HOUSE BILL REPORT
SB 6145
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 of Second Reading
Title: An act relating to delaying for two years the high school graduation requirement of meeting the state standard on the high school science assessment.
Brief Description: Delaying for two years the high school graduation requirement of meeting the state standard on the high school science assessment.
Sponsors: Senators Fraser, Kohl-Welles, Pedersen, Hatfield, Billig, McCoy, Jayapal, Keiser, Conway, Cleveland, Mullet, Nelson, McAuliffe, Hobbs, Frockt, Liias and Rolfes.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
None.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Staff: Cece Clynch (786-7195).
Background:
High School Science Assessment.
In 2011 legislation directed that high school science be assessed using a Biology end-of-course (EOC) test. The Legislature has expressed intent to transition from a Biology EOC to a comprehensive science assessment in the future.
High School Graduation.
A Certificate of Academic Achievement (CAA) or a Certificate of Individual Achievement (CIA) is one of the requirements for graduation from a Washington public high school. To obtain a CAA, a student must meet state standards on required assessments. (Students requiring special education who are not appropriately assessed by the state assessment system, even with accommodations, may earn a CIA via a variety of ways to demonstrate skills and abilities commensurate with their individual education programs.)
Beginning with the graduating class of 2008, Washington students have been required to meet the state standard on the assessment in reading and writing/ELA to obtain a CAA and graduate from high school. Meeting the standard in mathematics was first required with the class of 2013. Beginning with the graduating class of 2015, students also have to meet the standard on the science assessment (currently the Biology EOC) to obtain a CAA for purposes of high school graduation.
Alternative Assessment Options.
Alternative assessment options exist to earn a CAA. The following alternatives are available to those who have taken an assessment at least once but have been unable to meet state standard on that assessment:
grade comparison;
earning a high enough score on the SAT or ACT;
earning a high enough score on an Advanced Placement/International Baccalaureate exam; and
collection of evidence, scored at the state level or by a regional panels of educators.
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Summary of Bill:
The requirement that students meet the state standard on the statewide science assessment or an alternative in order to earn a CAA and graduate from high school is delayed by two years. Rather than beginning with the Class of 2015, this requirement will begin with the Class of 2017.
This change applies retroactively to students in the Class of 2015, and prospectively beginning with students in the graduating Class of 2016.
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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) None.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: None.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.