BILL REQ. #:  S-3982.1 



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SENATE BILL 6426
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State of Washington60th Legislature2008 Regular Session

By Senators Hobbs, Shin, Swecker, Rasmussen, Fairley, Berkey, Rockefeller, Eide, Schoesler, Fraser, Kauffman, Kohl-Welles, and McAuliffe

Read first time 01/16/08.   Referred to Committee on Early Learning & K-12 Education.



     AN ACT Relating to an interstate compact on educational opportunity for military children; amending RCW 28A.210.080, 28A.210.320, 28A.225.015, 28A.225.160, 28A.225.210, 28A.225.225, 28A.225.280, 28A.225.330, 28A.230.040, 28A.230.050, 28A.230.060, and 28A.230.090; reenacting and amending RCW 28A.655.061; and adding a new chapter to Title 28A RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The interstate compact on educational opportunity for military children is enacted and entered into by this state with all other states legally joining the compact in the form substantially as follows:


ARTICLE I
     PURPOSE


     It is the purpose of this compact to remove barriers to educational success imposed on children of military families because of frequent moves and deployment of their parents by:
     (1) Facilitating the timely enrollment of children of military families and ensuring that they are not placed at a disadvantage due to difficulty in the transfer of educational records from the previous school district or variations in entrance or age requirements;
     (2) Facilitating the student placement process through which children of military families are not disadvantaged by variations in attendance requirements, scheduling, sequencing, grading, course content, or assessment;
     (3) Facilitating the qualification and eligibility for enrollment, educational programs, and participation in extracurricular academic, athletic, and social activities;
     (4) Facilitating the on-time graduation of children of military families;
     (5) Providing for the adoption and enforcement of administrative rules implementing the provisions of this compact;
     (6) Providing for the uniform collection and sharing of information between and among member states, schools, and military families under this compact;
     (7) Promoting coordination between this compact and other compacts affecting military children; and
     (8) Promoting flexibility and cooperation between the educational system, parents, and the student in order to achieve educational success for the student.


ARTICLE II
     DEFINITIONS


     As used in this compact, unless the context clearly requires a different construction:
     (1) "Active duty" means full-time duty status in the active uniformed service of the United States, including members of the National Guard and Reserve on active duty orders pursuant to 10 U.S.C. Secs. 1209 and 1211.
     (2) "Children of military families" means school-aged children, enrolled in kindergarten through twelfth grade, in the household of an active duty member.
     (3) "Compact commissioner" means the voting representative of each compacting state appointed pursuant to article VIII of this compact.
     (4) "Deployment" means the period one month before the service members' departure from their home station on military orders through six months after return to their home station.
     (5) "Educational records" means those official records, files, and data directly related to a student and maintained by the school or local education agency, including but not limited to records encompassing all the material kept in the student's cumulative folder such as general identifying data, records of attendance and of academic work completed, records of achievement and results of evaluative tests, health data, disciplinary status, test protocols, and individualized education programs.
     (6) "Extracurricular activities" means voluntary activities sponsored by the school or local education agency or an organization sanctioned by the local education agency. Extracurricular activities include, but are not limited to, preparation for and involvement in public performances, contests, athletic competitions, demonstrations, displays, and club activities.
     (7) "Interstate commission on educational opportunity for military children" or "interstate commission" means the commission that is created under article IX of this compact.
     (8) "Local education agency" means a public authority legally constituted by the state as an administrative agency to provide control of and direction for kindergarten through twelfth grade public educational institutions.
     (9) "Member state" means a state that has enacted this compact.
     (10) "Military installation" means a base, camp, post, station, yard, center, homeport facility for any ship, or other activity under the jurisdiction of the United States department of defense, including any leased facility that is located within any of the several states, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Marianas Islands, and any other United States territory. The term does not include any facility used primarily for civil works, rivers and harbors projects, or flood control projects.
     (11) "Nonmember state" means a state that has not enacted this compact.
     (12) "Receiving state" means the state to which a child of a military family is sent, brought, or caused to be sent or brought.
     (13) "Rule" means a written statement by the interstate commission adopted pursuant to article XII of this compact that is of general applicability, implements, interprets, or prescribes a policy or provision of the compact, or an organizational, procedural, or practice requirement of the interstate commission, and has the force and effect of statutory law in a member state, and includes the amendment, repeal, or suspension of an existing rule.
     (14) "Sending state" means the state from which a child of a military family is sent, brought, or caused to be sent or brought.
     (15) "State" means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Northern Marianas Islands, and any other United States Territory.
     (16) "Student" means the child of a military family for whom the local education agency receives public funding and who is formally enrolled in kindergarten through twelfth grade.
     (17) "Transition" means (a) the formal and physical process of transferring from school to school or (b) the period of time in which a student moves from one school in the sending state to another school in the receiving state.
     (18) "Uniformed services" means the army, navy, air force, marine corps, and coast guard, as well as the commissioned corps of the national oceanic and atmospheric administration, and public health services.
     (19) "Veteran" means a person who served in the uniformed services and who was discharged or released therefrom under conditions other than dishonorable.


ARTICLE III
     APPLICABILITY


     (1) Except as otherwise provided in this article, this compact shall apply to the children of:
     (a) Active duty members of the uniformed services as defined in this compact, including members of the national guard and reserve on active duty orders pursuant to 10 U.S.C. Secs. 1209 and 1211;
     (b) Members or veterans of the uniformed services who are severely injured and medically discharged or retired for a period of one year after medical discharge or retirement; and
     (c) Members of the uniformed services who die on active duty or as a result of injuries sustained on active duty for a period of one year after death.
     (2) The provisions of this interstate compact shall only apply to local education agencies as defined in this compact.
     (3) The provisions of this compact shall not apply to the children of:
     (a) Inactive members of the national guard and military reserves;
     (b) Members of the uniformed services now retired, except as provided in subsection (1) of this article;
     (c) Veterans of the uniformed services, except as provided in subsection (1) of this article; and
     (d) Other United States department of defense personnel and other federal agency civilian and contract employees not defined as active duty members of the uniformed services.


ARTICLE IV
     EDUCATIONAL RECORDS AND ENROLLMENT


     (1) Unofficial or hand-carried education records. In the event that official educational records cannot be released to the parents for the purpose of transfer, the custodian of the records in the sending state shall prepare and furnish to the parent a complete set of unofficial educational records containing uniform information as determined by the interstate commission. Upon receipt of the unofficial educational records by a school in the receiving state, the school shall enroll and appropriately place the student based on the information provided in the unofficial records pending validation by the official records, as quickly as possible.
     (2) Official educational records and transcripts. Simultaneous with the enrollment and conditional placement of the student, the school in the receiving state shall request the student's official educational record from the school in the sending state. Upon receipt of this request, the school in the sending state must process and furnish the official educational records to the school in the receiving state within ten days or within such time as is reasonably determined under the rules adopted by the interstate commission.
     (3) Immunizations. Compacting states shall give thirty days from the date of enrollment or within such time as is reasonably determined under the rules adopted by the interstate commission for students to obtain any immunizations required by the receiving state. For a series of immunizations, initial vaccinations must be obtained within thirty days or within such time as is reasonably determined under the rules adopted by the interstate commission.
     (4) Kindergarten and first grade entrance age. Students shall be allowed to continue their enrollment at grade level in the receiving state commensurate with their grade level, including kindergarten, from a local education agency in the sending state at the time of transition, regardless of age. A student who has satisfactorily completed the prerequisite grade level in the local education agency in the sending state shall be eligible for enrollment in the next highest grade level in the receiving state, regardless of age. A student transferring after the start of the school year in the receiving state shall enter the school in the receiving state on his or her validated level from an accredited school in the sending state.


