Original Notice.

     Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 06-24-013.

     Title of Rule and Other Identifying Information: Chapter 180-51 WAC.

     Hearing Location(s): Department of Natural Resources, 1111 Washington Street, Room 172, Olympia, WA 98504, (360) 902-1000, on March 12, 2007, at 9:00 a.m.

     Date of Intended Adoption: March 13, 2007.

     Submit Written Comments to: Edie Harding, Executive Director, P.O. Box 47206, Olympia, WA 98504-7206, e-mail edie.harding@k12.wa.us, fax (360) 586-2357, by February 26, 2007.

     Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Pat Eirish, Program Manager, by February 26, 2007, TTY (360) 664-3631 or (360) 725-6030.

     Purpose of the Proposal and Its Anticipated Effects, Including Any Changes in Existing Rules: Clarification of graduation requirements contained in chapter 180-51 WAC and any technical amendments necessitated by HB 3098.

     Reasons Supporting Proposal: See above.

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 28A.230.090.

     Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.

     Name of Proponent: State board of education, governmental.

     Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting, Implementation and Enforcement: Edith Harding, State Board of Education, Olympia, Washington, (360) 725-6025.

     No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW.

     A cost-benefit analysis is not required under RCW 34.05.328. Not applicable.

January 23, 2007

Edith W. Harding

Executive Director

OTS-9481.1

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 00-23-032, filed 11/8/00, effective 12/9/00)

WAC 180-51-003   Intent of graduation requirements.   (1) The state board of education is responsible for establishing minimum high school graduation requirements that appropriately balance:

     (a) Statewide public expectations for all graduating students;

     (b) High, meaningful, and fair requirements every student can meet;

     (c) The unique characteristics of and differing resources among ((the two hundred ninety-six)) all school districts and ((over three hundred)) high schools in Washington; and

     (d) Recognition that some students' educational plans may not include college or may include application for admission to a postsecondary institution one year or more after being granted a high school diploma.

     (2) In order to support the continuing refinement of the standards and performance-based system of education, encourage and facilitate local innovation, and realize the vision under WAC 180-51-001, it is the intent of the state board of education to enact changes that will:

     (a) Align the statewide minimum high school graduation requirements with the goal of the basic education act under RCW 28A.150.210 and the mission of the common school system under WAC ((180-40-210)) 392-400-210;

     (b) Allow districts the optional discretion to define and award high school credit based on demonstrated performance that is not tied to a state minimum number of hours of instruction or instructional activities;

     (c) Assure that the essential academic learning requirements developed under RCW ((28A.655.060 (3)(a) and)) 28A.655.070(2) are taught in the high school curriculum;

     (d) Assure that students are aware of the connection between their education and possible career opportunities as referenced in RCW 28A.150.210(4) and WAC ((180-57-090)) 392-415-090; and

     (e) Assure that students are provided the opportunity to effectively prepare for the secondary Washington assessment of student learning and earn the certificate of ((mastery)) academic achievement required under RCW ((28A.655.060 (3)(c),)) 28A.655.061(2) recognizing that the certificate of ((mastery)) academic achievement, along with other state and local requirements, represents attainment of the knowledge and skills that are necessary for high school graduation.

     (3) It is the state board's view that the creative development and application of integrated curriculum within existing resources will significantly facilitate the implementation of the graduation requirements under WAC 180-51-061. The board strongly encourages districts to:

     (a) Implement curriculum that includes courses that incorporate the best applied, theoretical, academic or vocational features as authorized under RCW 28A.230.010;

     (b) Emphasize the integration of academic and vocational education in educational pathways as required under RCW 28A.655.060 (3)(c); and

     (c) Consider using the model curriculum integrating vocational and academic education as it is developed by the superintendent of public instruction under RCW 28A.300.235.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.230.090. 00-23-032, § 180-51-003, filed 11/8/00, effective 12/9/00.]

     (a) Three English credits (reading, writing, and communications) that at minimum align with grade level expectations for ninth and tenth grade, plus content that is determined by the district. Assessment shall include the 10th grade Washington assessment of student learning beginning 2008.

     (b) Two mathematics credits that at minimum align with mathematics grade level expectations for ninth and tenth grade, plus content that is determined by the district. Assessment shall include the 10th grade Washington assessment of student learning beginning 2008.

     (c) Two science credits (physical, life, and earth) that at minimum align with grade level expectations for ninth and tenth grade, plus content that is determined by the district. At least one credit in laboratory science is required which shall be defined locally. Assessment shall include the 10th grade Washington assessment of student learning beginning 2010.

     (d) Two and one-half social studies credits that at minimum align with the state's essential academic learning requirements in civics, economics, geography, history, and social studies skills at grade ten and/or above plus content that is determined by the district. The assessment of achieved competence in this subject area is to be determined by the local district although state law requires districts to have "assessments or other strategies" in social studies at the high school level by 2008-09. In addition, districts shall require students to complete a classroom-based assessment in civics in the eleventh or twelfth grade also by 2008-09. The state superintendent's office has developed classroom-based assessment models for districts to use (RCW 28A.230.095). The social studies requirement shall consist of the following mandatory courses or equivalencies:

     (i) One credit shall be required in United States history and government which shall include study of the Constitution of the United States. No other course content may be substituted as an equivalency for this requirement.

