RCW ch. 28A.230 — Revised Code of Washington Chapter 28A.230 RCW — Compulsory Coursework And Activities

RCW 28A.230.005 Statement of student rights. (1)(a)(i) Each school district, charter school, and state-tribal education compact school shall develop student-focused educational and promotional materials that incorporate the statement of student rights provided by this section. A link to the materials must be made available on school district, charter school, and state-tribal education compact school websites, social media platforms, and other communication channels used by students. (ii) The materials described in this subsection must also be incorporated into civics education materials and resources provided to students in accordance with RCW 28A.230.094. (b) The office of the superintendent of public instruction shall make the statement of student rights available on its website and is encouraged to include the statement in materials provided under RCW 28A.230.150. (2) The statement of student rights is as follows: (a) Public school students are the beneficiaries of the foundational principles of individual liberty and equality, as established in the Declaration of Independence, and are entitled to numerous rights and protections under the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the state of Washington, and federal and state laws and regulations. (b) These rights and protections include, but are not limited to, the following: (i) The right to access an amply funded program of basic education, established pursuant to Article IX of the Constitution of the state of Washington, that provides an opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to meet state-established graduation requirements, which are intended to provide students with the opportunity to graduate with a meaningful diploma that prepares them for postsecondary education, gainful employment, and citizenship as established in RCW 28A.150.200; (ii) The right to learn in a safe, supportive learning environment, free from harassment, intimidation, or bullying and the right to file a complaint under RCW 28A.600.477 if they are subject to this behavior; (iii) The right to access an academic environment free of discrimination according to the provisions established in chapters 28A.640, 28A.642, and 49.60 RCW; (iv) The right to exercise constitutionally protected freedoms as established in the United States and Washington state Constitutions and as further interpreted in applicable case law including, but not limited to, the freedoms of speech, assembly, and exercise of religion; (v) The right, in accordance with RCW 28A.300.286 and 28A.600.010, to receive copies of all school policies and procedures related to students including, but not limited to: Student conduct; nondiscrimination rules; antiharassment, intimidation, and bullying rules; discipline rules and rules related to due process rights for disciplinary actions; and the opportunity to receive educational services; (vi) The right of students with qualifying disabilities to receive special education and related services that address their individual needs in accordance with federal law and chapter 28A.155 RCW; (vii) The right of youth to access education programs while residing in institutional education facilities, including adult correctional facilities, in accordance with RCW 28A.150.200 and chapters 28A.190 and 28A.193 RCW; (viii) The right of qualified students to use education facilities and services established under chapter 72.40 RCW and funded for the benefit of persons who are deaf, blind, or both; and (ix) The right to access academic courses and instructional materials with historically and scientifically accurate information that includes the histories, contributions, and perspectives of historically marginalized and underrepresented groups in accordance with RCW 28A.345.130. (3) The rights identified in this section are not intended to be a comprehensive delineation of student rights, the manner in which they are derived, or the associated legal limits, nor is this section intended to have any application to rights established in other titles or in other provisions of state and federal law. (4) For purposes of this section, "public schools" has the same meaning as in RCW 28A.150.010. (5) Nothing in this section creates a private right of action. [ 2025 c 369 s 202.] NOTES: Finding— RCW 28A.230.010 Course content requirements—Access to career and technical statewide equivalency courses—Duties of school district boards of directors—Waivers. (1) School district boards of directors shall identify and offer courses with content that meet or exceed: (a) The basic education skills identified in RCW 28A.150.210; (b) the graduation requirements under RCW 28A.230.090; (c) the courses required to meet the minimum college entrance requirements under RCW 28A.230.130; and (d) the course options for career development under RCW 28A.230.130. Such courses may be applied or theoretical, academic, or vocational. (2) Until September 1, 2021, school district boards of directors must provide high school students with the opportunity to access at least one career and technical education course that is considered a statewide equivalency course as determined by the office of the superintendent of public instruction under RCW 28A.700.070. (3) On and after September 1, 2021, any statewide equivalency course offered by a school district or accessed at a skill center must be offered for academic credit. (4) Students may access statewide equivalency courses at high schools, interdistrict cooperatives, skill centers or branch or satellite skill centers, or through online learning or applicable running start vocational courses. (5) On and after January 1, 2019, school district boards of directors of school districts with fewer than two thousand students may apply to the superintendent of public instruction for a waiver from the provisions of subsections (2) and (3) of this section under RCW 28A.230.015. [ 2019 c 221 s 1; 2018 c 177 s 302; 2014 c 217 s 103; 2003 c 49 s 1; 1990 c 33 s 237; 1984 c 278 s 2. Formerly RCW 28A.05.005.] NOTES: Finding— RCW 28A.230.015 Access to career and technical course waiver. (1) The superintendent of public instruction may grant a waiver from the provisions of RCW 28A.230.010(2) based on an application from a board of directors of a school district with fewer than two thousand students. (2) The state board of education may adopt rules establishing the criteria to evaluate the need for a waiver or waivers under this section. [ 2018 c 177 s 504.] NOTES: Effective dates— RCW 28A.230.020 Common school curriculum. All common schools shall give instruction in reading, handwriting, orthography, written and mental arithmetic, geography, the history of the United