ARTICLE V
     PLACEMENT AND ATTENDANCE


     (1) Course placement. When the student transfers before or during the school year, the receiving state school shall initially honor placement of the student in educational courses based on the student's enrollment in the sending state school and educational assessments conducted at the school in the sending state if the courses are offered. Course placement includes but is not limited to honors, international baccalaureate, advanced placement, vocational, technical, and career pathways courses. Continuing the student's academic program from the previous school and promoting placement in academically and career challenging courses should be paramount when considering placement. This does not preclude the school in the receiving state from performing subsequent evaluations to ensure appropriate placement and continued enrollment of the student in the courses.
     (2) Educational program placement. The receiving state school shall initially honor placement of the student in educational programs based on current educational assessments conducted at the school in the sending state or participation and placement in like programs in the sending state. Such programs include, but are not limited to: (a) Gifted and talented programs; and (b) English as a second language (ESL). This does not preclude the school in the receiving state from performing subsequent evaluations to ensure appropriate placement of the student.
     (3) Special education services. (a) In compliance with the federal requirements of the individuals with disabilities education act (IDEA), 20 U.S.C.A. Sec. 1400 et seq., the receiving state shall initially provide comparable services to a student with disabilities based on his or her current individualized education program (IEP); and (b) in compliance with the requirements of section 504 of the federal rehabilitation act, 29 U.S.C. Sec. 794, and with Title II of the Americans with disabilities act, 42 U.S.C. Secs. 12131 through 12165, the receiving state shall make reasonable accommodations and modifications to address the needs of incoming students with disabilities, subject to an existing 504 or Title II plan, to provide the student with equal access to education. This does not preclude the school in the receiving state from performing subsequent evaluations to ensure appropriate placement of the student.
     (4) Placement flexibility. Local education agency administrative officials shall have flexibility in waiving course and program prerequisites, or other preconditions for placement in courses and programs offered under the jurisdiction of the local education agency.
     (5) Absence as related to deployment activities. A student whose parent or legal guardian is an active duty member of the uniformed services, as defined by this compact, and has been called to duty for, is on leave from, or immediately returned from deployment to a combat zone or combat support posting, shall be granted additional excused absences at the discretion of the local education agency superintendent to visit with his or her parent or legal guardian relative to such leave or deployment of the parent or guardian.


ARTICLE VI
     ELIGIBILITY


     (1) Eligibility for enrollment.
     (a) Special power of attorney, relative to the guardianship of a child of a military family and executed under applicable law, shall be sufficient for the purposes of enrollment and all other actions requiring parental participation and consent.
     (b) A local education agency shall be prohibited from charging local tuition to a transitioning military child placed in the care of a noncustodial parent or other person standing in loco parentis who lives in a jurisdiction other than that of the custodial parent.
     (c) A transitioning military child, placed in the care of a noncustodial parent or other person standing in loco parentis who lives in a jurisdiction other than that of the custodial parent, may continue to attend the school in which he or she was enrolled while residing with the custodial parent.
     (2) Eligibility for extracurricular participation. State and local education agencies shall facilitate the opportunity for transitioning military children's inclusion in extracurricular activities, regardless of application deadlines, to the extent they are otherwise qualified.


ARTICLE VII
     GRADUATION


     In order to facilitate the on-time graduation of children of military families, states and local education agencies shall incorporate the following procedures:
     (1) Waiver requirements. Local education agency administrative officials shall waive specific courses required for graduation if similar coursework has been satisfactorily completed in another local education agency or shall provide reasonable justification for denial. Should a waiver not be granted to a student who would qualify to graduate from the sending school, the local education agency shall provide an alternative means of acquiring required coursework so that graduation may occur on time.
     (2) Exit exams. States shall accept: (a) Exit or end-of-course exams required for graduation from the sending state; or (b) national norm-referenced achievement tests; or (c) alternative testing, in lieu of testing requirements for graduation in the receiving state. In the event the alternatives in this subsection (2) cannot be accommodated by the receiving state for a student transferring in his or her senior year, then the provisions of subsection (3) of this article shall apply.
     (3) Transfers during senior year. Should a military student transferring at the beginning or during his or her senior year be ineligible to graduate from the receiving local education agency after all alternatives have been considered, the sending and receiving local education agencies shall ensure the receipt of a diploma from the sending local education agency, if the student meets the graduation requirements of the sending local education agency. In the event that one of the states in question is not a member of this compact, the member state shall use best efforts to facilitate the on-time graduation of the student in accordance with subsections (1) and (2) of this article.


ARTICLE VIII
     STATE COORDINATION


     (1) Each member state shall, through the creation of a state council or use of an existing body or board, provide for the coordination among its agencies of government, local education agencies, and military installations concerning the state's participation in, and compliance with, this compact and interstate commission activities. While each member state may determine the membership of its own state council, its membership must include at least: The superintendent of public instruction, the superintendent of a school district with a high concentration of military children, a representative from a military installation, one representative from each of the two major caucuses of the senate, one representative from each of the two major caucuses of the house of representatives, one representative from the executive branch of government, and other offices and stakeholder groups the state council deems appropriate. A member state that does not have a school district deemed to contain a high concentration of military children may appoint a superintendent from another school district to represent local education agencies on the state council.
     (2) The state council of each member state shall appoint or designate a military family education liaison to assist military families and the state in facilitating the implementation of this compact.
     (3) The compact commissioner responsible for the administration and management of the state's participation in this compact shall be appointed by the governor or as otherwise determined by each member state.
     (4) The compact commissioner and the military family education liaison designated under this article shall be ex officio members of the state council, unless either is already a full voting member of the state council.


