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Graduation pathway options have replaced the explicit link between the state assessment and graduation. The Washington State Board of Education (SBE) today adopted rules regarding graduation requirements at a public meeting in Bremerton. In addition, the rules update the High School and Beyond Plan, and clarify and update credit graduation requirements to align with statute and practice.
“The Board is pleased to announce the adoption of these rules following a thoughtful and comprehensive rulemaking process, wherein we received over 450 comments from educators, school district administrators, legislators, parents and more,” said State Board of Education Chair, Peter Maier. “The scope, volume, and sometimes intensity of this feedback process shows that our state cares deeply about public education and student pathways to meaningful futures.”
The Board’s rules adoption followed a public meeting in Bremerton on November 6-7 and a Public Hearing on October 24 in Olympia and three sites in Vancouver, Spokane, and Yakima. SBE began engaging the public on rules in June following the passage of Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill 1599. See the rulemaking timeline for more information on outreach of draft rules on SBE’s blog.
The adopted rules included amendments that are responsive to the feedback SBE received since the rules were proposed.
“We are honored by the responsibility entrusted to us by the Legislature and believe that because of the feedback we have received, the adopted rules can help to improve Washington’s education system for students,” said Chair Maier. “As we actively seek to identify and eliminate biases and barriers to student success, we commit to continually engage the public so we can provide actionable data about graduation pathway options to decision makers at the Capitol.”
Following adoption of these rules, SBE will produce reports and recommendations on the adequacy and equity of the pathway options (as directed by the Legislature). SBE will provide data on the use of all pathway options, and survey focus groups around the state to gather feedback that will inform reporting. People interested in participating in a focus group regarding graduation pathway options, can submit contact information online.
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