Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Education Committee

SB 6136

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: Removing concurrent enrollment requirement of algebra II for AP computer science courses to be counted as equivalent to high school mathematics.

Sponsors: Senators Rolfes, Zeiger, Wellman and Hasegawa; by request of Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Removes the requirement for a student to be concurrently enrolled in or have successfully completed algebra II for Advanced Placement computer science to be counted as a career and technical course equivalent to high school mathematics.

Hearing Date: 2/13/18

Staff: Katie Choate (786-7296) and Megan Wargacki (786-7194).

Background:

Graduation Requirements.

For the class of 2019 and beyond, Washington requires public high school students to complete at least 24 credits to graduate. A student is required to take at least three credits of mathematics, three credits of science, and one credit of career and technical education.

The Advanced Placement (AP) program allows students to take college-level courses while still in high school. Students may earn college credit, advanced placement into upper-level college courses, or both, by earning qualifying scores on AP exams. Many colleges and universities recognize AP courses when making admissions decisions.

Each high school or school district board of directors must adopt course equivalencies for career and technical courses offered to students in high schools and skill centers. School boards must approve AP computer science courses, which are career and technical education courses, as equivalent to high school mathematics or science. In order for a school board to approve AP computer science as equivalent to high school mathematics, the student must be concurrently enrolled in or have successfully completed algebra II.

Summary of Bill:

The requirement for a student to be concurrently enrolled in or have successfully completed algebra II for AP computer science to be counted as a career and technical course equivalent to high school mathematics is removed.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

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