SENATE BILL REPORT

SHB 1741

BYHouse Committee on Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives Betrozoff, Peery, G. Fisher, Walker, Ferguson, Miller, Winsley and Wood; by request of Superintendent of Public Instruction)

Revising the eleventh grade assessment.

House Committe on Education

Rereferred House Committee on Appropriations

Senate Committee on Education

Senate Hearing Date(s):March 20, 1989; March 23, 1989

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.

      Signed by Senators Bailey, Chairman; Lee, Vice Chairman; Bender, Fleming, Gaspard, Metcalf, Murray, Rinehart.

Senate Staff:Susan Finkel (786-7483)

                  March 24, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION, MARCH 23, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Currently, school districts are required to test all fourth, eighth and tenth graders in Washington public schools on academic achievement tests selected by the Superintendent of Public Instruction.  School districts are also required to test a sample of 2,000 eleventh grade students on a state selected academic achievement test.

SUMMARY:

The requirements that all tenth graders and 2,000 eleventh graders be tested on an academic achievement test are repealed.  The Superintendent of Public Instruction is to administer an assessment test to all eleventh grade students.  This test is reflective of high school curricula and priorities and the reasoning and thinking skills essential to adult life.  It also includes an academic and career interest inventory.

The bill will take effect only if funding is provided by means of a specific appropriation referencing the bill by number.

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED SENATE AMENDMENT:

A guidance profile based on the analysis of high school transcripts is added.  Also added, with the cooperation of public and private institutions of higher education, vocational and technical institutions and major employers, is a follow-up of students' postsecondary experience.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: EDUCATION COMMITTEE:  FOR:  Kathy Purcell, Division of Research and Development, Federal Way; Don Pitman, Educational Testing Specialist, Department of Defense; Keith Graham, High School Career Counselor, Monroe; Dwayne Slate, WASDA; Kris Van Gorkom, WASA; Al Rasp, SPI; John Kvamme, Tacoma Public Schools