SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5328

As of February 19, 2001

Title:  An act relating to school improvement goals reporting.

Brief Description:  Changing school improvement goals reporting.

Sponsors:  Senators Carlson, Eide, Finkbeiner, Kohl‑Welles, Winsley, Shin, Hewitt, Regala, Johnson, McDonald, Hochstatter, Swecker, Long, Horn, McCaslin, Morton, Roach, Sheahan, Honeyford and Parlette.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Education:  2/22/01.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Staff:  Susan Mielke (786‑7422)

Background:  In 1998, the Legislature required each school district and school to establish a three-year goal to increase the percentage of students who meet or exceed the reading standard on the fourth grade Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL).  In 1999, the Legislature added the requirement for districts and schools to establish goals to increase the percentage of students who meet or exceed the math standard in fourth and seventh grade WASL.  The calculation to determine whether the district and the school have met the performance goals is based on the student enrollment in the district or the school, minus the number of students that have been exempted.  A student may be exempted for two reasons:  (1) the student has been in the country less than one year and has not achieved English proficiency; or (2) the student is receiving special education and the Individualized Education Plan provides that the student should not take the test.  A student who does not take the WASL because the student is absent when the test is given is factored into the calculation as a zero score.

Summary of Bill:  If a student does not take the fourth grade Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) in reading or mathematics, or the seventh grade WASL in mathematics, then the lack of the student's score must not count against the school or school district when determining whether the school or district have met the school or district student performance goals.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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