ARTICLE IX
     INTERSTATE COMMISSION ON EDUCATIONAL
     OPPORTUNITY FOR MILITARY CHILDREN


     The member states hereby create the "interstate commission on educational opportunity for military children." The activities of the interstate commission are the formation of public policy and are a discretionary state function. The interstate commission shall be as provided in this article.
     (1) The interstate commission shall be a body corporate and joint agency of the member states and shall have all the responsibilities, powers, and duties set forth in this article, and such additional powers as may be conferred upon it by a subsequent concurrent action of the respective legislatures of the member states in accordance with the terms of this compact.
     (2) The interstate commission shall consist of one interstate commission voting representative from each member state who shall be that state's compact commissioner.
     (a) Each member state represented at a meeting of the interstate commission is entitled to one vote.
     (b) A majority of the total member states shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, unless a larger quorum is required by the bylaws of the interstate commission.
     (c) A representative shall not delegate a vote to another member state. In the event the compact commissioner is unable to attend a meeting of the interstate commission, the governor or state council may delegate voting authority to another person from their state for a specified meeting.
     (d) The bylaws may provide for meetings of the interstate commission to be conducted by telecommunication or electronic communication.
     (3) The interstate commission shall consist of ex officio, nonvoting representatives who are members of interested organizations. Such ex officio members, as defined in the bylaws, may include, but not be limited to, members of the representative organizations of military family advocates, local education agency officials, parent and teacher groups, the United States department of defense, the education commission of the states, the interstate agreement on the qualification of educational personnel, and other interstate compacts affecting the education of children of military members.
     (4) The interstate commission shall meet at least once each calendar year. The chairperson may call additional meetings and, upon the request of a simple majority of the member states, shall call additional meetings.
     (5) The interstate commission shall establish an executive committee, whose members shall include the officers of the interstate commission and such other members of the interstate commission as determined by the bylaws. Members of the executive committee shall serve a one-year term. Members of the executive committee shall be entitled to one vote each. The executive committee shall have the power to act on behalf of the interstate commission, with the exception of rule making, during periods when the interstate commission is not in session. The executive committee shall oversee the day-to-day activities of the administration of the compact including enforcement and compliance with the provisions of the compact, its bylaws and rules, and other such duties as deemed necessary. The United States department of defense shall serve as an ex officio, nonvoting member of the executive committee.
     (6) The interstate commission shall establish bylaws and rules that provide for conditions and procedures under which the interstate commission shall make its information and official records available to the public for inspection or copying. The interstate commission may exempt from disclosure information or official records to the extent they would adversely affect personal privacy rights or proprietary interests.
     (7) Public notice shall be given by the interstate commission of all meetings and all meetings shall be open to the public, except as set forth in the rules or as otherwise provided in this compact. The interstate commission and its committees may close a meeting, or portion thereof, where it determines by two-thirds vote that an open meeting would be likely to:
     (a) Relate solely to the interstate commission's internal personnel practices and procedures;
     (b) Disclose matters specifically exempted from disclosure by federal and state statute;
     (c) Disclose trade secrets or commercial or financial information that is privileged or confidential;
     (d) Involve accusing a person of a crime, or formally censuring a person;
     (e) Disclose information of a personal nature where disclosure would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy;
     (f) Disclose investigative records compiled for law enforcement purposes; or
     (g) Specifically relate to the interstate commission's participation in a civil action or other legal proceeding.
     (8) For a meeting, or portion of a meeting, closed pursuant to subsection (7) of this article, the interstate commission's legal counsel or designee shall certify that the meeting may be closed and shall reference each relevant exemptible provision. The interstate commission shall keep minutes that shall fully and clearly describe all matters discussed in a meeting and shall provide a full and accurate summary of actions taken, and the reasons therefore, including a description of the views expressed and the record of a roll call vote. All documents considered in connection with an action shall be identified in such minutes. All minutes and documents of a closed meeting shall remain under seal, subject to release by a majority vote of the interstate commission.
     (9) The interstate commission shall collect standardized data concerning the educational transition of the children of military families under this compact as directed through its rules that shall specify the data to be collected, the means of collection, and data exchange and reporting requirements. Such methods of data collection, exchange, and reporting shall, insofar as is reasonably possible, conform to current technology and coordinate its information functions with the appropriate custodian of records as identified in the bylaws and rules.
     (10) The interstate commission shall create a process that permits military officials, education officials, and parents to inform the interstate commission if and when there are alleged violations of this compact or its rules or when issues subject to the jurisdiction of this compact or its rules are not addressed by the state or local education agency. This subsection shall not be construed to create a private right of action against the interstate commission or any member state.


ARTICLE X
     POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION


     The interstate commission shall have the following powers:
     (1) To provide for dispute resolution among member states;
     (2) To adopt rules and take all necessary actions to effect the goals, purposes, and obligations as enumerated in this compact. The rules shall have the force and effect of statutory law and shall be binding in the compact states to the extent and in the manner provided in this compact;
     (3) To issue, upon request of a member state, advisory opinions concerning the meaning or interpretation of the interstate compact, its bylaws, rules, and actions;
     (4) To enforce compliance with the compact provisions, the rules adopted by the interstate commission, and the bylaws, using all necessary and proper means, including but not limited to the use of judicial process;
     (5) To establish and maintain offices that shall be located within one or more of the member states;
     (6) To purchase and maintain insurance and bonds;
     (7) To borrow, accept, hire, or contract for services of personnel;
     (8) To establish and appoint committees including, but not limited to, an executive committee as required by article IX(3) of this compact, which shall have the power to act on behalf of the interstate commission in carrying out its powers and duties under this compact;
     (9) To elect or appoint such officers, attorneys, employees, agents, or consultants, and to fix their compensation, define their duties, and determine their qualifications; and to establish the interstate commission's personnel policies and programs relating to conflicts of interest, rates of compensation, and qualifications of personnel;
     (10) To accept any and all donations and grants of money, equipment, supplies, materials, and services, and to receive, utilize, and dispose of it;
     (11) To lease, purchase, accept contributions or donations of, or otherwise to own, hold, improve, or use any property, real, personal, or mixed;
     (12) To sell, convey, mortgage, pledge, lease, exchange, abandon, or otherwise dispose of any property, real, personal, or mixed;
     (13) To establish a budget and make expenditures;
     (14) To adopt a seal and bylaws governing the management and operation of the interstate commission;
     (15) To report annually to the legislatures, governors, judiciary, and state councils of the member states concerning the activities of the interstate commission during the preceding year. Such reports shall also include any recommendations that may have been adopted by the interstate commission;
     (16) To coordinate education, training, and public awareness regarding the compact, its implementation, and operation for officials and parents involved in such activity;
     (17) To establish uniform standards for the reporting, collecting, and exchanging of data;
     (18) To maintain corporate books and records in accordance with the bylaws;
     (19) To perform such functions as may be necessary or appropriate to achieve the purposes of this compact; and
     (20) To provide for the uniform collection and sharing of information between and among member states, schools, and military families under this compact.


