FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 6221

                              C 101 L 90

BYSenate Committee on Education (originally sponsored by Senators Gaspard, Bailey, Rinehart, Bender, Metcalf, Lee, Murray and Conner;by request of Superintendent of Public Instruction)

Creating the high school and beyond assessment program.

Senate Committee on Education and Committee on Ways & Means

House Committe on Education

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

The Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) annually administers an academic achievement test to all fourth, eighth and tenth graders in Washington public schools.  Once every two years, SPI administers an academic achievement test to a sample of 2,000 eleventh graders.  As part of the testing program, eighth and tenth graders also complete a questionnaire about academic interests and future plans.  The SPI proposes changes to the state testing program to provide enhanced information to students, parents, educators and education policy makers.

SUMMARY:

The requirement that all tenth graders and samples of eleventh graders be tested on academic achievement is repealed and the Washington State High School and Beyond Assessment Program is established.

The SPI administers an annual assessment to all eleventh grade students.  The eleventh grade assessment reflects high school curricula and the reasoning and thinking skills essential to adult life.  The achievement measures assess students' strengths and deficiencies in broad content areas.  Information is also collected about students' career interests and related items such as course selection patterns, course credits, and grades.

The scope of the eighth grade test is broadened to provide information about students' current academic proficiencies, reasoning and thinking skills needed for successful entry into courses required for high school graduation, and interests and plans for high school and beyond.

The content and procedures of the eighth grade and eleventh grade assessments are coordinated to maximize the value of the information provided to students, teachers, and parents.

The SPI reports annually to the Legislature on the achievement levels of students in grades four, eight and eleven.

The program will be implemented in the 1991-92 school year.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

     Senate   38    8

     House 79 15 (House amended)

     Senate   37    9 (Senate concurred)

EFFECTIVE:June 7, 1990