PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed March 2, 2022, 11:14 a.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Chapter 392-210 WAC, Washington state honors award program.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 28A.600.070.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: The office of superintendent of public instruction (OSPI) is considering rule making to amend the process and procedures concerning the administration of the Washington state honors awards program. The COVID-19 pandemic and related emergency public health safety measures created inequities for students to meet the criteria specified in the rules concerning the Washington honors award. In particular, access and availability to certain testing has been limited or not available. As a result, many high school students were unable to take the tests identified in the rules and therefore, fewer students would be eligible for the Washington honors award. In addition, some institutions of higher education have suspended or eliminated certain testing requirements related to admissions.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: Not applicable.

Process for Developing New Rule: Early solicitation of feedback and recommendations respecting new or amended 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 contacting Tony May, OSPI, P.O. Box 47200, Olympia, WA 98504-7200, phone 360-972-4047, TTY 360-664-3631, email tony.may@k12.wa.us, website k12.wa.us.

State Superintendent

of Public Instruction