SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5968

As of February 24, 2003

Title: An act relating to the assessment of essential academic learning requirements in communication, social studies, civics, arts, and health and fitness.

Brief Description: Regarding the communications, social studies, civics, arts, and health and fitness portions of the WASL.

Sponsors: Senators Johnson and Finkbeiner; by request of Governor Locke.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Education: 2/25/03.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Staff: Susan Mielke (786-7422)

Background: The Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) is administered statewide in reading, writing, communication (listening), and math at the fourth, seventh, and tenth grades. There are statutory timelines for implementing the WASL in other subject areas, including social studies, arts, and health and fitness at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.

Summary of Bill: Communication, social studies, arts, and health and fitness assessments must be developed by the Superintendent of Public Instruction as classroom-based assessments. These assessments will be made available to school districts as requested by school districts and are not required to be administered by school districts.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on February 24, 2003.

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