ARTICLE XI
     ORGANIZATION AND OPERATION OF THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION


     (1) The interstate commission shall, by a majority of the members present and voting, within twelve months after the first interstate commission meeting, adopt bylaws to govern its conduct as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out the purposes of this compact, including, but not limited to:
     (a) Establishing the fiscal year of the interstate commission;
     (b) Establishing an executive committee, and such other committees as may be necessary;
     (c) Providing for the establishment of committees and for governing any general or specific delegation of authority or function of the interstate commission;
     (d) Providing reasonable procedures for calling and conducting meetings of the interstate commission, and ensuring reasonable notice of each such meeting;
     (e) Establishing the titles and responsibilities of the officers and staff of the interstate commission;
     (f) Providing a mechanism for concluding the operations of the interstate commission and the return of surplus funds that may exist upon the termination of this compact after the payment and reserving of all of its debts and obligations; and
     (g) Providing start-up rules for initial administration of the compact.
     (2) The interstate commission shall, by a majority of the members, elect annually from among its members a chairperson, a vice-chairperson, and a treasurer, each of whom shall have such authority and duties as may be specified in the bylaws. The chairperson or, in the chairperson's absence or disability, the vice-chairperson, shall preside at all meetings of the interstate commission. The officers so elected shall serve without compensation or remuneration from the interstate commission: PROVIDED, That subject to the availability of budgeted funds, the officers shall be reimbursed for ordinary and necessary costs and expenses incurred by them in the performance of their responsibilities as officers of the interstate commission.
     (3) Executive committee, officers, and personnel. The executive committee shall have such authority and duties as may be set forth in the bylaws, including but not limited to:
     (a) Managing the affairs of the interstate commission in a manner consistent with the bylaws and purposes of the interstate commission;
     (b) Overseeing an organizational structure within, and appropriate procedures for the interstate commission to provide for the creation of rules, operating procedures, and administrative and technical support functions; and
     (c) Planning, implementing, and coordinating communications and activities with other state, federal, and local government organizations in order to advance the goals of the interstate commission.
     (4) The executive committee may, subject to the approval of the interstate commission, appoint or retain an executive director for such period, upon such terms and conditions and for such compensation as the interstate commission may deem appropriate. The executive director shall serve as secretary to the interstate commission, but shall not be a member of the interstate commission. The executive director shall hire and supervise such other persons as may be authorized by the interstate commission.
     (5) The interstate commission's executive director and its employees shall be immune from suit and liability, either personally or in their official capacity, for a claim for damage to or loss of property or personal injury or other civil liability caused or arising out of or relating to an actual or alleged act, error, or omission that occurred, or that such person had a reasonable basis for believing occurred, within the scope of interstate commission employment, duties, or responsibilities: PROVIDED, That such person shall not be protected from suit or liability for damage, loss, injury, or liability caused by the intentional or willful and wanton misconduct of such person.
     (a) The liability of the interstate commission's executive director and employees or interstate commission representatives, acting within the scope of such person's employment or duties for acts, errors, or omissions occurring within such person's state may not exceed the limits of liability set forth under the constitution and laws of that state for state officials, employees, and agents. The interstate commission is considered to be an instrumentality of the states for the purposes of any such action. This subsection shall not be construed to protect such person from suit or liability for damage, loss, injury, or liability caused by the intentional or willful and wanton misconduct of such person.
     (b) The interstate commission shall defend the executive director and its employees and, subject to the approval of the attorney general or other appropriate legal counsel of the member state represented by an interstate commission representative, shall defend such interstate commission representative in any civil action seeking to impose liability arising out of an actual or alleged act, error, or omission that occurred within the scope of interstate commission employment, duties, or responsibilities, or that the defendant had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of interstate commission employment, duties, or responsibilities: PROVIDED, That the actual or alleged act, error, or omission did not result from intentional or willful and wanton misconduct on the part of such person.
     (c) To the extent not covered by the state involved, member state, or the interstate commission, the representatives or employees of the interstate commission shall be held harmless in the amount of a settlement or judgment, including attorneys' fees and costs, obtained against such persons arising out of an actual or alleged act, error, or omission that occurred within the scope of interstate commission employment, duties, or responsibilities, or that such persons had a reasonable basis for believing occurred within the scope of interstate commission employment, duties, or responsibilities: PROVIDED, That the actual or alleged act, error, or omission did not result from intentional or willful and wanton misconduct on the part of such persons.


ARTICLE XII
     RULE-MAKING FUNCTIONS OF THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION


     (1) Rule-making Authority. The interstate commission shall adopt reasonable rules in order to effectively and efficiently achieve the purposes of this compact. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event the interstate commission exercises its rule-making authority in a manner that is beyond the scope of the purposes of this compact, or the powers granted in the compact, then such an action by the interstate commission shall be invalid and have no force or effect.
     (2) Rule-making Procedure. Rules shall be made pursuant to a rule-making process that substantially conforms to the "model state administrative procedure act," of 1981 Act, Uniform Laws Annotated, Vol. 15, p.1 (2000) as amended, as may be appropriate to the operations of the interstate commission.
     (3) Not later than thirty days after a rule is adopted, any person may file a petition for judicial review of the rule: PROVIDED, That the filing of such a petition shall not stay or otherwise prevent the rule from becoming effective unless the court finds that the petitioner has a substantial likelihood of success. The court shall give deference to the actions of the interstate commission consistent with applicable law and shall not find the rule to be unlawful if the rule represents a reasonable exercise of the interstate commission's authority.
     (4) If a majority of the legislatures of the compacting states rejects a rule by enactment of a statute or resolution in the same manner used to adopt the compact, then such rule shall have no further force and effect in any compacting state.


ARTICLE XIII
     OVERSIGHT, ENFORCEMENT, AND DISPUTE RESOLUTION


     (1) Oversight.
     (a) The executive, legislative, and judicial branches of state government in each member state shall enforce this compact and shall take all actions necessary and appropriate to effectuate the compact's purposes and intent. The provisions of this compact and the rules adopted under it shall have standing as statutory law.
     (b) All courts shall take judicial notice of the compact and the rules in any judicial or administrative proceeding in a member state pertaining to the subject matter of this compact that may affect the powers, responsibilities, or actions of the interstate commission.
     (c) The interstate commission shall be entitled to receive all service of process in any such proceeding, and shall have standing to intervene in the proceeding for all purposes. Failure to provide service of process to the interstate commission shall render a judgment or order void as to the interstate commission, this compact, or adopted rules.
     (2) Default, technical assistance, suspension, and termination. If the interstate commission determines that a member state has defaulted in the performance of its obligations or responsibilities under this compact, or the bylaws or adopted rules:
     (a) The interstate commission shall provide written notice to the defaulting state and other member states, of the nature of the default, the means of curing the default, and any action taken by the interstate commission. The interstate commission shall specify the conditions by which the defaulting state must cure its default;
     (b) The interstate commission shall provide remedial training and specific technical assistance regarding the default;
     (c) If the defaulting state fails to cure the default, the defaulting state shall be terminated from the compact upon an affirmative vote of a majority of the member states and all rights, privileges, and benefits conferred by this compact shall be terminated from the effective date of termination. A cure of the default does not relieve the offending state of obligations or liabilities incurred during the period of the default;
     (d) Suspension or termination of membership in the compact shall be imposed only after all other means of securing compliance have been exhausted. Notice of intent to suspend or terminate shall be given by the interstate commission to the governor, the majority and minority leaders of the defaulting state's legislature, and each of the member states;
     (e) The state that has been suspended or terminated is responsible for all assessments, obligations, and liabilities incurred through the effective date of suspension or termination including obligations, the performance of which extends beyond the effective date of suspension or termination;
     (f) The interstate commission shall not bear any costs relating to any state that has been found to be in default or that has been suspended or terminated from the compact, unless otherwise mutually agreed upon in writing between the interstate commission and the defaulting state;
     (g) The defaulting state may appeal the action of the interstate commission by petitioning the United States district court for the District of Columbia or the federal district where the interstate commission has its principal offices. The prevailing party shall be awarded all costs of such litigation including reasonable attorneys' fees.
     (3) Dispute Resolution.
     (a) The interstate commission shall attempt, upon the request of a member state, to resolve disputes that are subject to the compact and that may arise among member states and between member and nonmember states.
     (b) The interstate commission shall adopt a rule providing for both mediation and binding dispute resolution for disputes as appropriate.
     (4) Enforcement.
     (a) The interstate commission, in the reasonable exercise of its discretion, shall enforce the provisions and rules of this compact.
     (b) The interstate commission may, by majority vote of the members, initiate legal action in the United States district court for the District of Columbia or, at the discretion of the interstate commission, in the federal district where the interstate commission has its principal offices, to enforce compliance with the provisions of the compact, its adopted rules, and bylaws, against a member state in default. The relief sought may include both injunctive relief and damages. In the event judicial enforcement is necessary the prevailing party shall be awarded all costs of such litigation including reasonable attorneys' fees.
     (c) The remedies in this compact shall not be the exclusive remedies of the interstate commission. The interstate commission may avail itself of any other remedies available under state law or the regulation of a profession.


