5634-S AMH ED H2586.1

5634-S AMH ED H2586.1

SSB 5634 - H COMM AMD ADOPTED 04/07/99

By Committee on Education

Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the following:

"NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds that it is critical for the success of the public school system and for the greatest achievement of each individual student that all educators hold, and act upon, high expectations for the academic achievement of every student. The state's education reforms emphasize higher standards and performance, not just "seat time" in school. No student should graduate from high school with a diploma if the student is unable to read. Promoting students from grade to grade without demonstrating appropriate competencies does no service to them.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 28A.320 RCW to read as follows:

(1) By the beginning of the 2000-01 school year, all school boards shall adopt a policy, or amend any existing local policy if necessary, regarding promotion and retention of students.

(2) The district policy shall be adopted at a public meeting of the school board and shall:

(a) Provide for parental notification when a student is identified as being at risk of retention. This notice shall be provided as early in the school year, and as early in their school careers, as practicable. The policy shall provide a student's parent or guardian the opportunity to consult with the teacher or teachers responsible for the decision to promote or retain the student; and

(b) Indicate the manner in which opportunities for remedial instruction are available to students who are recommended for retention or who are identified as being at risk for retention."