SB 5638-S2 - DIGEST

(AS OF SENATE 2ND READING 3/11/05)

Amends RCW 28A.655.061 relating to student assessments.

Requires the office of the superintendent of public instruction to pilot two or more alternative assessments in the 2005-06 school year, with the goal of implementing at least one alternative assessment in the 2006-07 school year. The superintendent of public instruction shall direct school districts to make available for student use any alternative assessments reviewed by the education committees of the legislature and deemed adequate by the superintendent of public instruction for implementation.

Provides that, beginning in the 2005-06 school year and every year thereafter, each public high school shall notify students and parents, in the primary language of parents to the extent practicable, of the options under the high school assessment system and any appeals processes for students to demonstrate achievement of the state academic standards.

Requires that, beginning in the 2005-06 school year and every year thereafter, each public high school shall notify students and parents, in the primary language of parents to the extent practicable, of the different courses and programs in career and technical education and those offered through area skill centers that provide students the skills and knowledge in those content areas assessed by the high school assessment system and included in the certificate of academic achievement.