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

HB 3299

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 mathematics graduation requirements.

Sponsors: Representatives Quall and Santos.

Brief Summary of Bill
  • Removes the direction to the State Board of Education (SBE) to require three mathematics credits for high school graduation and prescribe the course content.
  • Requires instead that the SBE recommend whether three mathematics credits should be required and recommend the content by January 1, 2009.
  • Stipulates that any change in mathematics credits or content for graduation requires legislative approval.

Hearing Date: 2/4/08

Staff: Barbara McLain (786-7383).

Background:

The State Board of Education (SBE) has statutory authority to establish statewide minimum high school graduation requirements. Under current rules, students must earn at least two credits (generally two years) of mathematics to graduate. The rules specify that the content of the required courses must, at a minimum, align with the mathematics Grade Level Expectations for grades nine and ten. According to an SBE survey, 96 school districts require three years of mathematics for graduation, and two require four years.

Legislation enacted in 2007 directed the SBE to revise their high school graduation requirements to include at least three credits of mathematics, one of which could be a career and technical course equivalent, and to specify the content required in the three credits.

At its January 2008 meeting, the SBE directed staff to prepare rule language that would require all students to complete a third credit of mathematics in an Algebra II course. However students enrolled in an approved Program of Study leading to a career goal could replace the Algebra II requirement with a different math credit that furthers the Program of Study. This would take effect for the graduating class of 2013. The SBE intends to hold a public hearing on this proposal in March and expects to act in May 2008.

Summary of Bill:

The direction to the SBE to require three credits of mathematics for high school graduation and to prescribe the content in the three credits is changed. Instead, the SBE, by January 1, 2009, must recommend whether there should be three credits of mathematics for graduation and recommend the content in the required credits. Recommendations must be forwarded to the Governor and the Education Committees of the Legislature.

Any changes after the effective date of the bill in the number of mathematics credits for graduation or the required content must be formally approved by the Legislature.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.