (or designee for the student if a parent or guardian is unavailable) sign a form acknowledging that the meeting with a high school representative has occurred, the information as required was discussed; and the parent(s)/guardian(s) (or designee for the student if a parent or guardian is unavailable) agree that the third credit of mathematics elected is a more appropriate course selection given the student's education and career goals.
(iii) Equivalent career and technical education (CTE) mathematics courses meeting the requirements set forth in RCW 28A.230.097 can be taken for credit instead of any of the mathematics courses set forth in (b)(i)(A) or (B) or (ii)(A)(I) or (II) of this subsection if the CTE mathematics courses are recorded on the student's transcript using the equivalent academic high school department designation and course title.
(c) Two science credits (physical, life, and earth) that at minimum align with grade level expectations for ninth and tenth grade, plus content that is determined by the district. At least one credit in laboratory science is required which shall be defined locally. Assessment shall include the tenth grade Washington assessment of student learning beginning 2010.
(d) Two and one-half social studies credits that at minimum align with the state's essential academic learning requirements in civics, economics, geography, history, and social studies skills at grade ten and/or above plus content that is determined by the district. The assessment of achieved competence in this subject area is to be determined by the local district although state law requires districts to have "assessments or other strategies" in social studies at the high school level by 2008-09. In addition, districts shall require students to complete a classroom-based assessment in civics in the eleventh or twelfth grade also by 2008-09. The state superintendent's office has developed classroom-based assessment models for districts to use (RCW 28A.230.095). The social studies requirement shall consist of the following mandatory courses or equivalencies:
(i) One credit shall be required in United States history and government which shall include study of the Constitution of the United States. No other course content may be substituted as an equivalency for this requirement.
(ii) Under the provisions of RCW 28A.230.170 and 28A.230.090, one-half credit shall be required in Washington state history and government which shall include study of the Constitution of the state of Washington and is encouraged to include information on the culture, history, and government of the American Indian people who were the first inhabitants of the state.
(A) For purposes of the Washington state history and government requirement only, the term "secondary student" shall mean a student who is in one of the grades seven through twelve. If a district offers this course in the seventh or eighth grade, it can still count towards the state history and government graduation requirement. However, the course should only count as a high school credit if the academic level of the course exceeds the requirements for seventh and eighth grade classes and the course would qualify for high school credit, because the course is similar or equivalent to a course offered at a high school in the district as determined by the school district board of directors (RCW 28A.230.090(4)).
(B) The study of the United States and Washington state Constitutions shall not be waived, but may be fulfilled through an alternative learning experience approved by the local school principal under written district policy.
(C) Secondary school students who have completed and passed a state history and government course of study in another state may have the Washington state history and government requirement waived by their principal. The study of the United States and Washington state Constitutions required under RCW 28A.230.170 shall not be waived, but may be fulfilled through an alternative learning experience approved by the school principal under a written district policy.
(D) After completion of the tenth grade and prior to commencement of the eleventh grade, eleventh and twelfth grade students who transfer from another state, and who have or will have earned two credits in social studies at graduation, may have the Washington state history requirement waived by their principal if without such a waiver they will not be able to graduate with their class.
(iii) One credit shall be required in contemporary world history, geography, and problems. Courses in economics, sociology, civics, political science, international relations, or related courses with emphasis on current problems may be accepted as equivalencies.
(e) Two health and fitness credits that at minimum align with current essential academic learning requirements at grade ten and/or above plus content that is determined by the local school district. The assessment of achieved competence in this subject area is to be determined by the local district although state law requires districts to have "assessments or other strategies" in health and fitness at the high school level by 2008-09. The state superintendent's office has developed classroom-based assessment models for districts to use (RCW 28A.230.095).
(i) The fitness portion of the requirement shall be met by course work in fitness education. The content of fitness courses shall be determined locally under WAC 180-51-025. Suggested fitness course outlines shall be developed by the office of the superintendent of public instruction. Students may be excused from the physical portion of the fitness requirement under RCW 28A.230.050. Such excused students shall be required to substitute equivalency credits in accordance with policies of boards of directors of districts, including demonstration of the knowledge portion of the fitness requirement.
(ii) "Directed athletics" shall be interpreted to include community-based organized athletics.
(f) One arts credit that at minimum is aligned with current essential academic learning requirements at grade ten and/or above plus content that is determined by the local school district. The assessment of achieved competence in this subject area is to be determined by the local district although state law requires districts to have "assessments or other strategies" in arts at the high school level by 2008-09. The state superintendent's office has developed classroom-based assessment models for districts to use (RCW 28A.230.095). The essential content in this subject area may be satisfied in the visual or performing arts.
(g) One credit in occupational education. "Occupational education" means credits resulting from a series of learning experiences designed to assist the student to acquire and demonstrate competency of skills under student learning goal four and which skills are required for success in current and emerging occupations. At a minimum, these competencies shall align with the definition of an exploratory course as proposed or adopted in the career and technical education program standards of the office of the superintendent of public instruction. The assessment of achieved competence in this subject area is determined at the local district level.
(h) Five and one-half electives: Study in a world language other than English or study in a world culture may satisfy any or all of the required electives. The assessment of achieved competence in these subject areas is determined at the local district level.
(i) Each student shall complete a culminating project for graduation. The project shall consist of the student demonstrating both their learning competencies and preparations related to learning goals three and four. Each district shall define the process to implement this graduation requirement, including assessment criteria, in written district policy.
(j) Each student shall have a high school and beyond plan for their high school experience, including what they expect to do the year following graduation.
(k) Each student shall attain a certificate of academic achievement or certificate of individual achievement. The tenth grade Washington assessment of student learning and Washington alternate assessment system shall determine attainment.
(2) State board of education approved private schools under RCW 28A.305.130(5) may, but are not required to, align their curriculums with the state learning goals under RCW 28A.150.210 or the essential academic learning requirements under RCW 28A.655.070.
[]