SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5137

As of February 7, 2003

Title: An act relating to admission requirements at institutions of higher education.

Brief Description: Authorizing the use of the reading and math components of the WASL to fulfill admission requirements at institutions of higher education.

Sponsors: Senator Carlson.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Higher Education: 2/13/03.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

Staff: Jean Six (786-7423)

Background: Movement toward accountability in K-12 education has resulted in the development of new instruments for assessing student learning, collectively called the Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL). Adequate performance on the 10th grade WASL will be a graduation requirement for all Washington public high schools starting with the class of 2008.

Some concern has been expressed that students required to take the WASL do not see the value in scoring well on the tests.

Summary of Bill: Students who meet the standard on the reading and math components of the high school WASL are deemed to have met the undergraduate admissions requirements for all public institutions of higher education in Washington.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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