The bill seeks to reorganize and modernize the high school graduation requirements in Washington State, emphasizing the importance of a high school diploma as a marker of readiness for postsecondary education, employment, and citizenship. It introduces new requirements that include satisfying state board of education standards, credit and subject area requirements, and demonstrating career and college readiness through a high school and beyond plan. Notably, the bill removes the previous requirement for students to complete a culminating project for graduation. Additionally, it amends existing laws, such as RCW 28A.230.090, to require the state board of education to periodically reevaluate graduation requirements and report findings to the legislature.

The legislation also provides school districts with the authority to grant individual emergency waivers from credit and subject area requirements for students affected by emergencies, while mandating data collection on these waivers. It revises minimum instructional hours for various grade levels and emphasizes the alignment of high school curricula with vocational courses and apprenticeship opportunities. Furthermore, the bill mandates the state board of education to establish performance standards for 10th and 11th graders to demonstrate career and college readiness, ensuring transparency in assessment results. Overall, the bill aims to enhance educational opportunities and ensure equitable access to graduation pathways for all students while streamlining the legal framework governing these standards.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 28A.230.090, 28A.655.260, 28A.230.212, 28A.230.300, 28A.230.320, 28A.150.220, 28A.300.900, 28A.600.300, 28A.305.130
Bill as Passed Legislature: 28A.230.090, 28A.655.260, 28A.230.212, 28A.230.300, 28A.230.320, 28A.150.220, 28A.300.900, 28A.600.300, 28A.305.130
Session Law: 28A.230.090, 28A.655.260, 28A.230.212, 28A.230.300, 28A.230.320, 28A.150.220, 28A.300.900, 28A.600.300, 28A.305.130