| Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research |
BILL ANALYSIS |
| Education Committee | |
HB 3166
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: Concerning the design of the state assessment system and the WASL.
Sponsors: Representatives Sullivan, Priest, Haler, Santos and Ormsby.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/1/08
Staff: Barbara McLain (786-7383).
Background:
End-of-Course Assessments. In 2007, the Legislature passed a bill directing the State Board of
Education (SBE) to examine potential changes to the high school Washington Assessment of
Student Learning (WASL) in science and mathematics, focusing primarily on moving to an
end-of-course assessment in these subjects rather than a comprehensive assessment. The
Governor vetoed these particular provisions, but asked the SBE to study end-of-course
assessments generally. The SBE engaged a national consultant who issued a report in January
2008. The report found that end-of-course assessments and comprehensive assessments have
much in common, can serve similar purposes, and each have strengths and weaknesses.
Assessment Contractor Request for Proposal (RFP). In the spring of 2007, the Office of the
Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) issued an RFP for a new contractor to assist with
development and administration of the WASL and other components of the state assessment
system. The current contract expires at the end of October 2008.
The responses to the RFP indicate a significant increase in costs compared to the current
contract. The OSPI has suggested it would be possible, without negatively affecting the
reliability or validity of the assessment, to generate some cost savings by reducing the number of
open-ended questions on the elementary and middle school reading, mathematics, and science
WASL. This should also reduce the number of testing days. Because it is used as a graduation
requirement, the OSPI does not recommend changing the high school WASL.
Summary of Bill:
The Legislature finds that end-of-course assessments have certain advantages over
comprehensive assessments such as the current WASL. Because the state's assessment contract
will be renegotiated, the 2008 Legislature has an opportunity to provide policy direction in the
design of the WASL.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.