HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 2285

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 Passed House:

February 11, 2014

Title: An act relating to reviewing institution of higher education policies related to dual credit coursework.

Brief Description: Requiring a review of institution of higher education policies related to dual credit coursework.

Sponsors: Representatives Orwall, Dahlquist, Haigh, Magendanz, Lytton, Stonier, Santos, Bergquist, Seaquist, Zeiger, Ryu, Carlyle and Pollet.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:

Higher Education: 1/22/14, 1/29/14 [DP].

Floor Activity:

Passed House: 2/11/14, 98-0.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Requires the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) to review institution policies related to providing students dual credit.

  • Requires the WSAC to make recommendations to the Legislature regarding the steps that should be taken to improve the practices of these institutions.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 19 members: Representatives Seaquist, Chair; Pollet, Vice Chair; Haler, Ranking Minority Member; Zeiger, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Gregerson, Hansen, Hargrove, Johnson, Magendanz, Muri, Reykdal, Sawyer, Scott, Sells, Smith, Tarleton, Walkinshaw, Walsh and Wylie.

Staff: Megan Wargacki (786-7194).

Background:

There are a number of programs that provide high school students the opportunity to earn both high school and college credit. For example:

The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) is a state agency that provides strategic planning, oversight, and advocacy to support increased student success and higher levels of educational attainment in the state of Washington.

Summary of Bill:

The WSAC must review policies related to providing students college credit for dual credit courses, including: the AP, the IB, and the Cambridge Program.

The review must identify:

By December 1, 2014, the WSAC must make recommendations to the Legislature regarding the steps that should be taken to improve the practices of the higher education institutions.

This section expires August 1, 2015.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) There are some concerns about whether colleges recognize the work the IB students are doing. It is unknown how schools are recognizing the IB and other dual credit programs. If students think their work is not recognized in colleges within Washington, then they may leave the state. We want to keep talented students in-state. Some colleges implemented an AP program policy in the Spring of 2000. Similar policies were put in place for the IB last year. Cambridge programs are only available in two high schools in the state. Technical colleges do not usually have a course match with the dual credit courses due to the lack of academic classes. This bill is dedicated to providing rigor and multiple pathways for students. Dual credit is important because many students cannot afford a long-term higher education program. Dual credit programs decrease student costs. This consideration is really in line with academic acceleration polices implemented last year. Communicating with accuracy and transparency is critical. Currently, there is no law that says colleges and universities must accept certain dual credits. It would be better if policies were aligned. The WSAC submitted the Ten-Year Roadmap for increasing educational achievement. The Ten-Year Roadmap is a high-level, long-term strategic plan for increasing attainment and it includes 12 overarching strategies, including expanding dual credit and enrollment programs. The tasks for the WSAC in this bill dovetail nicely with work already planned on dual credit and enrollment programs. It is the review of best practices that will incur the additional cost to the WSAC.

(Opposed) None.

Persons Testifying: Representative Orwall, prime sponsor; Scott Copeland, Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges; Charlie Brown, Tacoma Public Schools; and Rebecca Kenna-Schenk, Washington Student Achievement Council.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.