ARTICLE XIV
     FINANCING OF THE INTERSTATE COMMISSION


     (1) The interstate commission shall pay, or provide for the payment of the reasonable expenses of its establishment, organization, and ongoing activities.
     (2) The interstate commission may levy on and collect an annual assessment from each member state to cover the cost of the operations and activities of the interstate commission and its staff that must be in a total amount sufficient to cover the interstate commission's annual budget as approved each year. The aggregate annual assessment amount shall be allocated based upon a formula to be determined by the interstate commission, which shall adopt a rule binding upon all member states.
     (3) The interstate commission shall not incur obligations of any kind before securing the funds adequate to meet the same; nor shall the interstate commission pledge the credit of any of the member states, except by and with the authority of the member state.
     (4) The interstate commission shall keep accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements. The receipts and disbursements of the interstate commission shall be subject to the audit and accounting procedures established under its bylaws. However, all receipts and disbursements of funds handled by the interstate commission shall be audited yearly by a certified or licensed public accountant and the report of the audit shall be included in and become part of the annual report of the interstate commission.


ARTICLE XV
     MEMBER STATES, EFFECTIVE DATE, AND AMENDMENT


     (1) Any state is eligible to become a member state.
     (2) The compact shall become effective and binding upon legislative enactment of the compact into law by no less than ten of the states. The effective date shall be no earlier than December 1, 2008. Thereafter it shall become effective and binding as to any other member state upon enactment of the compact into law by that state. The governors of nonmember states or their designees shall be invited to participate in the activities of the interstate commission on a nonvoting basis prior to adoption of the compact by all states.
     (3) The interstate commission may propose amendments to the compact for enactment by the member states. No amendment shall become effective and binding upon the interstate commission and the member states unless and until it is enacted into law by unanimous consent of the member states.


ARTICLE XVI
     WITHDRAWAL AND DISSOLUTION


     (1) Withdrawal.
     (a) Once effective, the compact shall continue in force and remain binding upon each and every member state: PROVIDED, That a member state may withdraw from the compact by specifically repealing the statute that enacted the compact into law.
     (b) Withdrawal from this compact shall be by the enactment of a statute repealing it, but shall not take effect until one year after the effective date of such statute and until written notice of the withdrawal has been given by the withdrawing state to the governor of each other member jurisdiction.
     (c) The withdrawing state shall immediately notify the chairperson of the interstate commission in writing upon the introduction of legislation repealing this compact in the withdrawing state. The interstate commission shall notify the other member states of the withdrawing state's intent to withdraw within sixty days of its receipt of the notice of intent to withdraw.
     (d) The withdrawing state is responsible for all assessments, obligations, and liabilities incurred through the effective date of withdrawal, including obligations, the performance of which extend beyond the effective date of withdrawal.
     (e) Reinstatement following withdrawal of a member state shall occur upon the withdrawing state reenacting the compact or upon such later date as determined by the interstate commission.
     (2) Dissolution of compact.
     (a) This compact shall dissolve effective upon the date of the withdrawal or default of the member state that reduces the membership in the compact to one member state.
     (b) Upon the dissolution of this compact, the compact becomes null and void and shall be of no further force or effect, and the business and affairs of the interstate commission shall be concluded and surplus funds shall be distributed in accordance with the bylaws.


ARTICLE XVII
     SEVERABILITY AND CONSTRUCTION


     (1) The provisions of this compact shall be severable, and if any phrase, clause, sentence, or provision is deemed unenforceable, the remaining provisions of the compact shall be enforceable.
     (2) The provisions of this compact shall be liberally construed to effectuate its purposes.
     (3) Nothing in this compact shall be construed to prohibit the applicability of other interstate compacts to which the states are members.


ARTICLE XVIII
     BINDING EFFECT OF COMPACT AND OTHER LAWS


     (1) Other Laws.
     (a) Nothing in this compact prevents the enforcement of any other law of a member state that is not inconsistent with this compact.
     (b) All member states' laws conflicting with this compact are superseded to the extent of the conflict.
     (2) Binding effect of the compact.
     (a) All lawful actions of the interstate commission, including all rules and bylaws adopted by the interstate commission, are binding upon the member states.
     (b) All agreements between the interstate commission and the member states are binding in accordance with their terms.
     (c) In the event any provision of this compact exceeds the constitutional limits imposed on the legislature of any member state, such provision shall be ineffective to the extent of the conflict with the constitutional provision in question in that member state.

Sec. 2   RCW 28A.210.080 and 2007 c 276 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The attendance of every child at every public and private school in the state and licensed day care center shall be conditioned upon the presentation before or on each child's first day of attendance at a particular school or center, of proof of either (a) full immunization, (b) the initiation of and compliance with a schedule of immunization, as required by rules of the state board of health, or (c) a certificate of exemption as provided for in RCW 28A.210.090. The attendance at the school or the day care center during any subsequent school year of a child who has initiated a schedule of immunization shall be conditioned upon the presentation of proof of compliance with the schedule on the child's first day of attendance during the subsequent school year. Once proof of full immunization or proof of completion of an approved schedule has been presented, no further proof shall be required as a condition to attendance at the particular school or center.
     (2)(a) Beginning with sixth grade entry, every public and private school in the state shall provide parents and guardians with information about meningococcal disease and its vaccine at the beginning of every school year. The information about meningococcal disease shall include:
     (i) Its causes and symptoms, how meningococcal disease is spread, and the places where parents and guardians may obtain additional information and vaccinations for their children; and
     (ii) Current recommendations from the United States centers for disease control and prevention regarding the receipt of vaccines for meningococcal disease and where the vaccination can be received.
     (b) This subsection shall not be construed to require the department of health or the school to provide meningococcal vaccination to students.
     (c) The department of health shall prepare the informational materials and shall consult with the office of superintendent of public instruction.
     (d) This subsection does not create a private right of action.
     (3)(a) Beginning with sixth grade entry, every public school in the state shall provide parents and guardians with information about human papillomavirus disease and its vaccine at the beginning of every school year. The information about human papillomavirus disease shall include:
     (i) Its causes and symptoms, how human papillomavirus disease is spread, and the places where parents and guardians may obtain additional information and vaccinations for their children; and
     (ii) Current recommendations from the United States centers for disease control and prevention regarding the receipt of vaccines for human papillomavirus disease and where the vaccination can be received.
     (b) This subsection shall not be construed to require the department of health or the school to provide human papillomavirus vaccination to students.
     (c) The department of health shall prepare the informational materials and shall consult with the office of the superintendent of public instruction.
     (d) This subsection does not create a private right of action.
     (4) Private schools are required by state law to notify parents that information on the human papillomavirus disease prepared by the department of health is available.
     (5) This section does not apply to students subject to the interstate compact on educational opportunity for military children, chapter 28A.--- RCW (section 1 of this act).

