SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6157

BYSenator Bailey

Providing for the expiration in 1994 of the student learning objectives programs.

Senate Committee on Education

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 14, 1988; January 18, 1988

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6157 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Bailey, Chairman; Kiskaddon, Vice Chairman; Craswell, Lee, Rinehart.

Senate Staff:Larry Davis (786-7422)

                  January 19, 1988

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION, JANUARY 18, 1988

BACKGROUND:

The Student Learning Objectives (SLO) program was established by the Legislature in 1975.  The program is intended to assure the citizens of each district that the district's resources are used to provide quality education in all subject areas and courses.  Districts are required to identify student learning objectives for each course of study included in the districts' programs.

In 1985 the Legislature established a program requiring school districts to ensure that each school undertakes self-study procedures every seven years.  The self-study process must include an emphasis on achieving educational excellence and equity, and on reaching consensus upon educational expectations.  The self-study process must include participation of staff, parents, community members, and students.

By legislative directive in 1987, the Superintendent of Public Instruction established a Temporary Committee on the Assessment and Accountability of Educational Outcomes (the Educational Outcomes and Measurement Committee -- EOM).  The EOM Committee shall develop educational outcomes by grade levels, groups of grade levels, or age groups; develop ways to measure the achievement of the outcomes on a district-wide basis; and field test the outcomes through the 1992-93 school year.

It is suggested that student learning objectives could be addressed through the required self-study program.

SUMMARY:

The student learning objectives law is repealed effective June 30, 1994.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

School districts are not required to identify student learning objectives.  School districts may include such learning objectives as part of their required self-study procedures.  Districts are encouraged to consider the activities of the Temporary Committee on the Assessment and Accountability of Educational Outcomes in developing or reviewing local student learning objectives.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Ben Edlund, Superintendent, Moses Lake School District; Kris Van Gorkom, Washington Association of School Administrators