- Overview
- Meeting Materials
- Other Materials
- Achievement Index
- Graduation Requirements
- Waivers
- BEA Compliance
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The Washington State Board of Education is responsible for strategic oversight of the public K-12 system. The 16 voluntary members (including both Governor-appointed and school-board elected members, the Superintendent of Public Instruction, and two student representatives), meet regularly to explore policy implications for our schools, to advocate for best practices, to engage the public in discourse about our education system, and to anticipate future challenges that lie ahead and provide strategies for how those challenges might be met. Our website contains links to all Board meeting materials (the second tab above) and other resources that will help the public gather, understand, and engage with the important work of the Board.
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| Board Meetings | Past Work Sessions
Note: No Work Sessions are Currently Running |
2012 Board Meetings
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2013 Board Meetings
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2011 Board Meetings table
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2010 Board Meetings
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2009 Board Meetings
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2008 Board Meetings
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1998-2007 Minutes
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Core 24/MHSD Work Sessions
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Systems Performance Accountability
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Math Work Session
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Science Advisory Work Sessions
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The State Board will issued flyers, graphics, media releases, and op-eds pertaining to our initiatives.
Additionally, newspapers and other sources will release material relating or referring to the Board's work. The table below represents this collection, which can be sorted by subject, date, and graphic/release.
| Subject | Date | Graphic/Release |
|---|---|---|
| {Subject} | {Date} | {Graphic/Release} |
2011 Achievement Index Announcement: In June 2012 (or earlier), we will be unveiling a web interface for the Achievement Index. We are confident this will increase the the accessibility and usability of the data. Until that point, the Achievement Index will be accessible via Excel, below. The Achievement Index (excel)
Information about the Achievement Index and the Washington Achievement Awards.
Information about the Washington Achievement Awards |
Background
In 2009, SBE partnered with the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) to create the Washington Achievement Index. Through the Measurement of Student Progress and the High School Proficiency Exams, as well as graduation data, the Index provides schools with a 'snapshot' of their achievement in language arts, math, science, and extended graduation rates. The Index takes into account improvement from the previous year and a school's relative performance compared to demographically similar schools.
What's new?
The Board adopted graduation requirements for the Class of 2016 at its November 2011 meeting. Districts needing additional time for implementation may seek an extension of the current Class of 2013 English, social studies, and elective credits requirements.
- An overview of the graduation requirements changes for the class of 2016 (pdf).
- An explanation of the process for districts seeking further time for implementation (pdf).
Why the change?
The state intends that graduation requirements prepare students for postsecondary education, gainful employment and citizenship (RCW 28A.150.220). SBE approved the Washington Career and College Ready Graduation Requirements in November 2010. These requirements are more likely to help students meet the state's intent, and to bring credit expectations of Washington students more in line with students in other states.
The Board took the first step in implementing career and college-ready graduation requirements with the adoption of several rule changes.
- A document comparing the 2013 and 2016 requirements (both in rule), and approved graduation requirements (not yet in rule) (pdf).
- A separate document contains references for the statistics cited in the comparison document (pdf).
The Details
On November 2011, the Board revised language in WAC 180-51-050 substituting a non time-based definition of a credit for the prior, time-based 150 instructional hours credit definition.
The Board also created WAC 180-51-067 for the graduating Class of 2016 and beyond. WAC 180-51-066 will continue to apply to students in the graduating Classes of 2013-2015. WAC 180-51-061applies to students in the graduating Classes of 2008-2012.
WAC 180-51-067 requires students to earn 20 credits, and includes the following changes from WAC 180-51-066.
- Increase English from 3 credits to 4 credits.
- Increase social studies from 2.5 credits to 3 credits; require .5 credit of civics, per RCW 28A.230.093.
- Decrease electives from 5.5 to 4 credits.
- Make successful completion of Washington State History and Government a non-credit requirement, allowing districts the flexibility to offer the course at the middle and/or high school level (see social studies (pdf).
- Clarify that the 2 credits of health and fitness includes .5 credits of health and 1.5 credits of fitness.
- Create a “two for one” policy that would enable students taking a CTE-equivalent course to satisfy two graduation requirements while earning one credit.
A Flexible Implementation Schedule
Based on extensive feedback received by the Board, both during the November 2011 meeting and in the months prior, the graduation requirements were modified to allow school districts to receive a two-year extension from the changes to the social studies and English credit requirements. This exemption period provides school districts additional time to plan for and implement the required changes. Districts seeking an extension must file a written resolution approved by the local school board, stating the district's rationale and specifying which requirement (additional English and/or social studies credits) it intends to delay. This resolution must be filed with the State Board of Education by June 1, 2012. The State Board does not need to approve the resolutions; it just needs to receive them. Districts seeking this extension shall maintain the English, social studies, and elective credits in effect under WAC 180-51-066 for the period of the exemption.
More Resources
- A memo explaining the resolution allowing the extension of the implementation (pdf). This same memo was sent to all affected districts.
