PROPOSED RULES
Continuance of WSR 00-15-092.
Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 00-11-171.
Title of Rule: Chapter 180-51 WAC, proposed new sections, proposed amendments to sections, and proposed repeal of sections (see below).
Purpose: To make necessary changes to existing state minimum high school graduation requirements, bring forward changed language as a result of the State Board of Education August 2000 meeting.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 28A.230.090.
Summary: Proposed new section WAC 180-51-003 and 180-51-061; amending WAC 180-51-005 and 180-51-050; and repealing WAC 180-51-010.
Reasons Supporting Proposal: Aforementioned proposed changes align state minimum high school graduation requirements with education reform.
Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting, Implementation and Enforcement: Larry Davis, State Board of Education, Olympia, (360) 753-6715.
Name of Proponent: State Board of Education, governmental.
Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.
Explanation of Rule, its Purpose, and Anticipated Effects: Proposed new sections, amendments and repeal of sections to chapter 180-51 WAC to bring current state minimum high school graduation requirements in alignment with education reform.
Proposal Changes the Following Existing Rules: Proposed new section WAC 180-51-003 and 180-51-061; amending WAC 180-51-005 and 180-51-050; and repealing WAC 180-51-010.
No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW.
RCW 34.05.328 does not apply to this rule adoption.
Hearing Location: North Thurston School District, Administrative Center, 305 College Street N.E., Lacey, WA 98516-5390, on October 25, 2000, at 8:00 a.m.
Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Laura Moore by October 20, 2000, TDD (360) 664-3631, or (360) 753-6715.
Submit Written Comments to: Rules Coordinator, State Board of Education, P.O. Box 47206, Olympia, WA 98504-7206, fax (360) 586-2357, by October 20, 2000.
Date of Intended Adoption: October 27, 2000.
September 19, 2000
Larry Davis
Executive Director
by Patty Martin
OTS-4394.1
NEW SECTION
WAC 180-51-003
Intent of graduation requirements.
(1) The state board of education is responsible for establishing minimum high school graduation requirements that appropriately balance:
(a) State-wide public expectations for all graduating students;
(b) High, meaningful, and fair requirements every student can meet;
(c) The unique characteristics of and differing resources among the two hundred ninety-six school districts and over three hundred high schools in Washington; and
(d) Recognition that some students' educational plans may not include college or may include application for admission to a postsecondary institution one year or more after being granted a high school diploma.
(2) In order to facilitate the transition, encourage local innovation, and realize the vision under WAC 180-51-001, it is the intent of the state board of education to enact changes to the current state minimum graduation requirements, standardized transcript, and course of study and equivalency provisions to:
(a) Align the state-wide minimum high school graduation requirements with the goal of the basic education act under RCW 28A.150.210 and the mission of the common school system under WAC 180-40-210;
(b) Allow districts the optional discretion to define and award high school credit based on demonstrated performance that is not tied to a state minimum number of hours of instruction or instructional activities;
(c) Assure that all the essential academic learning requirements developed under RCW 28A.655.060 (3)(a) and 28A.655.070(2) are taught in the high school curriculum;
(d) Assure that students are aware of the connection between their education and possible career opportunities as referenced in RCW 28A.150.210(4) and WAC 180-57-090;
(e) Assure that students are provided the opportunity to effectively prepare for the secondary Washington assessment of student learning and earn the certificate of mastery required under RCW 28A.655.060 (3)(c), recognizing that the certificate of mastery represents demonstrated foundation knowledge and skills that are important toward, but not sufficient for, high school graduation; and
(f) Provide greater guidance to school districts in regard to the state board's obligation under RCW 28A.305.130(8) to "...Prepare such outline of study for the common schools as the board shall deem necessary..."
(3) It is the state board's view that the creative development and application of integrated curriculum within existing resources will significantly facilitate the implementation of the graduation requirements under WAC 180-51-061. The board strongly encourages districts to:
(a) Implement curriculum that includes courses that incorporate the best applied, theoretical, academic or vocational features as authorized under RCW 28A.230.010;
(b) Emphasize the integration of academic and vocational education in educational pathways as required under RCW 28A.655.060 (3)(c); and
(c) Consider using the model curriculum integrating vocational and academic education developed by the superintendent of public instruction under RCW 28A.300.235.
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OTS-4346.3
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 93-04-115, filed 2/3/93,
effective 3/6/93)
WAC 180-51-005
Authority and purpose.
(1) The authority for this chapter is RCW 28A.230.090 which authorizes and requires the state board of education to establish high school graduation requirements or equivalencies for students.
(2) The purpose of this chapter is to establish high school graduation requirements, including policies and procedures for equivalencies, for students who commence the ninth grade or the equivalent of a four-year high school program subsequent to July 1, 2004. Graduation requirements and policies and procedures for equivalencies for students who commence the ninth grade or the equivalent of a four-year high school program prior to July 1, 2004, are codified in WAC 180-51-060 and shall remain in effect for such students pursuant to WAC 180-51-035.
