Washington graduation test rules up for debate

OLYMPIA — The State Board of Education and the superintendent of public instruction want Washington lawmakers to reconsider which tests are required for high school graduation.

The new debate comes as Washington and other states are transitioning toward new high school exams connected to the new national common core standards.

Superintendent Randy Dorn told The News Tribune it’s a fairness, logistical and financial issue. Under the current plan, schools will have to give both the old tests and the new ones over the next few years. Dorn says that will cause logistical issues and confusion.

The new tests are designed to test whether students are ready for college, which Dorn says is a much higher standard than basic high school proficiency.

He estimates the state could save $30 million during the next two-year budget cycle by giving just one set of tests.

“The double-testing is a problem. Having two standards is a problem,” Dorn said Thursday.

Dorn’s proposal, which is included in the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction’s agency budget request, would need the Legislature’s approval to move forward.

Meanwhile, the state Board of Education voted late last week to recommend that the Legislature eliminate the biology test as a requirement for high school graduation.

This year’s seniors are the first group of Washington high school students who are being required to pass the biology end-of-course exam or an approved alternative to earn a high school diploma.

The board’s executive director says the state board does not share Dorn’s belief that the Legislature should stop requiring passage of any state tests for graduation.

Board chairwoman Isabel Munoz-Colon says the board wants the state to focus on implementing comprehensive new science standards instead of focusing just on biology.

The board voted unanimously on Friday to advise the Legislature to stop using performance on the biology test as a graduation requirement.