The bill seeks to improve high school graduation pathways in Washington State by introducing a performance-based assessment option alongside existing test-based and course-based methods. It recognizes the challenges faced by students and school districts, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and emphasizes the importance of individualized and relevant pathways that align with students' career and college aspirations. The state board of education is tasked with researching the implementation and effectiveness of these pathways to ensure equitable access for all students.

Key amendments include the establishment of a new section that promotes diverse graduation pathways, requiring school districts to provide comprehensive information about these options to students and families starting in sixth grade. The bill also mandates annual reporting on participation and completion rates, disaggregated by demographic factors such as gender, dependency status, homelessness, and multilingual/English learner status. If disparities are identified, districts must investigate and address the reasons behind them, promoting equity in educational outcomes and supporting diverse student populations. The bill has been approved by both the House and Senate and signed by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 28A.655.250, 28A.655.260
Bill as Passed Legislature: 28A.655.250, 28A.655.260
Session Law: 28A.655.250, 28A.655.260