PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY
Subject of Possible Rule Making: Proposed amendments to WAC 180-51-066 Minimum requirements for high school graduation -- Students entering the ninth grade on or after July 1, 2009.
Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 28A.230.090.
Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The state board of education is considering amendments to the existing high school graduation requirements that include: Increasing the total number of English credits from 3 to 4; increasing the number of social studies credits from 2.5 to 3; reducing the number of electives from 5.5 credits to 4 credits; changing Washington state history to a noncredit requirement; and permitting career and technical education equivalent classes to satisfy two graduation requirements while earning one credit. The proposed amendments are intended to meet the legislative intent that a high school diploma should declare that a student is ready for success in postsecondary education, gainful employment, citizenship, and equipped with the skills to be a lifelong learner. Additionally, the board will be considering an amendment to the existing rule to require one credit of biology. The biology requirement is intended to insure compliance with the Elementary and Secondary Reauthorization Act (also known as the No Child Left Behind Act or NCLB). Additional or other changes to the existing high school graduation requirements may occur as a result of the board's review and consideration of public input on the proposed amendments.
Process for Developing New Rule: The state board of education will hold a public hearing as required by chapter 34.05 RCW soliciting input from stakeholders and other members of the public regarding any proposed amendments to the existing rule.
Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Loy McColm, Washington State Board of Education, Old Capitol Building, P.O. Box 47206, Olympia, WA 98504, e-mail loy.mccolm@k12.wa.us, phone (360) 725-6027, fax (360) 586-2357.
August 2, 2011
Kathe Taylor
Interim Executive Director