     (ii) Under the provisions of RCW 28A.230.170 and 28A.230.090, one-half credit shall be required in Washington state history and government which shall include study of the Constitution of the state of Washington and is encouraged to include information on the culture, history, and government of the American Indian people who were the first inhabitants of the state.

     (A) For purposes of the Washington state history and government requirement only, the term "secondary student" shall mean a student who is in one of the grades seven through twelve. If a district offers this course in the seventh or eighth grade, it can still count towards the state history and government graduation requirement. However, the course should only count as a high school credit if the academic level of the course exceeds the requirements for seventh and eighth grade classes and the course would qualify for high school credit, because the course is similar or equivalent to a course offered at a high school in the district as determined by the school district board of directors. (RCW 28A.230.090(4).)

     (B) The study of the United States and Washington state Constitutions shall not be waived, but may be fulfilled through an alternative learning experience approved by the local school principal under written district policy.

     (C) Secondary school students who have completed and passed a state history and government course of study in another state may have the Washington state history and government requirement waived by their principal. The study of the United States and Washington state Constitutions required under RCW 28A.230.170 shall not be waived, but may be fulfilled through an alternative learning experience approved by the school principal under a written district policy.

     (D) After completion of the tenth grade and prior to commencement of the eleventh grade, eleventh and twelfth grade students who transfer from another state, and who have or will have earned two credits in social studies at graduation, may have the Washington state history requirement waived by their principal if without such a waiver they will not be able to graduate with their class.

     (iii) One credit shall be required in contemporary world history, geography, and problems. Courses in economics, sociology, civics, political science, international relations, or related courses with emphasis on current problems may be accepted as equivalencies.

     (e) Two health and fitness credits that at minimum align with current essential academic learning requirements at grade ten and/or above plus content that is determined by the local school district. The assessment of achieved competence in this subject area is to be determined by the local district although state law requires districts to have "assessments or other strategies" in health and fitness at the high school level by 2008-09. The state superintendent's office has developed classroom-based assessment models for districts to use (RCW 28A.230.095).

     (i) The fitness portion of the requirement shall be met by course work in fitness education. The content of fitness courses shall be determined locally under WAC 180-51-025. Suggested fitness course outlines shall be developed by the office of the superintendent of public instruction. Students may be excused from the physical portion of the fitness requirement under RCW 28A.230.050. Such excused students shall be required to substitute equivalency credits in accordance with policies of boards of directors of districts, including demonstration of the knowledge portion of the fitness requirement.

     (ii) "Directed athletics" shall be interpreted to include community-based organized athletics.

     (f) One arts credit that at minimum is aligned with current essential academic learning requirements at grade ten and/or above plus content that is determined by the local school district. The assessment of achieved competence in this subject area is to be determined by the local district although state law requires districts to have "assessments or other strategies" in arts at the high school level by 2008-09. The state superintendent's office has developed classroom-based assessment models for districts to use (RCW 28A.230.095). The essential content in this subject area may be satisfied in the visual or performing arts.

     (g) One credit in occupational education. "Occupational education" means credits resulting from a series of learning experiences designed to assist the student to acquire and demonstrate competency of skills under student learning goal four and which skills are required for success in current and emerging occupations. At a minimum, these competencies shall align with the definition of an exploratory course as proposed or adopted in the career and technical education program standards of the office of the superintendent of public instruction. The assessment of achieved competence in this subject area is determined at the local district level.

     (h) Five and one-half electives: Study in a world language other than English or study in a world culture may satisfy any or all of the required electives. The assessment of achieved competence in these subject areas is determined at the local district level.

     (i) Each student shall complete a culminating project for graduation. The project shall consist of the student demonstrating both their learning competencies and preparations related to learning goals three and four. Each district shall define the process to implement this graduation requirement, including assessment criteria, in written district policy.

     (j) Each student shall attain a certificate of academic achievement or certificate of individual achievement. The 10th grade Washington assessment of student learning and Washington alternate assessment system shall determine attainment.

     (2) State board of education approved private schools under RCW 28A.305.130(((6))) (5) may, but are not required to, align their curriculums with the state learning goals under RCW 28A.150.210 or the essential academic learning requirements under RCW ((28A.665.060)) 28A.655.070.