Sec. 3   RCW 28A.210.320 and 2006 c 263 s 911 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The attendance of every child at every public school in the state shall be conditioned upon the presentation before or on each child's first day of attendance at a particular school of a medication or treatment order addressing any life-threatening health condition that the child has that may require medical services to be performed at the school. Once such an order has been presented, the child shall be allowed to attend school.
     (2) The chief administrator of every public school shall prohibit the further presence at the school for any and all purposes of each child for whom a medication or treatment order has not been provided in accordance with this section if the child has a life-threatening health condition that may require medical services to be performed at the school and shall continue to prohibit the child's presence until such order has been provided. The exclusion of a child from a school shall be accomplished in accordance with rules of the state board of education. Before excluding a child, each school shall provide written notice to the parents or legal guardians of each child or to the adults in loco parentis to each child, who is not in compliance with the requirements of this section. The notice shall include, but not be limited to, the following: (a) The requirements established by this section; (b) the fact that the child will be prohibited from further attendance at the school unless this section is complied with; and (c) such procedural due process rights as are established pursuant to this section.
     (3) The superintendent of public instruction in consultation with the state board of health shall adopt rules under chapter 34.05 RCW that establish the procedural and substantive due process requirements governing the exclusion of children from public schools under this section. The rules shall include any requirements under applicable federal laws.
     (4) ((As used in this section,)) This section does not apply to students subject to the interstate compact on educational opportunity for military children, chapter 28A.--- RCW (section 1 of this act).
     (5) The definitions in this subsection apply throughout this section.
     (a)
"Life-threatening condition" means a health condition that will put the child in danger of death during the school day if a medication or treatment order and a nursing plan are not in place.
     (((5) As used in this section,)) (b) "Medication or treatment order" means the authority a registered nurse obtains under RCW 18.79.260(2).

Sec. 4   RCW 28A.225.015 and 1999 c 319 s 6 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) If a parent enrolls a child who is six or seven years of age in a public school, the child is required to attend and that parent has the responsibility to ensure the child attends for the full time that school is in session. An exception shall be made to this requirement for children whose parents formally remove them from enrollment if the child is less than eight years old and a petition has not been filed against the parent under subsection (3) of this section. The requirement to attend school under this subsection does not apply to a child enrolled in a public school part-time for the purpose of receiving ancillary services. A child required to attend school under this subsection may be temporarily excused upon the request of his or her parent for purposes agreed upon by the school district and parent.
     (2) If a six or seven year-old child is required to attend public school under subsection (1) of this section and that child has unexcused absences, the public school in which the child is enrolled shall:
     (a) Inform the child's custodial parent, parents, or guardian by a notice in writing or by telephone whenever the child has failed to attend school after one unexcused absence within any month during the current school year;
     (b) Request a conference or conferences with the custodial parent, parents, or guardian and child at a time reasonably convenient for all persons included for the purpose of analyzing the causes of the child's absences after two unexcused absences within any month during the current school year. If a regularly scheduled parent-teacher conference day is to take place within thirty days of the second unexcused absence, then the school district may schedule this conference on that day; and
     (c) Take steps to eliminate or reduce the child's absences. These steps shall include, where appropriate, adjusting the child's school program or school or course assignment, providing more individualized or remedial instruction, offering assistance in enrolling the child in available alternative schools or programs, or assisting the parent or child to obtain supplementary services that may help eliminate or ameliorate the cause or causes for the absence from school.
     (3) If a child required to attend public school under subsection (1) of this section has seven unexcused absences in a month or ten unexcused absences in a school year, the school district shall file a petition for civil action as provided in RCW 28A.225.035 against the parent of the child.
     (4) This section does not require a six or seven year old child to enroll in a public or private school or to receive home-based instruction. This section only applies to six or seven year old children whose parents enroll them full time in public school and do not formally remove them from enrollment as provided in subsection (1) of this section.
     (5) This section does not apply to students subject to the interstate compact on educational opportunity for military children, chapter 28A.--- RCW (section 1 of this act), to the extent that this section conflicts with that chapter.

Sec. 5   RCW 28A.225.160 and 2006 c 263 s 703 are each amended to read as follows:
     Except as otherwise provided by law, it is the general policy of the state that the common schools shall be open to the admission of all persons who are five years of age and less than twenty-one years residing in that school district. Except as otherwise provided by law ((or)), in rules adopted by the superintendent of public instruction, or as provided in the interstate compact on educational opportunity for military children, chapter 28A.--- RCW (section 1 of this act), districts may establish uniform entry qualifications, including but not limited to birth date requirements, for admission to kindergarten and first grade programs of the common schools. Such rules may provide for exceptions based upon the ability, or the need, or both, of an individual student and shall also comply with the requirements of chapter 28A.--- RCW (section 1 of this act). For the purpose of complying with any rule adopted by the superintendent of public instruction that authorizes a preadmission screening process as a prerequisite to granting exceptions to the uniform entry qualifications, a school district may collect fees to cover expenses incurred in the administration of any preadmission screening process: PROVIDED, That in so establishing such fee or fees, the district shall adopt regulations for waiving and reducing such fees in the cases of those persons whose families, by reason of their low income, would have difficulty in paying the entire amount of such fees.

Sec. 6   RCW 28A.225.210 and 1990 c 33 s 235 are each amended to read as follows:
     Every school district shall admit on a tuition free basis all persons of school age who reside within this state, and do not reside within another school district carrying the grades for which they are eligible to enroll((: PROVIDED, That nothing in)); and all persons of school age who are subject to the interstate compact on educational opportunity for military children, chapter 28A.--- RCW (section 1 of this act). This section shall not be construed as affecting RCW 28A.225.220 or 28A.225.250.

Sec. 7   RCW 28A.225.225 and 2003 c 36 s 1 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) Except for students who reside out-of-state, a district shall accept applications from nonresident students who are the children of full-time certificated and classified school employees, and those children shall be permitted to enroll:
     (a) At the school to which the employee is assigned; or
     (b) At a school forming the district's K through 12 continuum which includes the school to which the employee is assigned.
     (2) A district may reject applications under this section if:
     (a) The student's disciplinary records indicate a history of convictions for offenses or crimes, violent or disruptive behavior, or gang membership;
     (b) The student has been expelled or suspended from a public school for more than ten consecutive days. Any policy allowing for readmission of expelled or suspended students under this subsection (2)(b) must apply uniformly to both resident and nonresident applicants; or
     (c) Enrollment of a child under this section would displace a child who is a resident of the district, except that if a child is admitted under subsection (1) of this section, that child shall be permitted to remain enrolled at that school, or in that district's kindergarten through twelfth grade continuum, until he or she has completed his or her schooling.
     (3) Except as provided in subsection (1) of this section, and chapter 28A.--- RCW (section 1 of this act), all districts accepting applications from nonresident students or from students receiving home-based instruction for admission to the district's schools shall consider equally all applications received. Each school district shall adopt a policy establishing rational, fair, and equitable standards for acceptance and rejection of applications by June 30, 1990. The policy may include rejection of a nonresident student if:
     (a) Acceptance of a nonresident student would result in the district experiencing a financial hardship;
     (b) The student's disciplinary records indicate a history of convictions for offenses or crimes, violent or disruptive behavior, or gang membership; or
     (c) The student has been expelled or suspended from a public school for more than ten consecutive days. Any policy allowing for readmission of expelled or suspended students under this subsection (3)(c) must apply uniformly to both resident and nonresident applicants.
     For purposes of subsections (2)(a) and (3)(b) of this section, "gang" means a group which: (i) Consists of three or more persons; (ii) has identifiable leadership; and (iii) on an ongoing basis, regularly conspires and acts in concert mainly for criminal purposes.
     (4) The district shall provide to applicants written notification of the approval or denial of the application in a timely manner. If the application is rejected, the notification shall include the reason or reasons for denial and the right to appeal under RCW 28A.225.230(3).

