HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 1050
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 Reported by House Committee On:
Education
Title: An act relating to allowing certain students with disabilities to participate in graduation ceremonies.
Brief Description: Allowing certain students with disabilities to participate in graduation ceremonies.
Sponsors: Representatives Upthegrove, Quall, Kagi, Pedersen, Morrell, Kenney, P. Sullivan, Jarrett, Simpson, Wallace, Cody, McDermott, Linville, Moeller, Morris, Springer, Wood, Santos, Schual-Berke, Williams, Ormsby and Hasegawa.
Brief History:
Education: 1/23/07, 2/23/07 [DPS].
Brief Summary of Substitute Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION
Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 9 members: Representatives Quall, Chair; Barlow, Vice Chair; Priest, Ranking Minority Member; Anderson, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Haigh, McDermott, Roach, Santos and P. Sullivan.
Staff: Sarah Ream (786-7303).
Background:
The State Board of Education (SBE) determines the minimum state high school graduation
requirements. School districts may adopt additional graduation requirements.
Students are generally assigned an expected graduation year based on the year they begin
ninth grade. However, students receiving special education services are assigned an expected
year of graduation in the year they turn 16 based on the students' Individualized Education
Program (IEP).
School districts must adopt written policies and procedures for meeting the unique needs of
students receiving special education services. These procedures must allow special education
students to remain in school until the student graduates or reaches age 21. As a result, a
student's IEP may provide for the student to continue in high school beyond the student's
fourth year.
Summary of Substitute Bill:
Students receiving special education services who have IEPs providing for special education
or related services beyond the fourth year of high school, who have met a majority of their
IEP goals, and who have attended four years of high school, shall be allowed to participate in
commencement exercises with their graduating class.
Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:
Students must also have met a majority of their IEP goals before being permitted to
participate in commencement exercises with their graduating class.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date of Substitute Bill: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) Participating in high school graduation ceremonies is an important milestone in a
student's life and is important to the student's family. Parents are often heartbroken and
incredulous when they learn their child may not be able to walk with his or her peers.
Districts are better at integrating special education students into the school, so students view
themselves as part of their peer group. Walking with the students' class is very important
socially for students receiving special education services and helps them feel accepted.
Transition services should continue to be available to eligible students receiving special
education services even if they participate in the graduation ceremonies. This bill does not
change the graduation requirements, but simply allows eligible students to participate in
graduation ceremonies.
(Opposed) Districts should continue to have local control over the requirements students
must meet to participate in graduation ceremonies. In a survey of principals, 95 percent
support requiring achievement of all graduation requirements before a student is allowed to
walk in the graduation ceremony. Walking is not just a social event, but a sign of
achievement.
Persons Testifying: Representative Upthegrove, prime sponsor; Emily J. Rogers, Arc of Washington; Kenneth R. Larson, People First of Washington and Sail Coalition; Kimmen Gorden, People first of Washington; Diana Stadden, Pierce County Coalition for Developmental Disability; Stacy Gillett, Dussanet Law Group; Kevin, Kathy, and Howard Britt; Christie Perkins, Washington State Special Education Coalition; and Jerry Bender, Association of Washington School Principals.