SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5740

BYSenators Bailey, Rinehart, Gaspard, Smitherman, Bauer, Bender, Fleming, Metcalf and Murray; by request of Superintendent of Public Instruction

Revising the eleventh grade assessment.

Senate Committee on Education

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 13, 1989; February 16, 1989

Majority Report:  Do pass.

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

Senate Staff:Susan Finkel (786-7483)

                  February 20, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION, FEBRUARY 16, 1989

BACKGROUND:

The Legislature requires the Superintendent of Public Instruction to administer achievement tests which emphasize certain basic school skills (reading, mathematics, language arts) to students in the fourth, eighth and tenth grades.  The results of these tests are used to assist teachers and parents in ascertaining levels of student achievement.  The tenth grade test emphasizes achievement in reading, mathematics, language arts, and career interest.

There is interest in providing 11th grade students with additional information about career planning based on their individual skills and scholastic achievement.  The 10th grade achievement test does not reflect the current emphasis on developing thinking and reasoning skills in the high schools.

SUMMARY:

A new assessment test is administered to eleventh grade students, replacing the tenth grade achievement test.  The assessment test emphasizes thinking and reasoning and is reflective of the high school curriculum.  It expands the guidance and career planning component and gives students examples of successful graduates with similar academic backgrounds and interests.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested February 9, 1989

Senate Committee - Testified: Al Rasp, office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (pro); Dwayne Slate, Washington State School Directors' Association (pro); Chris Van Gorkom, School Administrators Association (pro)