Title: An act relating to information on high school transcripts.

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

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

Brief History:

Education: 1/26/06, 2/1/06 [DPS].

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 9 members: Representatives Quall, Chair; P. Sullivan, Vice Chair; Curtis, Haigh, Hunter, McDermott, Santos, Tom and Wallace.

Minority Report: Without recommendation. Signed by 4 members: Representatives Talcott, Ranking Minority Member; Anderson, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Priest and Shabro.

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 Substitute 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. The requirement that a scholar designation be included on the transcripts of students who achieve level four on the WASL the first time they take the assessment is removed.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:

The substitute bill removes the requirement that a scholar designation be placed on the transcript of students who achieve level four on the WASL the first time they take the assessment.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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

Testimony For: It is not appropriate or right to put scores from the Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) on students' high school transcripts. Colleges look at a broad range of achievement, including grade point average, Scholastic Assessment Test and advanced placement scores, and community involvement. Colleges do not care about WASL scores. Having the WASL on the transcript does not add any value.

Testimony Against: None.

Persons Testifying: (In support) Representative P. Sullivan, prime sponsor; Vicki Abousamra and Connie Gerlitz, Washington State Parent Teacher Association; and Suzi Wright, Tulalip Tribes.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.