SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5397

                    As of February 14, 1997

Title:  An act relating to modifying the timelines for development and implementation of the student assessment system.

Brief Description:  Changing the timelines for development and implementation of the student assessment system.

Sponsors:  Senators Hochstatter, West and Spanel; by request of Office of Financial Management.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Education:  2/18/97.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Staff:  Susan Mielke (786-7422)

Background:  The Commission on Student Learning (CSL) was created by the Legislature in 1992 to identify the knowledge and skills needed by all public school students, to develop student assessment and school accountability systems, and to take other steps necessary to improve student learning in the state.

The elementary, middle and high school level assessments developed by the CSL for Goal 1 (reading, writing, and communication), and mathematics are required to be available for voluntary use in the 1996-97 school year.  The elementary, middle, and high school level assessments developed for Goals 2 (the sciences, history, geography, civics, health/fitness and the arts), 3 (critical thinking) and 4 (understanding the importance of work) are required to be available for voluntary use by the 1998-99 school year.  The assessments must integrate knowledge and skill areas to the maximum extent possible. 

All school districts are required to administer the assessments beginning in the 2000-01 school year.

The State Board of Education (SBE) and the Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) initially implement the assessments and may modify the essential academic learning requirements (EALRs) and the assessment system in subsequent years.

Summary of Bill:  The timelines for the availability of the assessments are modified and the developing and initial implementing entity is clarified.

Goal 1 and Mathematics:  The timeline for the availability of the elementary school assessment is not changed from the 1996-97 school year. 

The availability of the middle school assessment is changed from the 1996-97 school year to the 1997-98 school year.  The availability of the high school assessment is changed from the 1996-97 school year to the 1998-99 school year.

Goal 2 (except mathematics):  The timeline for the availability of the middle and high school assessments for the sciences, history, geography, and civics is not changed from the 1998-99 school year. 

SPI is required to continue the development of the remaining goal two assessments.  The availability of the high school assessments in health/fitness and the arts is changed from the 1998-99 school year to the 1999-2000 school year.  The availability of the middle school assessments in health/fitness and the arts is changed from the year 1998-99 school year to the 2000-01 school year.  The availability of the elementary school assessments for science, social studies, health/fitness and the arts is changed from the 1996-97 school year to the 2001-2002 school year.

Goals 3 and 4:  It is clarified that Goals 3 and 4 are integrated into the EALRs and the assessments for Goals 1 and 2.

Initial Implementation, Transfer and Modification of Assessments:  The state entity responsible for initially implementing the assessments is changed from SBE and SPI to CSL.  The completed assessments and assessments still in development must be transferred from CSL to SPI by June 30, 1999.  Prior to June 30, 1999, CSL may modify the EALRs and the assessments.  After June 30, 1999, SPI may modify the EALRs and the assessments.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on February 10, 1997.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.