SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5575

As of February 16, 2001

Title:  An act relating to changing the timelines for the science and social studies academic assessments.

Brief Description:  Changing the timelines for the science and social studies academic assessments.

Sponsors:  Senators Eide, McAuliffe, Carlson and Kohl‑Welles; by request of Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Education:  2/22/01.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Staff:  Susan Mielke (786‑7422)

Background:  Current law requires school districts to administer the Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) in reading, writing, communication (listening), and math at the fourth, seventh, and tenth grades.  The science assessment at the middle and high school levels is required to be administered in the 2000-01 school year.  However, after piloting the science assessments, the Superintendent of Public Instruction determined that the science assessments do not have the appropriate technical rigor and recommended delaying implementation.

There are statutory timelines for implementing the WASL in other subject areas, including science at the elementary level, and social studies, arts and health and fitness at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.

Summary of Bill:  The statutory timelines are revised for the voluntary and required administration of the WASL in science and social studies.

Science:  At the middle and high school level, the timeline for when the science WASL is available for voluntary use is delayed for two years and the timeline for when the science WASL is required is delayed for three years.  At the elementary level, the timeline for when the science WASL is available for voluntary use is delayed for one year and the timeline for when the science WASL is required is unchanged.

Social Studies:  At the middle school level, the timeline for when the social studies WASL is available for voluntary use and for when it is required are both delayed for one year.  At the high school level, the timeline for when the social studies WASL is available for voluntary use and for when it is required are both delayed for two years.  At the elementary level, the dates are unchanged.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on January 13, 2001.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.