- FAQ for the amendments to the social studies graduation requirements in WAC 180-51-066
- FAQ for the amendments to the definition of high school credit, WAC 180-51-050
- Feedback on Proposed Graduation Requirements, received prior to rule adoption (excel)
- 2011 Graduation Requirements District Comparison (excel)
Going Forward - Implementing a Career and College-Ready Graduation Requirements Framework The November 2011 rule revisions are a step toward the Board's November 2010 24-credit Career and College-Ready Graduation Requirements Framework. However, the Board moved forward only with changes that have no state fiscal impact, and maintained the total of 20 credits currently in rule. The Board will not advocate for full implementation of the 24 credit framework without adequate funding. The materials below provide an overview of the 24 credit framework the Board will eventually adopt into rule: Background: |
Handouts and Flyers (at a glance):
- An explanation of the process for districts seeking further time for implementation (pdf). This same memo was sent to all affected districts.
- An overview of the graduation requirements changes for the class of 2016 (pdf).
- A document comparing the 2013 (in rule), 2016 (soon to be published in rule), and approved graduation requirements (not yet in rule) (pdf).
- A separate document contains references for the statistics cited in the comparison document (pdf).
- FAQ for the amendments to the social studies graduation requirements in WAC 180-51-066 (pdf)
- FAQ for the amendments to the definition of high school credit, WAC 180-51-050
- Feedback on Proposed Graduation Requirements, received prior to rule adoption (excel)
- Concise Explanatory Statement on WAC 180-51-067 (pdf), Amendments to WAC 180-51-066 (pdf) and WAC 180-51-050 (pdf)
- 2011 Graduation Requirements District Comparison (excel)
WaKIDS Waivers FAQ and Application (doc) Note: Please save the document to your computer. Some users report problems when trying to open the link directly.
- Does my district need a waiver to implement WaKIDS?
If you are representing a state-funded all-day Kindergarten program, you may need to seek a waiver. The answer depends on how a district implements the family connection component.
A waiver is required if a district dedicates an entire school day to the family connection component and all Kindergarten students are not scheduled to attend. This requirement is driven not by State Board of Education policy but by the Legislature's definition of a school day (see Question 2 below).
A waiver is not required if a district conducts the family connection component over the course of multiple partial school days during which all Kindergarten students are scheduled to attend for at least part of a school day (e.g. late start, early release, half days).
2. Why would my district need a waiver when we are required by the Legislature to use WaKIDS?
Districts are required to provide 180 school days:
RCW 28A.150.203: "School day" means each day of the school year on which pupils enrolled in the common schools of a school district are engaged in academic and career and technical instruction planned by and under the direction of the school.Full-day parent/teacher conferences and the WaKIDS family connection component are not considered a school day toward the required 180 days because the statue provides that all pupils need to be engaged in academic and career and technical instruction on a given day.
3. Will we need to seek a waiver for WaKIDS annually?
Yes. Waivers will be granted for one year. However, the State Board of Education is working with the Legislature to develop a permanent solution so that districts do not have to continue to seek waivers for WaKIDS.
4. Does the family connection component count toward the required 1,000 instructional hours?
Yes.
RCW 28A.150.205: ""Instructional hours" means those hours students are provided the opportunity to engage in educational activity planned by and under the direction of school district staff, as directed by the administration and board of directors of the district, inclusive of intermissions for class changes, recess, and teacher/parent-guardian conferences that are planned and scheduled by the district for the purpose of discussing students' educational needs or progress, and exclusive of time actually spent for meals.
5. Where is the application and when is it due?
You can find the application here (doc). It is due June 29, 2012, for consideration at the July Board meeting. Note: Please save the document to your computer. Some users report problems when trying to open the link directly.Please submit all documents to jack.archer@k12.wa.us. If you have any other questions, staff at the State Board will be glad to help. Contact us at (360) 725-6025 or sbe@k12.wa.us.
Waiver rule revision update (link)
What is the definition of 'school day' and how does that relate to the waiver process?
School Day:
The legislature has defined a school day.
RCW 28A.150.203 (Effective on September 1, 2011)
"School day" means each day of the school year on which pupils enrolled in the common schools of a school district are engaged in academic and career and technical instruction planned by and under the direction of the school.
Under either definition, full-day parent teacher conferences are not considered a school day toward the required 180 days because the statute provides that all pupils need to be engaged in academic and career and technical instruction.
A late start, early release, or half day for parent teacher conferences is considered a school day toward the required 180 days.
