SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5837

As of February 20, 2003

Title: An act relating to the social studies, health and fitness, and arts assessments on the Washington assessment of student learning.

Brief Description: Changing provisions relating to the social studies, health and fitness, and arts components of the WASL.

Sponsors: Senators Johnson, Eide, Carlson and Rasmussen; by request of Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Education: 2/25/03.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Staff: Susan Mielke (786-7422)

Background: The Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) is administered statewide in reading, writing, communication (listening), and math at the fourth, seventh, and tenth grades. The science components of the WASL are required to be available for voluntary use in this school year and required to be administered in the 2003-04 school year at the middle and high school levels. There are statutory timelines for implementing the WASL in other subject areas, including science at the elementary level, and social studies, arts, and health and fitness at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.

Summary of Bill: All of the assessments must be developed and revised by the Superintendent of Public Instruction in consultation with educators, parents, and community members.

Reading, writing, communication, mathematics, and science assessments must be administered during a prescribed time period. The assessments must be scored centrally and the scores must be reported to the public. The arts and health and fitness assessments are classroom or project-based and administered by school staff. These assessments must be scored at the school, district, or regional level and the scores must be reported to the public once the assessments are required.

The social studies assessment is in two formats: (1) a standardized assessment administered in the middle and high schools, which measures knowledge and skills necessary to assume the responsibilities and rights of citizens. The test must be administered during a prescribed time period. The assessment is scored centrally and the scores must be reported to the public once the assessment is required; and (2) classroom or project-based assessments administered in the elementary, middle, and high schools by school staff. These assessments must be scored at the school, district, or regional level and the scores must be reported to the public once the assessments are required.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on February 18, 2003.

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