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

HB 1352

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: Postponing the requirement of proficiency on the WASL for high school graduation.

Sponsors: Representatives Santos, Hasegawa, Haler, Appleton, Simpson, Hankins and Wood.

Brief Summary of Bill
  • Provides for staggered implementation of the requirement that students meet or exceed the proficient level on all four (reading, writing, mathematics, and science) content areas of the Washington assessment of student learning (WASL) or an approved alternative assessment.

Hearing Date: 2/1/07

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 (CAA). To obtain a CAA, students must demonstrate that they have met state academic standards by meeting or exceeding the proficient level on the reading, writing, and mathematics portions of the high school Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) or an approved alternative assessment.

Beginning with the graduating class of 2010, to obtain a CAA students must meet or exceed the proficient level in science on the high school WASL or an approved alternative assessment.





Summary of Bill:

The requirement that students meet or exceed the proficient level on all four content areas of the Washington Assessment of Student Learning is phased in over a period of years.
For the graduating classes of 2008, 2009 and 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 content areas of the Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) or an approved alternative assessment.

For the graduating classes of 2011, 2012, 2013, and 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.

Students in the graduating classes of 2015, 2016, and 2017 must meet or exceed the proficient level in three out of four of the content areas of the WASL or an approved alternative assessment.

Finally, students in the graduating class of 2018, and all classes thereafter, must meet or exceed the proficient level in all four content areas of the WASL or an approved alternative assessment.

The term "state standards" as used in RCW 28A.655.061 is replaced with the term "state academic requirements."

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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