6023-S.E AMH JARR MCLA 255

ESSB 6023 - H AMD TO APP COMM AMD (6023-S.E AMH APP H3306.1) 533

By Representative Jarrett

OUT OF ORDER 4/10/2007

   On page 11, beginning on line 21 of the striking amendment, strike all of section 8 and insert the following:

   "NEW SECTION. Sec. 8. A new section is added to chapter 28A.655 RCW to read as follows:

   (1) The legislature's intent for the high school assessment system in mathematics and science is that students receive instruction through credited high school courses in the content areas to be assessed and have their knowledge and skills assessed after they complete the courses. End-of-course assessments in mathematics and science should, at a minimum, cover the content of algebra I, geometry, and biology, and be based on state learning standards. However, school districts should be responsible for designing and implementing courses that align with state learning standards, state-recommended curricula, and end-of-course assessments. School districts should also have the opportunity to provide instruction in the assessed content areas through integrated courses. To the extent feasible, the assessments should be able to be administered online. Results should be returned in a timely manner and should provide diagnostic information to improve curriculum, instruction, and remediation for struggling students. Furthermore, changes to the high school Washington assessment of student learning to achieve the legislative intent expressed under this subsection should be implemented on an expedited timeline in order to apply to the graduating class of 2013.

   (2)(a) The state board of education, in consultation with the superintendent of public instruction, shall examine and recommend changes to the high school Washington assessment of student learning in the content areas of mathematics and science. The examination shall address the issues identified in subsection (1) of this section.

   (b) In conducting its examination, the state board of education shall seek input from independent national assessment experts; examine the experience of other states that have implemented end-of-course assessments; and use a deliberative public process to ensure adequate input from teachers, school and district administrators, the business community, parents, and other interested individuals and organizations.

   (c) In any request for proposals for a new testing contractor for the Washington assessment of student learning, the superintendent of public instruction shall include the changes being examined by the state board of education so that additional information about the cost and feasibility of end-of-course assessments and implementation timelines can be provided by prospective testing contractors.

   (d) The state board of education shall submit a report to the superintendent of public instruction and the education committees of the legislature by January 10, 2008, with findings from the examination under this subsection (2) and recommendations for changes to the high school Washington assessment in mathematics and science that implement the legislative intent expressed under subsection (1) of this section and a timeline for expedited implementation of the recommended changes no later than the 2010-11 school year.

   (e) If the state board of education finds that the legislative intent expressed under section (1) of this section cannot feasibly be implemented by the 2010-11 school year, the state board shall state the specific reasons for such a finding, along with supporting evidence, and recommend a revised timeline.  

   (3) This section expires June 30, 2008."

EFFECT: Describes legislative intent regarding the high school assessment system for math and science, including end-of-course assessments in at least Algebra I, Geometry, and Biology, and implementation of such a system by 2010-11 in order to apply to the class of 2013. Rather than require the State Board of Education to examine a number of possible changes to the WASL, one of which is end-of-course assessments, requires the Board's examination to be focused on implementation of this legislative intent. Requires a report from the Board by January 10, 2008, rather than December 1, 2008. States that if the Board finds the legislative intent cannot be implemented by 2010-11, the Board must state the reasons for such a finding and recommend a revised timeline.