S-2113.1  _______________________________________________

                    SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL 5634

          _______________________________________________

State of Washington      56th Legislature     1999 Regular Session

By Senate Committee on Education (originally sponsored by Senators Finkbeiner, Zarelli, Hale, Oke, Deccio, Johnson, Hochstatter, Rossi, McDonald, Horn, Swecker and West)

Read first time 03/03/1999.

Requiring school districts to adopt policies for the retention and promotion of students.

    AN ACT Relating to the retention and promotion of students; and adding a new section to chapter 28A.320 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.  A new section is added to chapter 28A.320 RCW to read as follows:

    (1) The legislature finds that it is critical for the success of the public school system and for the greatest achievement of each individual pupil 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 child should graduate from high school with a diploma if the student is unable to read.  Promoting student from grade to grade without demonstrating appropriate competencies does no service to our children.

    (2) Beginning with the 1999-2000 school year, all school boards shall adopt a policy, or amend any existing local policy, regarding promotion and retention of pupils.

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

    (a) Provide for parental notification when a pupil 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 pupil's parent or guardian the opportunity to consult with the teacher or teachers responsible for the decision to promote or retain the pupil; and

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

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