HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 2781
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in
their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a
statement of legislative intent.
As Amended by the Senate
Title: An act relating to enhancing Washington state history and government course requirements for high school graduation.
Brief Description: Enhancing Washington state history and government course requirements for high school graduation.
Sponsors: By Representatives Wallace, Chase, Sells, Conway, Morrell, Haigh, Hankins and Santos.
Brief History:
Education: 1/29/08, 2/1/08 [DP].
Floor Activity:
Passed House: 2/15/08, 91-0.
Senate Amended.
Passed Senate: 3/4/08, 48-0.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 7 members: Representatives Quall, Chair; Barlow, Vice Chair; Haigh, Liias, Roach, Santos and Sullivan.
Minority Report: Without recommendation. Signed by 2 members: Representatives Priest, Ranking Minority Member; Anderson, Assistant Ranking Minority Member.
Staff: Cece Clynch (786-7195).
Background:
High school graduation requirements are established by the State Board of Education.
Current graduation requirements include two and one-half credits in social studies. At least
one credit of this total must cover U.S. history and government, and one-half credit is
required in Washington history and government. Study of the U.S. and Washington
Constitutions is a requisite part of these courses. State law encourages, but does not require,
that the Washington history and government course include information about the history,
culture, and government of the American Indian people.
Beginning with the 2008-09 school year, students in the 11th or 12th grades must complete at
least one classroom based assessment in civics.
Summary of Bill:
Beginning with the 2009-10 school year, school districts are required to ensure that
Washington history and government courses include the following content:
EFFECT OF SENATE AMENDMENT(S):
The amendment encourages educators to incorporate instruction on the meaning and history
of the pledge of allegiance into existing coursework on state politics. The amendment also
requires the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction to adopt rules to provide
guidance for complying with the provisions regarding teaching about the federal and state
constitutions and the pledge of allegiance.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) Students want Washington history and geography courses to be more relevant.
Already, the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction has drafted new modules for
these courses. It is important that these courses go beyond teaching about Lewis and Clark
and the fur traders. Students should also learn about Washington's government, geography,
and Constitution. Future students will be better prepared if they understand the state's place
in the global economy.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Representative Wallace, prime sponsor; and Patti McMaster, Corina Popescu, Dom Harris, Sarah Lopez, Jon Egan, and Katitlin Sandin, Evergreen High School.