Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research		 BILL
ANALYSIS
Education Committee

HB 1050

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Allowing certain students with disabilities to participate in graduation ceremonies.

Sponsors: Representatives Upthegrove, Quall, Kagi, Pedersen, Morrell, Kenney, P. Sullivan, Jarrett, Simpson, Wallace, Cody, McDermott, Linville, Moeller, Morris, Springer, Wood, Santos, Schual-Berke, Williams, Ormsby and Hasegawa.

Brief Summary of Bill
  • Allows a student receiving special education services to participate in high school commencement exercises if the student has attended four years of high school and has an Individualized Education Program that prescribes continued special education or related services beyond the fourth year of high school.

Hearing Date: 1/23/07

Staff: Sarah Ream (786-7303).

Background:

The State Board of Education (SBE) determines the minimum state high school graduation requirements. School districts may adopt additional graduation requirements.

Students are generally assigned an expected graduation year based on the year they begin ninth grade. However, students receiving special education services are assigned an expected year of graduation in the year they turn sixteen based on the students' Individualized Education Program (IEP).

School districts must adopt written policies and procedures for meeting the unique needs of students receiving special education services. These procedures must allow special education students to remain in school until the student graduates or reaches age 21. As a result, a student's IEP may provide for the student to continue in high school beyond the student's fourth year.

Summary of Bill:

Students receiving special education services who have Individualized Education Programs providing for special education or related services beyond the fourth year of high school and who have attended four years of high school, shall be allowed to participate in commencement exercises with their graduating class.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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