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

HB 3129

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: Regarding online learning programs for high school students to earn college credit.

Sponsors: Representatives Schmick, Anderson, Quall, Simpson and Ormsby.

Brief Summary of Bill
  • Directs the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction to compile and post on its website information about online learning programs for high school students to earn college credit.
  • Requires high schools to ensure that parents, students, teachers, and counselors have information about online learning programs, including the opportunity to enroll in the Running Start program online.

Hearing Date: 2/1/08

Staff: Barbara McLain (786-7383).

Background:

Students who are juniors and seniors in high school have the option through the Running Start program to enroll at a local community college or participating four-year college or university in courses that will offer them both high school and college credit. Other dual credit opportunities may be available at the students' high schools, such as Advance Placement, International Baccalaureate, College in the High School, or Tech Prep.

Students who live in remote areas of the state or attend very small high schools may not have the same ease of access to dual credit programs as students in urban areas or large high schools. However, in 2006-07 more than 4,500 Running Start students were able to enroll in online courses through the community and technical college (CTC) system's WashingtonOnline consortium. WashingtonOnline is a virtual campus providing access to online courses and degree programs offered by colleges in the CTC system. School districts that are part of the Digital Learning Commons also have access to online dual credit courses, including through the University of Washington Online Extension.

Summary of Bill:

The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, with assistance from the Digital Learning Commons and WashingtonOnline, must compile information about online learning programs for high school students to earn college credit and place the information prominently on its web site. Examples include Running Start, the Digital Learning Commons, the University of Washington Extension, WashingtonOnline, and other programs and providers.

High schools must ensure that teachers, counselors, parents, and students have information about online learning programs. High schools must also provide information to students and their parents about the opportunity to enroll online in Running Start.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

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