SENATE BILL REPORT

                 E2SHB 2582

                    As of February 22, 2000

Title:  An act relating to the Washington assessment of student learning.

Brief Description:  Changing provisions relating to the Washington assessment of student learning.

Sponsors:  House Committee on Education (originally sponsored by Representatives Schindler, Koster, Cox, Lambert, Talcott, Carrell and Wensman).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Education:  2/23/2000.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Staff: Susan Mielke (786-7422)

Background:  Fourth grade public school students are currently required to take the Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) in reading, writing, communication and mathematics.  Next year seventh and 10th grade public school students will be required to take the WASL in reading, writing, communication, mathematics and science.

Summary of Bill:  After the Superintendent of Public Instruction determines that the WASL results are complete and accurate, the writing portion of each student's testing booklet must be made available to the student, the student's parent or guardian, and teacher.

By September 1, 2000, the office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction must estimate the cost of returning the entire test booklet and report that cost to the Governor and the Legislature.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on February 15, 2000.

Effective Date:  Sections 1 and 4 take effect ninety days after adjournment of session in which the bill is passed.  Sections 2 and 3 take effect September 1, 2000.