Brief Description: Changing the requirements for information on high school transcripts.

Sponsors: Representatives P. Sullivan, Simpson, Haler, McCoy, Schual-Berke, Curtis, Green and Morrell.

Hearing Date: 1/26/06

Staff: Sarah Ream (786-7303).

Background:

Beginning with the graduating class of 2008, public school students must meet the state standard on the 10th grade Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) to earn a Certificate of Academic Achievement (CAA) and graduate from high school, except for eligible special education students for whom the WASL is not appropriate. If it is determined by the student's Individualized Education Program team that the WASL is not appropriate for the student, even with accommodations, then the student will demonstrate his/her skill and knowledge using other measures and obtain a Certificate of Individual Achievement (CIA).

The state board of education must develop a standardized transcript for use by all public school districts. The high school transcripts must display the highest WASL scale score and level. A student's transcript will note whether the CAA was obtained by means of the WASL or by an alternative assessment. Beginning with the class of 2006, if a student achieves level four the first time he or she takes a content area of the WASL, the student's transcript will include a scholar's designation.

Summary of Bill:

The requirement that the standardized high school transcript contain a student's highest scale score in each content area of the WASL or alternative assessment is removed.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.