(3) Nothing in this section or WAC 180-51-061 shall prevent a district from implementing any or all of the requirements under WAC 180-51-061 prior to the requirements formally becoming state graduation requirements after July 1, 2004.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.230.090 and 28A.230.100. 93-04-115, § 180-51-005, filed 2/3/93, effective 3/6/93. Statutory Authority: 1990 c 33. 90-17-009, § 180-51-005, filed 8/6/90, effective 9/6/90. Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.05.062. 86-20-053 (Order 11-86), § 180-51-005, filed 9/29/86. Statutory Authority: Chapter 28A.05 RCW. 84-11-049 (Order 7-84), § 180-51-005, filed 5/17/84.]
OTS-4400.1
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 99-10-093, filed 5/4/99,
effective 6/4/99)
WAC 180-51-050
High school credit -- Definition.
As used in this chapter the term "high school credit" shall mean:
(1) Grades nine through twelve or the equivalent of a
four-year high school program((s.)), and grades seven and eight
under the provisions of RCW 28A.230.090 (4) and (5):
One hundred fifty hours of planned instructional activities approved by the district and aligned with one or more of the state learning goals and related essential academic learning requirements. The elective credits required for graduation under WAC 180-51-060 are not required to be aligned with the student learning goals and essential academic learning requirements.
(2) College and university course work. At the college or university level, five quarter or three semester hours shall equal 1.0 high school credit: Provided, That for the purpose of this subsection, "college and university course work" means course work that generally is designated 100 level or above by the college or university.
(3) Community college high school completion program - Diploma awarded by community college. Five quarter or three semester hours of community college high school completion course work shall equal 1.0 high school credit: Provided, That for purposes of awarding equivalency credit under this subsection, college and university high school completion course work includes course work that is designated below the 100 level by the college and the course work is developmental education at grade levels nine through twelve or the equivalent of a four-year high school program.
(4) Community college high school completion program - Diploma awarded by school district. A minimum of .5 and a maximum of 1.0 high school credit may be awarded for every five quarter or three semester hours of community college high school completion course work: Provided, That for purposes of awarding equivalency credit under this subsection, college and university high school completion course work includes course work that is designated below the 100 level by the college and the course work is developmental education at grade levels nine through twelve or the equivalent of a four-year high school program.
(5) Each high school district board of directors shall adopt a written policy for determining the awarding of equivalency credit authorized under subsection (4) of this section. The policy shall apply uniformly to all high schools in the district.
(6) Each high school district board of directors shall adopt a written policy regarding the recognition and acceptance of earned credits. The policy shall apply to all high schools in the district. The policy may include reliance on the professional judgment of the building principal or designee in determining whether or not a credit meets the district's standards for recognition and acceptance of a credit. The policy shall include an appeal procedure to the district if it includes reliance on the professional judgment of the building principal or designee.
(7) A student must first obtain a written release from their school district to enroll in a high school completion program under subsection (3) of this section if the student has not reached age eighteen or whose class has not graduated.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.230.090. 99-10-093, § 180-51-050, filed 5/4/99, effective 6/4/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.230.090 and 28A.305.130. 97-08-020, § 180-51-050, filed 3/25/97, effective 4/25/97; 96-09-027, § 180-51-050, filed 4/9/96, effective 5/10/96. Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.230.090, 28A.305.130 and 1994 c 222. 95-16-063, § 180-51-050, filed 7/27/95, effective 8/27/95. Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.230.090(1) and 28A.305.130 (8) and (9). 94-13-017, § 180-51-050, filed 6/3/94, effective 7/4/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.230.090. 94-03-100 (Order 1-94), § 180-51-050, filed 1/19/94, effective 9/1/94. Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.05.060. 85-12-041 (Order 12-85), § 180-51-050, filed 6/5/85. Statutory Authority: Chapter 28A.05 RCW. 84-11-049 (Order 7-84), § 180-51-050, filed 5/17/84.]
OTS-4418.1
NEW SECTION
WAC 180-51-061
Minimum requirements for high school
graduation.
