(1) Definitions. The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter.

(a) Per WAC 180-51-015, references to "district" within this section means a school district, a charter school established under chapter 28A.710 RCW, a tribal compact school operated according to the terms of state-tribal education compacts authorized under chapter 28A.715 RCW, and community and technical colleges per WAC 180-51-015.

(b) Per E2SHB 1599 (section 301, chapter 252, Laws of 2019), "mastery-based learning" means:

(i) Students advance upon demonstrated mastery of content;

(ii) Competencies include explicit, measurable, transferable learning objectives that empower students;

(iii) Assessments are meaningful and a positive learning experience for students;

(iv) Students receive rapid, differentiated support based on their individual learning needs; and

(v) Learning outcomes emphasize competencies that include application and creation of knowledge along with the development of important skills and dispositions.

(2) Per WAC 180-51-050, a district may award credit to a student who demonstrates mastery on the state learning standards. If no state standard is available for a subject the district may award credit based on mastery of locally adopted standards.

(3) A district's written policy for awarding mastery-based credit must include:

(a) A provision that details how the district will ensure cultural responsiveness and equity in awarding of mastery-based credit. Each district shall maintain disaggregated student data and periodically review which subgroups of students are receiving mastery-based credit. If the district finds disproportionality among student groups receiving mastery-based credit, the district should be prepared to take appropriate actions to ensure equitable access to mastery-based credit opportunities.

(b) Which subjects or courses are eligible for mastery-based credit.

(c) Other methods allowable for a student to demonstrate proficiency and qualify for mastery credit, beyond what is established in subsection (4)(b) of this section for locally developed assessment options.

(4) Student demonstration of mastery: Student demonstration of mastery of the state's learning standards is not limited to standardized assessment results. Nothing in this section prohibits LEAs from developing additional methods to allow students to show proficiency and earn mastery-based credit, beyond what is included in this section. Districts who adopt a written policy for awarding mastery-based credit may make the following methods of earning mastery-based credit available to their students:

(a) State assessments in English language arts, math, and science, in accordance with RCW 28A.655.070;

(b) Local assessment options: Districts are encouraged to allow students to choose their assessment method from a variety of district-approved options. Additionally, districts may consider using standards-based grading for any local assessment approach to awarding credit. Local assessment options may include:

(i) Locally created written or oral test;

(ii) Written report by the student;

(iii) Student-designed portfolio of work;

(iv) Student presentation or oral defense of their learning in the course;

(v) Hands-on demonstration of knowledge and skills; or

(vi) A combination of assessment approaches, as defined by the district.

(c) Equivalency course of study: Students may receive credit for learning experiences outside of school that align to state learning standards, in accordance with WAC 392-410-300.

(d) Successful completion of next higher-level course: Districts may award credit for a course when the student successfully completes the next higher-level course in a sequence that includes a natural progression of the state learning standards from the previous course. Districts shall use the state or locally determined learning standards as their guide when making decisions regarding what courses should qualify.

(5) High school and beyond plan (HSBP): In accordance with WAC 180-51-220, a student's high school and beyond plan should reflect subject area requirements intended to be met, or that have been met, through mastery-based credit per WAC 180-51-220.