SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6037
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 of February 15, 2007
Title: An act relating to eliminating the certificate of academic achievement as a requirement for high school graduation.
Brief Description: Eliminating the certificate of academic achievement as a requirement for high school graduation.
Sponsors: Senators Hargrove, Pridemore and Rasmussen.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Early Learning & K-12 Education: 2/15/07.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON EARLY LEARNING & K-12 EDUCATION
Staff: Susan Mielke (786-7422)
Background: Beginning with the graduating class of 2008, students must meet the state standard
on the Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL), or a legislatively approved
alternative assessment, to achieve a Certificate of Academic Achievement (CAA), which is
required to graduate from high school. Students are expected to obtain the CAA at about the age
of 16.
Students who are not appropriately assessed by the WASL, even with accommodations, may earn
a Certificate of Individual Achievement (CIA), instead of a CAA, to graduate from high school.
To earn the CIA the student must demonstrate skills and abilities commensurate with the student's
individual education program.
Summary of Bill: The CAA and the CIA are eliminated as high school graduation requirements. The expectation language that a student would achieve a CAA at about the age of 16 is removed.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.