HB 1051 - DIGEST
(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

Declares an intent to create a pilot high school completion program at two community and technical colleges for older students who have not yet received a diploma but are eligible for state basic education support.

Provides that a pilot program is created for two community or technical colleges to make available courses or a program of study, on the college campus, designed to enable students under the age of twenty-one who have completed all state and local high school graduation requirements except the certificate of academic achievement or certificate of individual achievement to complete their high school education and obtain a high school diploma.

Provides that the office of the superintendent of public instruction and the state board for community and technical colleges shall: (1) By June 30, 2007, select the two community and technical colleges to be involved in the pilot program created in this act. The criteria for selecting the two pilot program sites shall include, but are not limited to: (a) the quality of the courses or program offerings; (b) having the appropriate type of staff and facility to deliver the program; and (c) the number of eligible students;

(2) Submit a report with an implementation plan for the two community and technical colleges participating in the pilot program created under this act and submit findings and recommendations to the education and fiscal committees of the legislature by December 15, 2007; and

(3) By December 15, 2009, submit a report to the education and fiscal committees of the legislature on the progress of the pilot program created under this act that shall include the following: (a) the number of students taking part in the high school completion programs, reported by their high school of last attendance and the community or technical college that offered the program; (b) the types of high school completion programs offered at the two community or technical colleges; (c) the number of students successfully receiving a high school diploma and other identified outcome measures; (d) the amount of funds spent in support of this effort compared to actual reimbursement costs that are provided under this act; and (e) a plan for implementing the program statewide.

 
VETO MESSAGE ON HB 1051

May 8, 2007

To the Honorable Speaker and Members,
The House of Representatives of the State of Washington

Ladies and Gentlemen:

I am returning, without my approval as to Section 9, House Bill 1051 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to high school completion programs."

Sections 1 through 8 of this bill provide for the development of two pilot programs at community or technical colleges. The programs are intended to support certain students as they work to meet the State's academic standards in reading, writing, mathematics or science. For these students, demonstrating proficiency in one or more of these subjects is the final step in meeting their high school graduation requirements and obtaining a high school diploma. The legislation outlines the student eligibility and program criteria, authorizes the financial support, waives student tuition and fees, and provides for a study of the program's results in two years' time.

Section 9 of the bill creates and recognizes a new state certificate for high school students who do not meet the requirements for a high school diploma, the Certificate of Academic Completion (Certificate). The Certificate may be conferred by school districts to students who meet all state and local requirements for graduation with the exception of passage of one or more of the high school assessments in reading, writing and mathematics. Our students are working very hard to achieve the skills necessary for success in their endeavors beyond high school. By creating the Certificate of Academic Completion we will be sending a message to these students that they do not need the basic skills required for the high school diploma. This is wrong.

For these reasons, I am vetoing Section 9 of House Bill 1051.

With the exception of Section 9, House Bill 1051 is approved.

Respectfully submitted,
Christine O. Gregoire
Governor