HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 2976
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.
As Reported by House Committee On:
Education
Title: An act relating to approving the segmented mathematics assessment as an alternative assessment.
Brief Description: Approving the segmented mathematics assessment as an alternative assessment.
Sponsors: Representatives Sullivan, Haigh, Quall, Liias and Nelson; by request of Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Brief History:
Education: 1/29/08, 2/5/08 [DP].
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 7 members: Representatives Quall, Chair; Barlow, Vice Chair; Haigh, Liias, Roach, Santos and Sullivan.
Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 2 members: Representatives Priest, Ranking Minority Member; Anderson, Assistant Ranking Minority Member.
Staff: Barbara McLain (786-7383).
Background:
In 2006 the Legislature directed the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)
to develop a 10th grade mathematics assessment that would present the Essential Academic
Learning Requirements (EALRs) in discrete segments that could be separately assessed using
a valid and reliable tool comparable in rigor to the Washington Assessment of Student
Learning (WASL) when all of the segments are combined.
In 2006-07 the OSPI developed three course segments and assessments (Number Sense and
Algebraic Sense, Geometric Sense and Measurement, and Probability and Statistics) and
provided training to school districts on the course content, instructional modules, and
accompanying assessments. The courses are designed to provide instruction for students who
score at Levels 1 and 2 on the high school WASL. Students must earn a comparable number
of total points across the three assessments to what is required for the WASL.
More than 8,000 students took the first assessment segment in December 2007.
Students who do not meet the state standard on the 10th grade WASL may attempt to
demonstrate their knowledge and skills through a number of different alternative
assessments. To be used as an alternative to the WASL, an assessment must be expressly
authorized by the Legislature for that purpose.
Summary of Bill:
Beginning in the 2007-08 school year, students may use the following as an approved
alternative assessment to the high school mathematics WASL: an assessment option
developed by the OSPI that presents the EALRs in segments; is comparable in content and
rigor to the WASL when all segments are considered together; is reliable and valid; is
administered in conjunction with a segmented mathematics course; and can be used to
determine whether a student has met the high school standard.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) There is some concern about adding yet another alternative assessment, but the
number of students submitting collections of evidence is too small to make a meaningful
difference. In the long run, this will be a better option. More than 8,000 students took the
first exam segment in December. Schools like this option for a number of reasons. The
instruction in the segmented course is directly tied to the assessment. This connection
motivates students to learn math. Of all the alternatives, this one holds the most promise for
math.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Representative Sullivan, prime sponsor; Jerry Bender, Association of Washington School Principals; and Bob Butts, Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.