The bill aims to support the implementation of competency-based education in Washington state by amending existing laws and establishing new guidelines. It introduces a definition of "competencies" and outlines the essential elements of "competency-based education," which emphasizes student empowerment, mastery-based progression, and equitable learning experiences. The bill mandates the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction to adopt rules by September 1, 2025, to authorize full-time enrollment funding for students in competency-based programs and requires the State Board of Education to design a process for identifying schools implementing such education.

Additionally, the bill amends RCW 28A.230.125 to require the development of a standardized high school transcript that accommodates both traditional and competency-based education formats. It also includes provisions for the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association to review rules that may affect student participation in competency-based education. The bill repeals the existing RCW 28A.300.810 related to the innovative learning pilot program and stipulates that if specific funding for the act is not provided by June 30, 2025, the act will be null and void.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 28A.230.125, 28A.300.810
Bill as Passed Legislature: 28A.230.125, 28A.300.810
Session Law: 28A.230.125, 28A.300.810