BILL REQ. #:  S-4056.1 

Read first time 01/23/2004.   Referred to Committee on Higher Education.

     AN ACT Relating to strengthening linkages between K-12 and higher education systems; creating a new section; and providing an expiration date.

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

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   (1) The state board for community and technical colleges, the higher education coordinating board, the council of presidents, and the superintendent of public instruction shall:
     (a) Take actions to strengthen, expand, and create dual enrollment programs available to students on high school campuses by removing barriers that inhibit the availability of such programs and, where possible, by creating incentives for the offering of such courses and programs; and
     (b) Continue to examine the feasibility of using the Washington assessment of student learning as a factor in higher education admission and placement processes.
     (2) "Dual enrollment programs" are defined as those courses allowing high school students the ability to earn postsecondary course credits and high school credits toward graduation concurrently. Such programs include, but are not limited to, running start, tech-prep, college in the high school, advanced placement, and international baccalaureate.
     (3) By December 15, 2004, the organizations identified in subsection (1) of this section shall report to the higher education and education committees of the legislature on actions that were taken to reduce or eliminate barriers and what incentives were created. In addition, the report shall include actions the legislature should take to encourage the availability of dual enrollment and programs on high school campuses.
     (4) This section expires December 31, 2004.