Brief Description: Regarding academic requirements.

Sponsors: Representatives Santos, Hasegawa, Pettigrew, McCoy and Kenney.

Hearing Date: 1/26/06

Staff: Sarah Ream (786-7303).

Background:

Beginning with the graduating class of 2008, to graduate from a Washington public high school most students must obtain a Certificate of Academic Achievement (Certificate). To obtain a Certificate, students will be required to demonstrate they have met state academic standards by scoring at the proficient level on the reading, writing, and mathematics portions of the high school Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL).

Beginning with the graduating class of 2010, most students will also be required to score at the proficient level in science on the high school WASL.

Summary of Bill:

For the graduating class of 2008 and until July 31, 2010, to obtain a Certificate of Academic Achievement (CAA), students must meet or exceed the proficient level in one out of three and meet or exceed the basic level in two out of three of the reading, writing, and mathematics areas of the WASL or an approved alternative assessment.

From August 1, 2010 to July 31, 2014, students must meet or exceed the proficient level in two out of four and meet or exceed the basic level in two out of four of the WASL's reading, writing, mathematics, and science content areas or an approved alternative assessment.

Beginning August 1, 2014 until July 31, 2017, students must meet or exceed the proficient level on three out of four of the WASL areas in reading, writing, mathematics, and science or an approved alternative assessment.

After July 31, 2017, all students must meet or exceed the proficient level in all four content areas of the WASL or an approved alternative assessment.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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