Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Education Committee |
HB 2697
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: Concerning a weighted grade point average for purposes of the standardized high school transcript.
Sponsors: Representatives Ortiz-Self, Stonier, Lytton, Santos, Ryu, Roberts, Magendanz, Jinkins, Sells, Ormsby, Stanford, Springer, Takko, Fey, Bergquist, Freeman, Tarleton and Riccelli.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/3/14
Staff: Barbara McLain (786-7383).
Background:
The Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI), in consultation with public colleges and universities and the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board, is charged with developing a standardized high school transcript for use in all public schools. The rules regarding the standardized transcript require a common method for calculating a student's grade point average (GPA) and for recording courses taken and credits earned.
Credits earned through the following courses are noted on the transcript with a designated letter:
Running Start is noted "R."
Advanced Placement is noted "A."
International Baccalaureate is noted "I."
College in the High School is noted "C."
Tech Prep is noted "T."
Honors is noted "H."
However, there is no modification in the calculation of the GPA for these courses.
Some states have adopted state-level uniform grading policies that include higher weighting in the GPA for certain advanced courses.
Summary of Bill:
The SPI, in consultation with the other education agencies that develop the standardized high school transcript, must develop a common method for assigning additional weight for Advanced Placement and higher-level International Baccalaureate courses for the purposes of calculating a student's GPA. Beginning in the 2014-15 school year, all school districts must use this methodology for the standardized transcript.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested January 28, 2014.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.