Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Higher Education Committee |
HB 2285
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. |
Brief Description: Requiring a review of institution of higher education policies related to dual credit coursework.
Sponsors: Representatives Orwall, Dahlquist, Haigh, Magendanz, Lytton, Stonier, Santos, Bergquist, Seaquist, Zeiger, Ryu, Carlyle and Pollet.
Brief Summary of Bill |
|
Hearing Date: 1/22/14
Staff: Megan Wargacki (786-7194).
Background:
There are a number of programs that provide high school students the opportunity to earn both high school and college credit. For example:
Advanced Placement (AP) courses are recognized by the College Board as having college-level curricula. If students achieve a certain score on the AP course exam, most higher education institutions will award college credit.
International Baccalaureate (IB) is a series of academically rigorous courses, activities, and examinations. Students may take individual courses, or attempt to complete an IB diploma based on the full program. Like the AP, college credit is based on exam scores.
The Cambridge Program is similar to the IB in offering an internationally recognized rigorous set of courses and examinations.
The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) is a state agency that provides strategic planning, oversight, and advocacy to support increased student success and higher levels of educational attainment in the state of Washington.
Summary of Bill:
The WSAC must review policies related to providing students college credit for dual credit courses, including: the AP, the IB, and Cambridge.
The review must identify:
the major policy differences in awarding dual credit among institutions of higher education;
best practices in awarding dual credit; and
whether each institutions' policies apply equally to all dual credit programs.
By December 1, 2014, the WSAC must make recommendations to the Legislature regarding the steps that should be taken to improve the practices of the higher education institutions.
This section expires August 1, 2015.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.