FINAL BILL REPORT

SB 5122

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.

Background: In 2013, under SB 5712, the Legislature directed the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) to encourage colleges to use multiple measures to determine whether a student must enroll in a precollege course. Additionally the SBCTC must require colleges to post information about available options for course placement on their website and in admissions materials.

In September 2014, the six public baccalaureate institutions and SBCTC agreed to use the eleventh grade Smarter Balanced Assessment scores of level three or four to enroll first-year college students who have been admitted into entry-level college math and English courses without further placement testing. The agreement applies to high school graduating classes of 2016 through 2018, and then will be renewed or modified. Colleges, universities, and high schools are also designing math and English language arts transition courses for high school seniors who did not score at a level three or above. Several high schools are already piloting the curriculum. Seniors who earn a B or above in the classes will also be able to bypass placement testing at many colleges.

Under current law, the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) must collaborate with appropriate state agencies and stakeholders to improve student transitions and success, which includes but is not limited to, setting minimum college admissions standards.

Summary: The public baccalaureate institutions may use multiple measures to determine whether a student must enroll in a precollege course including, but not limited to, placement tests, the SAT, high school transcripts, college transcripts, or initial class performance. These institutions must post information about available options for course placement on their websites and in admissions materials.

WSAC must encourage the use of multiple measures to determine precollege placement when setting minimum college admissions standards.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate	48	0
House	96	1