SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6221

BYSenators 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

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 24, 1990; January 30, 1990

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6221 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

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

Senate Staff:Susan Mosborg (786-7439)

                  February 5, 1990

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 6, 1990

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6221 as recommended by Committee on Education be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators McDonald, Chairman; Amondson, Bailey, Bauer, Bluechel, Cantu, Fleming, Gaspard, Hayner, Johnson, Lee, Smith, Talmadge, Williams.

Senate Staff:Ken Kanikeberg (786-7715)

                  February 7, 1990

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS, FEBRUARY 6, 1990

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The requirement that all tenth graders and samples of eleventh graders be tested on academic achievement is repealed and the Washington State High School and Beyond Assessment Program is established.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, proficiencies in the reasoning and thinking skills needed for successful entry into courses required for high school graduation, and about students' 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 collects information about students' post-high school experiences from two-year and four-year colleges and universities, and from vocational-technical training institutions.  The information is collected at least once every four years.

The SPI reports annually to the Legislature on the Washington State High School and Beyond Assessment Program.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

Program implementation is delayed until 1991-92 to allow time for test development and to avoid double testing of students.  No 10th graders are to be tested in the fall of 1990.  They will be tested as 11th graders in the fall of 1991.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: EDUCATION:  FOR:  Dr. Joseph Willhoft, Tacoma School District; Gordon Ensign, Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction; AGAINST:  Dr. Don Pittman, U.S. Department of Defense; Dr. Gloria Winnick, U.S. Department of Defense

Senate Committee - Testified: WAYS & MEANS:  FOR:  Dr. Al Rasp, State Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction; Gordon Ensign, State Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction