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

HB 2343

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: Revising the high school assessment system and graduation requirements.

Sponsors: Representatives Quall, Santos and Haler.

Brief Summary of Bill
  • Beginning with the class of 2008, allows students who meet the standard on the high school Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) to earn a Certificate of Achievement (CAA) and note it on their transcript, but does not require a CAA for graduation.
  • Allows students who do not earn a CAA or Certification of Individual Achievement (CIA) to graduate if they complete courses and competencies that are specified in a student learning plan and intended to increase proficiency in the areas where they did not meet the standard, and if they retake the WASL annually.

Hearing Date: 2/26/07

Staff: Barbara McLain (786-7383).

Background:

Beginning with the class of 2008, most students will be required to meet the state standard on the tenth grade Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) in reading, writing, and mathematics to receive a Certificate of Academic Achievement (CAA). A CAA will be required for high school graduation. Beginning in 2010, students will also have to pass the science WASL for a CAA. Some students with disabilities will instead receive a Certificate of Individual Achievement (CIA), which is also required for graduation in 2008. In 2006, the Legislature authorized several alternative assessments for students who are unsuccessful on the high school WASL in their first two attempts. These alternatives provide different ways for students to demonstrate they meet the state standard to earn a CAA.

Summary of Bill:

Beginning in 2008, students who meet the state standard in the required subject areas of the high school WASL earn a CAA, and special education students can earn a CIA. Receipt of a CAA or CIA is noted on the student's transcript, but is not required for high school graduation.

For students who do not meet the state standard on the high school WASL, the school district must prepare a student learning plan that specifies the courses and competencies the student must complete to be eligible for graduation. These must be designed to increase the student's proficiency in the subject areas where they did not pass the WASL. The student must also retake the WASL annually until they meet the standard or graduate.

Students who do not earn a CAA or CIA are eligible for high school graduation if they successfully complete the courses and competencies specified in their student learning plan and
retake the WASL annually as required.

All alternative assessment options are repealed.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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