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ENGROSSED SUBSTITUTE HOUSE BILL 1050
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State of Washington60th Legislature2007 Regular Session

By House Committee on Education (originally sponsored by 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)

READ FIRST TIME 02/28/07.   



     AN ACT Relating to allowing certain students with disabilities to participate in graduation ceremonies; adding a new section to chapter 28A.155 RCW; and creating new sections.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The legislature finds that:
     (1) There are students with disabilities throughout the state of Washington who have attended four years of high school but whose individualized education programs prescribe the continuation of special education and related services beyond the fourth year of high school;
     (2) Through their participation in the public schools and the community, students with disabilities frequently become identified with and connected to a group of peers who will graduate in four years and participate in a high school graduation ceremony;
     (3) A high school graduation ceremony is an important rite of passage for all students regardless of their abilities or limitations;
     (4) There is significant value in recognizing students' attendance and accomplishments in their individualized education programs; and
     (5) There is significant value in allowing students with disabilities to participate in high school graduation ceremonies and activities with their peers, regardless of their continuing enrollment in special education and related services.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 28A.155 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) By September 1, 2007, each school district that operates a high school shall permit any student meeting the following criteria to participate in commencement exercises with the student's graduating class and be recognized for their accomplishments:
     (a) The student is receiving services under this chapter;
     (b) The student's individualized education program prescribes continued special education or related services beyond the fourth year of high school; and
     (c) The student has attended four years of high school.
     (2) A student's participation in commencement exercises under this section shall not affect the student's possible future receipt of a high school diploma, a certificate of individual achievement under RCW 28A.155.045, or a certificate of academic achievement under RCW 28A.655.061.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   This act shall be known as "Kevin's law" in honor of Kevin Britt.

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