Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Higher Education Committee

HB 1333

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 establishment of a systemwide credit policy regarding AP exams.

Sponsors: Representatives Stambaugh, Springer, Harris, Tarleton, Haler, Muri, Jinkins and Bergquist.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Requires the Student Achievement Council (Council) to establish an evidence-based system wide policy for granting undergraduate credit for AP exams.

  • Requires the credit policy to be posted on campuses effective for the fall 2017 academic term.

  • Requires the Council to conduct biannual reviews of the credit policy and to report noncompliance to the Legislature annually, beginning November 1, 2019.

Hearing Date: 1/31/17

Staff: Megan Mulvihill (786-7304).

Background:

The AP program is administered by the College Board and offers around 40 AP classes. AP classes are considered college-level courses, but are taught in high school. At the end of the AP class, an exam is issued to students in May each year to measure their preparedness. The exams are usually a combination of multiple choice and free-response questions. If a student scores well, the student may earn college credit or have the option to opt-out of an introductory college course. Each post secondary institution makes its own decisions about awarding credit for AP exams and most have a written policy about minimum required scores and how many credits may be applied. Overall, a minimum score of three or higher is required to earn credit, but this varies by subject.

Summary of Bill:

The Student Achievement Council (Council) must establish an evidence-based system wide policy for granting undergraduate course credits to students who earn minimum scores of three on AP exams. The credit policy for all AP exams must be posted on campus web sites effective for the 2017 fall academic term. In addition, the Council must conduct biannual reviews of the system wide AP credit policy and report noncompliance to the appropriate committees of the Legislature by November 1st each year, beginning November 1, 2019.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on 01/17/2017.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.