WSR 13-17-077

PREPROPOSAL STATEMENT OF INQUIRY

[Filed August 16, 2013, 2:14 p.m.]

Subject of Possible Rule Making: Adoption of rules, or amendment of existing rules, necessary to establish a state accountability framework as specified in E2SSB 5329 (chapter 159, Laws of 2013), and amendment of certain state board of education rules for increased clarity and alignment with current statute. Rules to be amended include chapter 180-17 WAC, Accountability, WAC 180-51-115 Procedures for granting high school graduation credits for students with special educational needs, 180-51-001 Education reform vision, and 180-51-075 Social studies requirement—Mandatory courses—Equivalencies.

Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: The statutory authority for rules on the state accountability framework is RCW 28A.657.110 as amended by chapter 159, Laws of 2013; for the other rules, statutory authority is RCW 28A.230.060, 28A.230.090, and 28A.230.170.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Rules on establishment of a state accountability framework are required by E2SSB 5329. In addition, some state board of education rules require amendment to clarify practice and align with current statute.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: Aspects of the state accountability system are also regulated by the office of the superintendent of public instruction (OSPI). State board of education staff will meet regularly with OSPI staff to coordinate rule making.

Process for Developing New Rule: The state board of education will solicit comment on proposed rules from school district boards of directors, education organizations, OSPI, parents, teachers and other interested parties. The state board of education and OSPI consults regularly with the achievement and accountability workgroup composed of representatives of government agencies, educational associations and organizations, and the state ethnic commissions.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Linda Drake, Senior Policy Analyst, Washington State Board of Education, Old Capitol Building, Room 253, P.O. Box 47206, Olympia, WA 98504. Interested parties are encouraged to submit comments in writing to linda.drake@k12.wa.us.

August 6, 2013

Ben Rarick

Executive Director