Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS
Education Committee
HB 1079
Brief Description: Supporting remote testing options for students enrolled in online school programs.
Sponsors: Representatives Ortiz-Self, Rude, McEntire, Reed, Shavers, Callan, Simmons, Rule, Nance, Berg and Reeves.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Allows school districts to provide all students enrolled in online school programs the option to take statewide standardized tests remotely, beginning in the 2026-27 school year.
  • Requires the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction to develop, or review and update, test administration and security policies. 
Hearing Date: 1/27/25
Staff: Damian Morden-Snipper (786-7296) and Ethan Moreno (786-7386).
Background:

Public school students may enroll in online school programs available through their school district.  School districts must set policies and procedures for online learning addressing certain provisions, such as student eligibility, types of courses available, and the granting of high school credit. 

 

Washington public school students are required by state and federal laws to take annual standardized, statewide tests to assess their learning growth and the performance of public schools.  Students enrolled in online school programs are required to take the annual tests, and school districts bear the same responsibilities for administering the tests to online school program students as for traditional, in-person students.  Districts administer the tests in varying locations, including at designated testing centers throughout the state.
Summary of Bill:

Beginning in the 2026-27 school year, school districts with online school programs may provide all students in those programs the ability to take statewide assessments remotely.

 

The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) must develop, or review and update, assessment administration and security policies by April 1, 2026, to support remote testing, such as testing personnel qualifications, the maximum student-to-proctor ratio, and device and network requirements.  The OSPI is also required to review and revise rules as necessary to implement the remote testing provisions and is encouraged to consider utilizing pilot rule making when doing so.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 24, 2025.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.