HB 2940 - DIGEST

Provides that, beginning with the high school graduating class of 2008, a school district has the option to award a certificate of attainment to students who meet the criteria under this section. The certificate of attainment is not the equivalent of a high school diploma, but enables students to participate in commencement ceremonies.

Requires that, to be eligible for a certificate of attainment, a student must: (1) Meet all state and local high school graduation requirements except for obtaining a certificate of academic achievement under RCW 28A.655.061 or a certificate of individual achievement under RCW 28A.155.045;

(2) Have retaken the Washington assessment of student learning at least once;

(3) Maintain at least a ninety percent attendance level during the senior year of high school, except that the school district superintendent may waive this requirement if the student provides documentation of circumstances such as illness that warrant this waiver; and

(4) Meet with counselors and teachers to update the student's high school and beyond plan.