((Subject Area	Essential Content	Minimum State Credits1	Assessment Includes
English • Reading • Writing • Communications (Student Learning Goal 1)	The Essential Academic Learning Requirements through benchmark three, plus content that is determined by the district to be beyond benchmark three level content	3	Secondary WASL (beginning 2008)
Mathematics (Student Learning Goal 2)	The Essential Academic Learning Requirements through benchmark three, plus content that is determined by the district to be beyond benchmark three level content	2	Secondary WASL (beginning 2008)
Science • Physical • Life • Earth (Student Learning Goal 2)	The Essential Academic Learning Requirements through benchmark three, plus content that is determined by the district to be beyond benchmark three level content At least one credit in laboratory science, which shall be defined locally	2	Secondary WASL (beginning 2010)
Social Studies • Civics • History • Geography (Student Learning Goal 2)	The Essential Academic Learning Requirements through benchmark three, plus content that is determined by the district to be beyond benchmark three level content U.S. history and government, Washington state history and government, and including study of the U.S. and Washington state Constitutions2 Contemporary world history, geography, and problems3	2.5	The assessment of achieved competence in this subject area remains at the local level4
Health and Fitness 5 (Student Learning Goal 2)	The Essential Academic Learning Requirements through benchmark three, plus content that is determined by the district to be beyond benchmark three level content	2	The assessment of achieved competence in this subject area remains at the local level4
Arts (Student Learning Goal 2)	The Essential Academic Learning Requirements through benchmark three, plus content that is determined by the district to be beyond benchmark three level content May be satisfied in the visual or performing arts	1	The assessment of achieved competence in this subject area remains at the local level4
Occupational Education	"Occupational education" means credits resulting from a series of learning experiences designed to assist the student to acquire and demonstrate competency of skills under student learning goal four and which skills are required for success in current and emerging occupations. At a minimum, these competencies shall align with the definition of an exploratory course as proposed or adopted in the career and technical education program standards of the superintendent of public instruction.	1	The assessment of achieved competence in this subject area remains at the local level4
Electives(6)	See footnote # (6)	5.5	The assessment of achieved competence in this subject area remains at the local level4
TOTAL		19
Culminating Project7	See footnote # 7		The assessment of achieved competence in this subject area remains at the local level4
High School and Beyond Plan8	See footnote # 8		The assessment of achieved competence in this subject area remains at the local level4
Certificate of Academic Achievement or Certificate of Individual Achievement			Secondary WASL, Washington Alternate Assessment System (WAAS) (See RCW 28A.655.061)))

1	See WAC 180-51-050 for definition of high school credit.

2

The study of Washington state history and government is encouraged to include information on the culture, history, and government of the American Indian people who were the first inhabitants of the state. The study of the U.S. and Washington state Constitutions shall not be waived, but may be fulfilled through an alternative learning experience approved by the school principal pursuant to written district policy. Secondary school students who have completed and passed a state history and government course of study in another state may have the Washington state history and government requirement waived by their principal. For purposes of the Washington state history and government requirement only, the term "secondary school students" shall mean a student who is in one of the grades seven through twelve.

3	Courses in economics, sociology, civics, political science, international relations, or related courses with emphasis on current problems may be accepted as equivalencies.
4	Locally determined assessment means whatever assessment or assessments, if any, the district determines are necessary.

5

The fitness portion of the requirement shall be met by course work in fitness education. The content of fitness courses shall be determined locally pursuant to WAC 180-51-025. Suggested fitness course outlines shall be developed by the office of the superintendent of public instruction. Students may be excused from the physical portion of the fitness requirement pursuant to RCW 28A.230.050. Such excused students shall be required to substitute equivalency credits in accordance with policies of boards of directors of districts, including demonstration of the knowledge portion of the fitness requirement. "Directed athletics" shall be interpreted to include community-based organized athletics.

6	Study in a world language other than English or study in a world culture may satisfy any or all of the required electives.

7

Each student shall complete a culminating project for graduation. The project consists of the student demonstrating both their learning competencies and preparations related to learning goals three and four. Each district shall define the process to implement this graduation requirement, including assessment criteria, in written district policy.

8	Each student shall have an education plan for their high school experience, including what they expect to do the year following graduation.))

[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.230.090. 04-23-004, § 180-51-061, filed 11/4/04, effective 12/5/04; 04-04-092, § 180-51-061, filed 2/3/04, effective 3/5/04; 01-13-114, § 180-51-061, filed 6/20/01, effective 7/21/01; 00-23-032, § 180-51-061, filed 11/8/00, effective 12/9/00.]

     (a) The extension of time the student remains in school up to and including the school year in which such student reaches twenty-one years of age;

     (b) A special education program in accordance with chapter 28A.155 RCW if the student is eligible; and

     (c) Special accommodations for individual students, or in lieu thereof, exemption from any requirement in this chapter, if such requirement impedes the student's progress toward graduation and there is a direct relationship between the failure to meet the requirement and the student's limitation.

     (2) Unless otherwise prohibited by federal or state special education laws, such procedures may not provide for exemption from the certificate of ((mastery)) academic achievement graduation requirement under RCW 28A.655.060 (3)(c).

[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.230.090. 00-19-108, § 180-51-115, filed 9/20/00, effective 10/21/00. Statutory Authority: 1990 c 33. 90-17-009, § 180-51-115, filed 8/6/90, effective 9/6/90. Statutory Authority: Chapter 28A.05 RCW. 84-11-049 (Order 7-84), § 180-51-115, filed 5/17/84.]

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