| SB 5414-S.E - DIGEST |
| (DIGEST AS ENACTED) |
Finds that: (1) A statewide student assessment system should improve and inform classroom instruction, support accountability, and provide useful information to all levels of the educational system; |
(2) To sustain a strong and viable assessment system, preservice and ongoing training should be provided for teachers and administrators on the effective use of different types of assessments; and |
(3) As the statewide data system is developed, data should be collected for all state-required statewide assessments to be used for accountability and to monitor overall student achievement. |
Declares an intent to redesign the current statewide system, in accordance with the recommendations of the Washington assessment of student learning legislative work group. |
Requires the superintendent of public instruction, in consultation with the state board of education, to begin design and development of an overall assessment system that meets the principles and characteristics described in section 1 of the act. |
| VETO MESSAGE ON ESSB 5414 |
| April 30, 2009 |
| To the Honorable President and Members, |
| The Senate of the State of Washington |
| Ladies and Gentlemen: |
| I am returning, without my approval as to Section 4, Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5414 entitled: |
"AN ACT Relating to statewide assessments and curricula." |
| Section 4, in part, requires the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, in consultation with the State Board of Education, to develop an implementation plan, including an assessment of the feasibility of implementing the current timelines for students to demonstrate that they have met state mathematics and science standards in high school assessments. These timelines are critical components of our statewide effort to ensure that our students are ready for the 21st century. Now is not the time to indicate any lack of resolve in our commitment to our students by revisiting or adjusting those standards. For these reasons, I have vetoed Section 4 of Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5414. |
| With the exception of Section 4, Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5414 is approved. |
| Respectfully submitted, |
| Christine Gregoire |
| Governor |