HOUSE BILL REPORT

SHB 1734

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 Summary of Substitute Bill

Requires any college or university currently offering concurrent enrollment programs to be nationally accredited by academic year 2027-28.
Prohibits a college or university from offering concurrent enrollment programs if the college or university has not attained or is not pursuing national accreditation.
Requires colleges and universities offering concurrent enrollment programs to undergo state authorization if the program is not yet accredited beginning in academic year 2019-20.

Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 16 members: Representatives Hansen, Chair; Entenman, Vice Chair; Leavitt, Vice Chair; Van Werven, Ranking Minority Member; Gildon, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Graham, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Bergquist, Kraft, Mead, Paul, Pollet, Ramos, Rude, Sells, Slatter and Sutherland.

Background:

Concurrent Enrollment Programs.

College in the High School (CIHS) courses allow high school students to take college level curriculum. The CIHS programs are defined in contract between a high school and a college or university. Students who successfully complete a CIHS program course receive both high school credit and college credit. A CIHS course must fulfill general or major requirements at participating higher education institutions.

State Requirements for Concurrent Enrollment Program Accreditation.

In Washington, the Washington Administrative Code addresses CIHS standards. Current rule encourages National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP) accreditation and mandates, at a minimum, that, in lieu of accreditation, participating higher education institutions must provide evidence that they meet the most recent NACEP standards for students, curriculum, assessment, faculty, and evaluation. The NACEP is the sole accrediting body for concurrent enrollment partnerships. The NACEP works to ensure that college courses offered by high school teachers are as rigorous as courses offered by the sponsoring college campus.

Currently accredited programs include the University of Washington—UW in the High School, Eastern Washington University—EWU in the High School, and Everett Community College—CIHS. Several other colleges are currently pursuing NACEP accreditation.

Summary of Substitute Bill:

Any college or university offering concurrent enrollment program courses at a public high school or under the CIHS program must obtain accreditation by a national accrediting body for concurrent enrollment by the 2027-28 school year. Any college or university engaged in concurrent enrollment program courses at a public high school or under the CIHS program on or before the 2019-20 academic year that is not accredited must continue to meet the same quality and eligibility standards and obtain approval to offer concurrent enrollment program courses through procedures established in rules until accredited. After the 2027-28 school year, any college or university not accredited or without an active application pending may not offer a concurrent enrollment program course. New college and university concurrent enrollment program courses implemented after the 2019-20 academic year have seven years from the beginning of the first term of classes to apply for accreditation. Colleges and universities are encouraged to provide institutional resources to support the transition to accreditation.

"Public high school" and "concurrent enrollment program" are both defined.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

(In support) College in the High School programs allow low-income families to have access to college courses in high school, and this bill makes sure these courses have the same expectations and rigor as if the student was taking the course at a college. This is a step forward to ensure students are successful in their next step. Accreditation ensures the credits will transfer and the student will be adequately prepared for college courses.

An amendment removing CTE courses from the accreditation standard would be appreciated. The CTE courses need more time before being held to the accreditation standard. Requiring the CTE courses to be accredited would likely shutdown several opportunities for students, especially more rural and low-income students.

(Opposed) None.