Sec. 8   RCW 28A.225.280 and 2006 c 263 s 903 are each amended to read as follows:
     Eligibility of transfer students under RCW 28A.225.220 and 28A.225.225 and students subject to chapter 28A.--- RCW (section 1 of this act) for participation in extracurricular activities shall be subject to rules adopted by the Washington interscholastic activities association.

Sec. 9   RCW 28A.225.330 and 2006 c 263 s 805 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) When enrolling a student who has attended school in another school district, the school enrolling the student may request the parent and the student to briefly indicate in writing whether or not the student has:
     (a) Any history of placement in special educational programs;
     (b) Any past, current, or pending disciplinary action;
     (c) Any history of violent behavior, or behavior listed in RCW 13.04.155;
     (d) Any unpaid fines or fees imposed by other schools; and
     (e) Any health conditions affecting the student's educational needs.
     (2) The school enrolling the student shall request the school the student previously attended to send the student's permanent record including records of disciplinary action, history of violent behavior or behavior listed in RCW 13.04.155, attendance, immunization records, and academic performance. If the student has not paid a fine or fee under RCW 28A.635.060, or tuition, fees, or fines at approved private schools the school may withhold the student's official transcript, but shall transmit information about the student's academic performance, special placement, immunization records, records of disciplinary action, and history of violent behavior or behavior listed in RCW 13.04.155. If the official transcript is not sent due to unpaid tuition, fees, or fines, the enrolling school shall notify both the student and parent or guardian that the official transcript will not be sent until the obligation is met, and failure to have an official transcript may result in exclusion from extracurricular activities or failure to graduate.
     (3) If information is requested under subsection (2) of this section, the information shall be transmitted within two school days after receiving the request and the records shall be sent as soon as possible. Any school district or district employee who releases the information in compliance with this section is immune from civil liability for damages unless it is shown that the school district employee acted with gross negligence or in bad faith. The professional educator standards board shall provide by rule for the discipline under chapter 28A.410 RCW of a school principal or other chief administrator of a public school building who fails to make a good faith effort to assure compliance with this subsection.
     (4) Any school district or district employee who releases the information in compliance with federal and state law is immune from civil liability for damages unless it is shown that the school district or district employee acted with gross negligence or in bad faith.
     (5) When a school receives information under this section or RCW 13.40.215 that a student has a history of disciplinary actions, criminal or violent behavior, or other behavior that indicates the student could be a threat to the safety of educational staff or other students, the school shall provide this information to the student's teachers and security personnel.
     (6) For students who are subject to the interstate compact on educational opportunity for military children, chapter 28A.--- RCW (section 1 of this act), this section applies only to the extent it does not conflict with that chapter.

Sec. 10   RCW 28A.230.040 and 2006 c 263 s 415 are each amended to read as follows:
     Every pupil attending grades one through eight of the public schools shall receive instruction in physical education as prescribed by rule of the superintendent of public instruction((: PROVIDED, That)). Individual pupils or students may be excused on account of physical disability, religious belief, or participation in directed athletics. Individual pupils or students who have received a waiver under Article VII(1) of section 1 of this act are exempt from this section.

Sec. 11   RCW 28A.230.050 and 2006 c 263 s 416 are each amended to read as follows:
     All high schools of the state shall emphasize the work of physical education, and carry into effect all physical education requirements established by rule of the superintendent of public instruction((: PROVIDED, That)). Individual students may be excused from participating in physical education otherwise required under this section on account of physical disability, employment, or religious belief, or because of participation in directed athletics or military science and tactics or for other good cause. Individual students who have received a waiver under Article VII(1) of section 1 of this act are exempt from this section.

Sec. 12   RCW 28A.230.060 and 1991 c 116 s 7 are each amended to read as follows:
     Students in the twelfth grade who have not completed a course of study in Washington's history and state government because of previous residence outside the state may have the requirement in RCW 28A.230.090 waived by their principal. Individual students who have received a waiver under Article VII(1) of section 1 of this act are exempt from this section.

Sec. 13   RCW 28A.230.090 and 2006 c 114 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:
     (1) The state board of education shall establish high school graduation requirements or equivalencies for students, except those equivalencies established by local high schools or school districts under RCW 28A.230.097. For students who are subject to the interstate compact on educational opportunity for military children, chapter 28A.--- RCW (section 1 of this act), this section applies only to the extent it does not conflict with that chapter.
     (a) Any course in Washington state history and government used to fulfill high school graduation requirements shall consider including information on the culture, history, and government of the American Indian peoples who were the first inhabitants of the state.
     (b) The certificate of academic achievement requirements under RCW 28A.655.061 or the certificate of individual achievement requirements under RCW 28A.155.045 are required for graduation from a public high school but are not the only requirements for graduation.
     (c) Any decision on whether a student has met the state board's high school graduation requirements for a high school and beyond plan shall remain at the local level.
     (2) In recognition of the statutory authority of the state board of education to establish and enforce minimum high school graduation requirements, the state board shall periodically reevaluate the graduation requirements and shall report such findings to the legislature in a timely manner as determined by the state board. The state board shall reevaluate the graduation requirements for students enrolled in vocationally intensive and rigorous career and technical education programs, particularly those programs that lead to a certificate or credential that is state or nationally recognized. The purpose of the evaluation is to ensure that students enrolled in these programs have sufficient opportunity to earn a certificate of academic achievement, complete the program and earn the program's certificate or credential, and complete other state and local graduation requirements. The board shall ((reports [report])) report its findings and recommendations for additional flexibility in graduation requirements, if necessary, to the legislature by December 1, 2007.
     (3) Pursuant to any requirement for instruction in languages other than English established by the state board of education or a local school district, or both, for purposes of high school graduation, students who receive instruction in American sign language or one or more American Indian languages shall be considered to have satisfied the state or local school district graduation requirement for instruction in one or more languages other than English.
     (4) If requested by the student and his or her family, a student who has completed high school courses before attending high school shall be given high school credit which shall be applied to fulfilling high school graduation requirements if:
     (a) The course was taken with high school students, if the academic level of the course exceeds the requirements for seventh and eighth grade classes, and the student has successfully passed by completing the same course requirements and examinations as the high school students enrolled in the class; or
     (b) The academic level of the course exceeds the requirements for seventh and eighth grade classes and the course would qualify for high school credit, because the course is similar or equivalent to a course offered at a high school in the district as determined by the school district board of directors.
     (5) Students who have taken and successfully completed high school courses under the circumstances in subsection (4) of this section shall not be required to take an additional competency examination or perform any other additional assignment to receive credit.
     (6) At the college or university level, five quarter or three semester hours equals one high school credit.

