Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Education Committee |
HB 1412
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: Making community service a high school graduation requirement.
Sponsors: Representatives Bergquist, Zeiger, Maxwell, Reykdal, Kagi, Riccelli, Santos, Fitzgibbon, Tarleton, Lytton, Pollet, Farrell, Freeman, Ryu, Stonier, Stanford, Hunt, Van De Wege, Kochmar, Buys, Magendanz, Hayes, O'Ban, Fey, Morrell and Jinkins.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/12/13
Staff: Barbara McLain (786-7383).
Background:
The State Board of Education (SBE) establishes minimum requirements for high school graduation through administrative rules. The current requirements are 20 credits among a specified distribution of subjects, a culminating project, and a High School and Beyond Plan.
School district boards of directors may establish additional local high school graduation requirements. For example, according to a database developed by the SBE in 2011, at least 20 school districts require students to complete community service for graduation. The required number of hours ranges from ten to 100.
Summary of Bill:
Beginning with the graduating class of 2017, each student must complete community service as a state high school graduation requirement. The community service must be explained and documented using the student's culminating project. School districts may establish additional parameters and requirements for the community service.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.