Districts planning full day parent teacher conferences within a 180-day school year must apply for a waiver to be in compliance with the Basic Education Act. For more information contact Jack Archer at jack.archer@k12.wa.us or 360-725-6035.
| {column0} |
Waivers granted under Option 1, the permanent process (WAC 180-18-040 (1))
| District | # of Days | # of Years | Date Granted | Exp. Date | New or Renew |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| {District} | {ds11::#_of_Days} | {ds11::#_of_Years} | {Date_Granted} | {Exp._Date} | {New_or_Renew} |
Option 2 (Waivers granted under pilot process for efficiency & economy (RCW 28A.305.141)
| District | Student Population | # of_Years | Granted | Exp. Date | New or Renew |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| {District} | {Student_Population} | {ds12::#_of_Years} | {Granted} | {Exp._Date} | {New_or_Renew} |
Option 3 (pilot process) (WAC 180-18-050(3))
| District | # of Days | # of Years | Date Granted | Exp. Date | New or Renew |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| {District} | {ds13::#_of_Days} | {ds13::#_of_Years} | {Date_Granted} | {Exp._Date} | {New_or_Renew} |
Waivers granted from the credit-based graduation requirements of WAC 180-51-061 (1)(a) through (h) and WAC 180-51-066 (1)(a) through (h)
| District | School | #_of_Yrs._ | Granted_ | Exp._Date_ | New_or_Renew_ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| {District} | {School} | {ds1::#_of_Yrs._} | {Granted_} | {Exp._Date_} | {New_or_Renew_} |
Ensuring Compliance. . .
SBE collects compliance information annually online (through igrants, form package 600) from each school district in Washington State. The application must be completed by September 15 of each year.
Reporting on this form gives assurance to the State Board of Education (SBE) that school districts are in compliance with the minimum requirements of the Basic Education Act, as well as related requirements determined by the SBE.
The following statutory requirements must to be reported to the SBE:
- Kindergarten Minimum 180-day School Year (RCW 28A.150.220/WAC 180-16-215) – The Kindergarten program consists of no less than 180 half days, or the equivalent (450 instructional hours), per school year. If a school district schedules a kindergarten program other than 180 half days, the district shall attach an explanation of its kindergarten schedule in the form’s submission.
- Kindergarten Total Instructional Hour Offering (RCW 28A.150.220 /WAC 180-16-200) - The district makes available to students enrolled in Kindergarten at least a total instructional offering of four hundred fifty hours.
- Voluntary all-day Kindergarten (RCW 28A.150.220 / RCW 28A.150.315) – The school year for those schools receiving state support for all-day Kindergarten consists of at least 180 school days and 1,000 instructional hours.
- Grades 1-12 Minimum 180-Day School Year (RCW 28A.150.220 /WAC 180-16-215) - The school year is accessible to all legally eligible students and consists of at least 180 school days (or less in the case of granted waivers) for students in Grades 1-12.
- Grades 1-12 Total Instructional Hour Offering (RCW 28A.150.220 /WAC 180-16-200) - The district makes available to students enrolled in grades one through twelve at least a district-wide annual averageof one thousand hours.
Frequently Asked Question #1: What is included in instructional hours? Does lunch, recess, passing time, or conferences count toward the 1,000 instructional hours?
RCW 28A.150.205 defines instructional hours:
"Instructional hours" means those hours students are provided the opportunity to engage in educational activity planned by and under the direction of school district staff, as directed by the administration and board of directors of the district, inclusive of intermissions for class changes, recess, and teacher/parent-guardian conferences that are planned and scheduled by the district for the purpose of discussing students' educational needs or progress, and exclusive of time actually spent for meals.
Frequently Asked Question #2: What is the definition of a school day?
RCW 28A.150.203 defines a school day:
"School day" means each day of the school year on which pupils enrolled in the common schools of a school district are engaged in academic and career and technical instruction planned by and under the direction of the school.Under either definition, full-day parent teacher conferences are not considered a school day toward the required 180 days because the statute provides that all pupils need to be engaged in academic and career and technical instruction. A late start, early release, or half day for parent teacher conferences is considered a school day toward the required 180 days.
Districts planning full day parent teacher conferences within a 180-day school year must apply for a waiver to be in compliance with the Basic Education Act. For more information contact Jack Archer at jack.archer@k12.wa.us or 360-725-6035.Schools are also asked to submit their State High School Graduation requirements through iGrants, using the example table below, so that the SBE database is an accurate reflection of current district requirements.
- State High School Graduation Minimum Requirements (RCW 28A.230.090) (WAC 180-51-061) - All subject areas are aligned with the state's high school learning standards/essential academic learning requirements, and at a minimum, meet grades 9/10 grade level expectations. District high schools meet or exceed all state minimum graduation requirements. Districts will submit their graduation requirements through iGrants, using the example table below:
| Subject | District Requirements for the Class of 2013 | District Requirements for the Class of 2016 |
| English | ||
| Math | ||
| Social Studies | ||
| Science (at least one lab) | ||
| Arts | ||
| Occupational Education / CTE | ||
| Health and Fitness | ||
| World Languages | ||
| Electives | ||
| Other District Requirements |
For questions or if your school district is out of compliance with any of the requirements, please contact:
Jack Archer jack.archer@k12.wa.us)
Washington State Board of Education
Phone: (360) 725-6035