WSR 16-13-056

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed June 10, 2016, 3:21 p.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: WAC 180-18-055 Alternative high school graduation requirements, this WAC, originally filed May 1999, enables a school district, a high school with permission of the district board of directors, or an approved private school to apply to the state board of education (SBE) for waiver of credit-based high school graduation requirements.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 28A.150.220, 28A.305.140, 28A.230.090.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: This WAC, last amended November 2004, contains obsolete citations to RCW and WAC and other obsolete references. Other needs for amendment may include:

1. Refine and improve the application requirements in subsection (4).

2. Better distinguish between information required for new applications and for renewal of existing waivers.

3. Establish a due date for applications in relation to the dates of regular board meetings.

4. Establish criteria for evaluation of waiver applications and decisions whether to approve a waiver request.

5. Specify the format and manner for the annual reports required to be submitted by a school or district under subsection (11).

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: Superintendent of public instruction (OSPI). SBE will seek comment from OSPI on any draft amendment to this WAC.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Jack Archer, SBE, 600 Washington Street, Olympia, WA 98504, (360) 725-6035, jack.archer@k12.wa.us.

June 10, 2016

Ben Rarick

Executive Director