BILL REQ. #:  H-3983.1 

Read first time 01/12/2006.   Referred to Committee on Education.

     AN ACT Relating to requiring a more rigorous curriculum for high school graduation; amending RCW 28A.230.010 and 28A.230.090; adding a new section to chapter 28A.230 RCW; and creating new sections.

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

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The legislature finds that, although students are being expected to meet higher academic standards as defined by the essential academic learning requirements, there is still a gap between what is required for high school graduation and the knowledge and skills students need to be successful in college or work. This gap has been confirmed by independent analysis by such organizations as Achieve. To assure that a high school diploma reflects adequate preparation for the intellectual demands of adult life, the legislature intends to create the expectation that all students enroll in a recommended high school program that includes a rigorous curriculum of study in English, mathematics, science, social studies, and an academic or career and technical concentration.

Sec. 2   RCW 28A.230.010 and 2003 c 49 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     School district boards of directors shall identify and offer courses with content that meet or exceed: (1) The basic education skills identified in RCW 28A.150.210; (2) the minimum graduation requirements under RCW 28A.230.090; (3) the recommended high school program under section 4 of this act; (4) the courses required to meet the minimum college entrance requirements under RCW 28A.230.130; and (((4))) (5) the course options for career development under RCW 28A.230.130. Such courses may be applied or theoretical, academic, or vocational.

Sec. 3   RCW 28A.230.090 and 2005 c 205 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The state board of education shall establish minimum high school graduation requirements or equivalencies for students.
     (a) Any course in Washington state history and government used to fulfill high school graduation requirements shall consider including information on the culture, history, and government of the American Indian peoples who were the first inhabitants of the state.
     (b) The certificate of academic achievement requirements under RCW 28A.655.061 or the certificate of individual achievement requirements under RCW 28A.155.045 are required for graduation from a public high school but are not the only requirements for graduation.
     (c) Any decision on whether a student has met the state board's high school graduation requirements for a high school and beyond plan shall remain at the local level.
     (2) In recognition of the statutory authority of the state board of education to establish and enforce minimum high school graduation requirements, the state board shall periodically reevaluate the graduation requirements and shall report such findings to the legislature in a timely manner as determined by the state board.
     (3) Pursuant to any requirement for instruction in languages other than English established by the state board of education or a local school district, or both, for purposes of high school graduation, students who receive instruction in American sign language or one or more American Indian languages shall be considered to have satisfied the state or local school district graduation requirement for instruction in one or more languages other than English.
     (4) If requested by the student and his or her family, a student who has completed high school courses before attending high school shall be given high school credit which shall be applied to fulfilling high school graduation requirements if:
     (a) The course was taken with high school students, if the academic level of the course exceeds the requirements for seventh and eighth grade classes, and the student has successfully passed by completing the same course requirements and examinations as the high school students enrolled in the class; or
     (b) The academic level of the course exceeds the requirements for seventh and eighth grade classes and the course would qualify for high school credit, because the course is similar or equivalent to a course offered at a high school in the district as determined by the school district board of directors.
     (5) Students who have taken and successfully completed high school courses under the circumstances in subsection (4) of this section shall not be required to take an additional competency examination or perform any other additional assignment to receive credit.
     (6) At the college or university level, five quarter or three semester hours equals one high school credit.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 4   A new section is added to chapter 28A.230 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) Beginning with the class of students entering ninth grade in the 2008-09 school year, each school district shall offer the following recommended high school program in which every student shall enroll:
     (a) At least four credits of English with the content and performance standards of college-preparatory English that emphasize reading, writing, and presentation skills;
     (b) At least four credits of mathematics, including at least algebra II and geometry or their equivalents plus a higher-level mathematics course designed to prepare students for postsecondary studies so they can avoid remedial college mathematics;
     (c) At least three credits of science that includes laboratory experience in biology, chemistry, physics or applied physics, or anatomy/physiology;
     (d) At least three credits of social studies that emphasize reading and writing and covering United States history and government; world history, government, and contemporary issues; and Washington state history and government;
     (e) At least one-half credit or demonstrated proficiency in computer technology and applications beyond basic keyboarding; and
     (f) At least four credits in an academic or career and technical concentration where the student chooses electives in a coherent sequence through guidance and counseling and based on the student's interests and aspirations.
     (2) Students who complete the recommended high school program under this section shall also complete any high school graduation requirements established under RCW 28A.230.090 or established by the school district that exceed the recommended high school program in order to earn a high school diploma.
     (3) At the written request of a student's parent or legal guardian, a student may be exempted from enrolling in the recommended high school program under this section and may instead complete the minimum high school graduation requirements established under RCW 28A.230.090 plus any additional requirements established by the school district to earn a high school diploma. In addition to the written request, a school district may require a student's parent or legal guardian to meet with the student's counselor or other school staff to discuss whether the student will achieve greater educational benefits by completing the recommended high school program or the minimum requirements for high school graduation.
     (4) A student who has an individualized education program pursuant to the federal individuals with disabilities education act is exempt from the requirements of this section unless the recommended high school program is provided for in the student's individualized education program.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 5   The higher education coordinating board shall review minimum admissions standards for four-year institutions of higher education and make recommendations to the legislature by December 1, 2006, regarding when the minimum admissions standards should include completion of the recommended high school program under section 4 of this act.