Sec. 14   RCW 28A.655.061 and 2007 c 355 s 5 and 2007 c 354 s 2 are each reenacted and amended to read as follows:
     (1) The high school assessment system shall include but need not be limited to the Washington assessment of student learning, opportunities for a student to retake the content areas of the assessment in which the student was not successful, and if approved by the legislature pursuant to subsection (10) of this section, one or more objective alternative assessments for a student to demonstrate achievement of state academic standards. The objective alternative assessments for each content area shall be comparable in rigor to the skills and knowledge that the student must demonstrate on the Washington assessment of student learning for each content area.
     (2) Subject to the conditions in this section, a certificate of academic achievement shall be obtained by most students at about the age of sixteen, and is evidence that the students have successfully met the state standard in the content areas included in the certificate. With the exception of students satisfying the provisions of RCW 28A.155.045 or 28A.655.0611, acquisition of the certificate is required for graduation from a public high school but is not the only requirement for graduation. Students who are subject to the interstate compact on educational opportunity for military children, chapter 28A.--- RCW (section 1 of this act), are exempt from the requirements in this subsection.
     (3) Beginning with the graduating class of 2008, with the exception of students satisfying the provisions of RCW 28A.155.045, a student who meets the state standards on the reading, writing, and mathematics content areas of the high school Washington assessment of student learning shall earn a certificate of academic achievement. If a student does not successfully meet the state standards in one or more content areas required for the certificate of academic achievement, then the student may retake the assessment in the content area up to four times at no cost to the student. If the student successfully meets the state standards on a retake of the assessment then the student shall earn a certificate of academic achievement. Once objective alternative assessments are authorized pursuant to subsection (10) of this section, a student may use the objective alternative assessments to demonstrate that the student successfully meets the state standards for that content area if the student has taken the Washington assessment of student learning at least once. If the student successfully meets the state standards on the objective alternative assessments then the student shall earn a certificate of academic achievement.
     (4) Beginning no later than with the graduating class of 2013, a student must meet the state standards in science in addition to the other content areas required under subsection (3) of this section on the Washington assessment of student learning or the objective alternative assessments in order to earn a certificate of academic achievement. The state board of education may adopt a rule that implements the requirements of this subsection (4) beginning with a graduating class before the graduating class of 2013, if the state board of education adopts the rule by September 1st of the freshman school year of the graduating class to which the requirements of this subsection (4) apply. The state board of education's authority under this subsection (4) does not alter the requirement that any change in performance standards for the tenth grade assessment must comply with RCW 28A.305.130.
     (5) The state board of education may not require the acquisition of the certificate of academic achievement for students in home-based instruction under chapter 28A.200 RCW, for students enrolled in private schools under chapter 28A.195 RCW, or for students satisfying the provisions of RCW 28A.155.045.
     (6) A student may retain and use the highest result from each successfully completed content area of the high school assessment.
     (7) School districts must make available to students the following options:
     (a) To retake the Washington assessment of student learning up to four times in the content areas in which the student did not meet the state standards if the student is enrolled in a public school; or
     (b) To retake the Washington assessment of student learning up to four times in the content areas in which the student did not meet the state standards if the student is enrolled in a high school completion program at a community or technical college. The superintendent of public instruction and the state board for community and technical colleges shall jointly identify means by which students in these programs can be assessed.
     (8) Students who achieve the standard in a content area of the high school assessment but who wish to improve their results shall pay for retaking the assessment, using a uniform cost determined by the superintendent of public instruction.
     (9) Opportunities to retake the assessment at least twice a year shall be available to each school district.
     (10)(a) The office of the superintendent of public instruction shall develop options for implementing objective alternative assessments, which may include an appeals process for students' scores, for students to demonstrate achievement of the state academic standards. The objective alternative assessments shall be comparable in rigor to the skills and knowledge that the student must demonstrate on the Washington assessment of student learning and be objective in its determination of student achievement of the state standards. Before any objective alternative assessments in addition to those authorized in RCW 28A.655.065 or (b) of this subsection are used by a student to demonstrate that the student has met the state standards in a content area required to obtain a certificate, the legislature shall formally approve the use of any objective alternative assessments through the omnibus appropriations act or by statute or concurrent resolution.
     (b)(i) A student's score on the mathematics, reading or English, or writing portion of the scholastic assessment test (SAT) or the American college test (ACT) may be used as an objective alternative assessment under this section for demonstrating that a student has met or exceeded the state standards for the certificate of academic achievement. The state board of education shall identify the scores students must achieve on the relevant portion of the SAT or ACT to meet or exceed the state standard in the relevant content area on the Washington assessment of student learning. The state board of education shall identify the first scores by December 1, 2007. After the first scores are established, the state board may increase but not decrease the scores required for students to meet or exceed the state standards.
     (ii) Until August 31, 2008, a student's score on the mathematics portion of the preliminary scholastic assessment test (PSAT) may be used as an objective alternative assessment under this section for demonstrating that a student has met or exceeded the state standard for the certificate of academic achievement. The state board of education shall identify the score students must achieve on the mathematics portion of the PSAT to meet or exceed the state standard in that content area on the Washington assessment of student learning.
     (iii) A student who scores at least a three on the grading scale of one to five for selected advance placement examinations may use the score as an objective alternative assessment under this section for demonstrating that a student has met or exceeded state standards for the certificate of academic achievement. A score of three on the ((advance placement)) AP examinations in calculus or statistics may be used as an alternative assessment for the mathematics portion of the Washington assessment of student learning. A score of three on the ((advance placement)) AP examinations in English language and composition may be used as an alternative assessment for the writing portion of the Washington assessment of student learning. A score of three on the ((advance placement)) AP examinations in English literature and composition, macroeconomics, microeconomics, psychology, United States history, world history, United States government and politics, or comparative government and politics may be used as an alternative assessment for the reading portion of the Washington assessment of student learning.
     (11) By December 15, 2004, the house of representatives and senate education committees shall obtain information and conclusions from recognized, independent, national assessment experts regarding the validity and reliability of the high school Washington assessment of student learning for making individual student high school graduation determinations.
     (12) To help assure continued progress in academic achievement as a foundation for high school graduation and to assure that students are on track for high school graduation, each school district shall prepare plans for students as provided in this subsection (12).
     (a) Student learning plans are required for eighth through twelfth grade students who were not successful on any or all of the content areas of the Washington assessment for student learning during the previous school year. The plan shall include the courses, competencies, and other steps needed to be taken by the student to meet state academic standards and stay on track for graduation. If applicable, the plan shall also include the high school completion pilot program created under RCW 28B.50.534.
     (i) The parent or guardian shall be notified, preferably through a parent conference, of the student's results on the Washington assessment of student learning, actions the school intends to take to improve the student's skills in any content area in which the student was unsuccessful, strategies to help them improve their student's skills, and the content of the student's plan.
     (ii) Progress made on the student plan shall be reported to the student's parents or guardian at least annually and adjustments to the plan made as necessary.
     (b) All fifth grade students who were not successful in one or more of the content areas of the fourth grade Washington assessment of student learning shall have a student learning plan.
     (i) The parent or guardian of the student shall be notified, preferably through a parent conference, of the student's results on the Washington assessment of student learning, actions the school intends to take to improve the student's skills in any content area in which the student was unsuccessful, and provide strategies to help them improve their student's skills.
     (ii) Progress made on the student plan shall be reported to the student's parents or guardian at least annually and adjustments to the plan made as necessary.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 15   Section 1 of this act constitutes a new chapter in Title 28A RCW.

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