The state-wide minimum subject areas and credits required for high school graduation, beginning July 1, 2004, for students who enter the ninth grade or begin the equivalent of a four-year high school program, shall be:
| Subject | Essential Content1 | Minimum State Credits2 | Assessment Includes |
| English • Reading • Writing • Communications |
The Essential Academic Learning Requirements through benchmark three, plus content that is determined by the district to be beyond benchmark three level content | 3 | Secondary WASL3 (beginning 2008) |
| Mathematics | The Essential Academic Learning Requirements through benchmark three, plus content that is determined by the district to be beyond benchmark three level content | 2 | Secondary WASL3 (beginning 2008) |
| Science • Physical • Life • Earth |
The Essential Academic
Learning Requirements
through benchmark three,
plus content that is
determined by the district
to be beyond benchmark
three level content
|
2 | Secondary WASL3 (beginning 2010) |
| Social Studies • Civics • History • Geography |
The Essential Academic
Learning Requirements
through benchmark three,
plus content that is
determined by the district
to be beyond benchmark
three level content U.S. history and
government, Washington
state history and
government, and
including study of the
U.S. and Washington
state Constitutions4 Contemporary world history, geography, and problems5 |
2.5 | Locally Determined Assessment6 Until State Assessments Become Available and Are Required |
| Health and Fitness6 | The Essential Academic Learning Requirements through benchmark three, plus content that is determined by the district to be beyond benchmark three level content | 2 | Locally Determined Assessment6 Until State Assessments Become Available and Are Required |
| Arts | The Essential Academic
Learning Requirements
through benchmark three,
plus content that is
determined by the district
to be beyond benchmark
three level content May be satisfied in the visual or performing arts |
1 | Locally Determined Assessment6 Until State Assessments Become Available and Are Required |
| Occupational Education7 "Occupational education" means credits resulting from a series of learning experiences designed to assist the student to acquire and demonstrate competency of skills under student learning goal three, student learning goal four, and the vocational-technical education program approval standards adopted by the superintendent of public instruction, and which skills are required for success in current and emerging occupations. | "General work skills": Student competencies aligned with learning goals three and four and the program approval standards adopted by the superintendent of public instruction for exploratory or preparatory vocational-technical education courses. | 1 | Locally Determined Assessment6 |
| Electives8 | 5.5 | Locally Determined Assessment6 | |
| TOTAL | 19 | ||
| Culminating Project | See footnote #9. | Locally Determined Assessment6 | |
| High School + Education Plan | See footnote #10. | Locally Determined Assessment6 |
| 1 | The essential content in the subject areas for which EALRs have been developed should also include the appropriate integration of EALRs from the other subject areas. |
| 2 | See WAC 180-51-050 for definition of high school credit. |
| 3 | See WAC 180-51-063 for effective date. In accordance with RCW 28A.195.010(6), students enrolled in state board of education approved private schools are not required to earn the certificate of mastery nor pass the secondary Washington assessment of student learning in order to graduate. |
| 4 | The study of Washington state history and government is encouraged to include information on the culture, history, and government of the American Indian people who were the first inhabitants of the state. The study of the U.S. and Washington state Constitutions shall not be waived, but may be fulfilled through an alternative learning experience approved by the school principal pursuant to written district policy. Secondary school students who have completed and passed a state history and government course of study in another state may have the Washington state history and government requirement waived by their principal. For purposes of the Washington state history and government requirement only, the term "secondary school students" shall mean a student who is in one of the grades seven through twelve. |
| 5 | Courses in economics, sociology, civics, political science, international relations, or related courses with emphasis on current problems may be accepted as equivalencies. |
| 6 | Locally determined assessment means whatever assessment or assessments, if any, the district determines are necessary. |
| 7 | The fitness portion of the requirement shall be met by course work in fitness education. The content of fitness courses shall be determined locally pursuant to WAC 180-51-025. Suggested fitness course outlines shall be developed by the office of the superintendent of public instruction. Students may be excused from the physical portion of the fitness requirement pursuant to RCW 28A.230.050. Such excused students shall be required to substitute equivalency credits in accordance with policies of boards of directors of districts, including demonstration of the knowledge portion of the fitness requirement. "Directed athletics" shall be interpreted to include community-based organized athletics. |
| 8 | "Occupational education" means credits resulting from a series of learning experiences designed to assist the student to acquire and demonstrate competency of skills under student learning goal three, student learning goal four, and the vocational-technical education program approval standards adopted by the superintendent of public instruction and which skills are required for success in current and emerging occupations. |
| 9 | Study in a world language other than English or study in a world culture may satisfy any or all of the required electives. |
| 10 | Each student shall complete a culminating project. The project shall require the student to: Draw upon their knowledge and skills in the essential core and core requirement subjects; and demonstrate their learning competencies, preparations, special skills, and knowledge acquired during their high school experience. The culminating project shall include an interactive demonstration of the student meeting the standards for one or more of the subjects in the state learning goals. Students are strongly encouraged to complete the culminating project as part of an education pathway that must be offered by the school pursuant to RCW 28A.655.060 (3)(c). Districts shall adopt a written policy to implement the culminating project requirement in its high schools, including assessment criteria for the culminating project that shall be developed at the local level. The written district policy shall establish foundation criteria that shall apply uniformly to all district high schools. The written policy shall address how students will be supervised, and by whom, if the culminating project requires or involves activities in the community. Nothing in this section shall prohibit a school or district from integrating subjects, or integrating academic and vocational instruction, or both, to support culminating projects. |
| 11 | Each student shall have an education plan for their high school experience, including what they expect to do the year following graduation. |
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OTS-4419.1
REPEALER
The following section of the Washington Administrative Code is repealed:
| WAC 180-51-010 | Purpose. |