Finds that, in its effort to comply with the academic assessment schedules established under P.L. 107-110, the no child left behind act of 2001, Washington has had inadequate opportunity to examine options that may include creating an assessment system based on both statewide and local assessments, rather than exclusively on statewide assessments. Therefore, the legislature intends to cease further implementation of a statewide assessment system and request a temporary waiver from statutory requirements of P.L. 107-110 until these options can be fully considered and approved by the legislature.

Provides that, as of the effective date of this act, the superintendent of public instruction shall cease all further development, implementation, or administration of the Washington assessment of student learning in grades three, five, six, and eight.

Provides that, as authorized under section 9401 of P.L. 107-110, the superintendent shall seek a temporary waiver from federal statutory and regulatory requirements regarding implementation of yearly student academic assessments in mathematics and reading in each of grades three through eight beginning in the 2005-06 school year.

Directs the superintendent to examine a range of assessment options that could satisfy the assessment requirements of P.L. 107-110. In particular, the superintendent shall consider locally selected or administered diagnostic assessments that could serve the dual purpose of accountability and providing educators with information to assist individual students. In conducting the examination, the superintendent shall convene and seek input from a review panel that includes school district administrators, local assessment coordinators, teachers, and parents. The superintendent shall submit a report of the findings of the examination along with recommendations for a revised assessment system to the education committees of the legislature by December 1, 2006.

Provides that any further implementation of the assessment system after the effective date of this section to comply with P.L. 107-110 must be formally authorized by the legislature through legislation or concurrent resolution.