States, English grammar, visual and performing arts, physiology and hygiene with special reference to the effects of alcohol and drug abuse on the human system, science with special reference to the environment, and such other studies as may be prescribed by rule of the superintendent of public instruction. All teachers shall stress the importance of the cultivation of manners, the fundamental principles of honesty, honor, industry and economy, the minimum requisites for good health including the beneficial effect of physical exercise and methods to prevent exposure to and transmission of sexually transmitted diseases, and the worth of kindness to all living creatures and the land. The prevention of child abuse may be offered as part of the curriculum in the common schools. [ 2022 c 250 s 2; 2013 c 23 s 48; 2006 c 263 s 414; 1991 c 116 s 6; 1988 c 206 s 403; 1987 c 232 s 1; 1986 c 149 s 4; 1969 c 71 s 3; 1969 ex.s. c 223 s 28A.05.010. Prior: 1909 p 262 s 2; RRS s 4681; prior: 1897 c 118 s 65; 1895 c 5 s 1; 1890 p 372 s 45; 1886 p 19 s 52. Formerly RCW 28A.05.010, 28.05.010, and 28.05.020.] NOTES: Intent— RCW 28A.230.025 Comprehensive system of instruction and services in reading and early literacy—Curriculum components. (1) School districts are responsible for providing a comprehensive system of instruction and services in reading and early literacy to kindergarten through grade four students that is based on the degree of student need for additional support. Reading and early literacy systems provided by school districts must include: (a) Annual use of screening assessments and other tools to identify at-risk readers in kindergarten through grade four, such as the Washington kindergarten inventory of developing skills, the Washington state early learning and development guidelines for birth through grade three, the second grade reading assessment under RCW 28A.300.310, and locally used assessments and other tools; and (b) Research-based family involvement and engagement strategies, including strategies to help families and guardians assist in improving students' reading and early literacy skills at home. (2)(a) Beginning September 1, 2027, when a school district updates or purchases a curriculum related to early literacy, reading literacy, or writing literacy for use with any students in kindergarten through grade four, the new or updated curriculum must include at least the following essential components: (i) Language comprehension, including semantics, syntax, and knowledge building; (ii) reading and writing fluency; (iii) orthographic knowledge, including phonics and spelling; (iv) phonological awareness, including phonemic awareness; (v) vocabulary; and (vi) oral language development and proficiency. (b) The new or updated curriculum must also be: (i) Diagnostic of and responsive to individual student needs, including by being multisensory, multimodal, high quality, and culturally relevant; (ii) Evidence-aligned to established interdisciplinary literacy research and evidence-informed in its instructional design; (iii) Aligned with the state learning standard in English language arts, as the standard is adopted and periodically revised under RCW 28A.655.070; and (iv) Consistent with the teacher endorsement standards for literacy-related competencies adopted by the Washington professional educator standards board under RCW 28A.410.048. (3) To the extent possible without incurring undue financial or operational burden, school districts must implement curriculum purchased or updated under subsection (2) of this section consistent with the curriculum developer's guidance and school district policies, with the expectation of achieving full fidelity and sustainability over time. [ 2026 c 190 s 2; 2013 2nd sp.s. c 18 s 102. Formerly RCW 28A.320.202.] NOTES: Findings— RCW 28A.230.030 Students taught in English language—Exception. All students in the common schools of the state of Washington shall be taught in the English language: PROVIDED, That nothing in this section shall preclude the teaching of students in a language other than English when such instruction will aid the educational advancement of the student. [ 1969 c 71 s 4. Formerly RCW 28A.05.015.] RCW 28A.230.040 Physical education in grades one through eight. Every pupil attending grades one through eight of the public schools shall receive instruction in physical education as prescribed by rule of the superintendent of public instruction: PROVIDED, That individual pupils or students may be excused on account of physical disability, religious belief, or participation in directed athletics. [ 2006 c 263 s 415; 1984 c 52 s 1; 1969 ex.s. c 223 s 28A.05.030. Prior: 1919 c 89 s 1; RRS s 4682. Formerly RCW 28A.05.030, 28.05.030.] NOTES: Findings— RCW 28A.230.050 Physical education in high schools. All high schools of the state shall emphasize the work of physical education, and carry into effect all physical education requirements established by rule of the superintendent of public instruction: PROVIDED, That individual students may be excused from participating in physical education otherwise required under this section on account of physical disability, employment, or religious belief, or because of participation in directed athletics or military science and tactics or for other good cause. [ 2006 c 263 s 416; 1985 c 384 s 3; 1984 c 52 s 2; 1969 ex.s. c 223 s 28A.05.040. Prior: 1963 c 235 s 1, part; prior: (i) 1923 c 78 s 1, part; 1919 c 89 s 2, part; RRS s 4683, part. (ii) 1919 c 89 s 5, part; RRS s 4686, part. Formerly RCW 28A.05.040, 28.05.040, part.] NOTES: Findings— RCW 28A.230.055 Physical education programs—Annual review. (1) Beginning in the 2018-19 school year, all school districts must conduct an annual review of their physical education programs that includes: (a) The number of individual students completing a physical education class during the school year; (b) The average number of minutes per week of physical education received by students in grades one through eight, expressed in appropriate reporting ranges; (c) The number of students granted waivers from physical education requirements; (d) An indication of whether all physical education classes are taught by instructors who possess a valid health and fitness endorsement; (e) The physical education class sizes, expressed in appropriate reporting ranges; (f) The frequency with which physical education is provided to students; (g) An indication of whether there is sufficient dedicated gym space and sheltered areas to support the minimum amount of physical activity required of students by law or agency rule; (h) An indication of whether the physical education curriculum of the district addresses the Washington state K-12 learning standards; (i) An indication of whether, as a matter of policy or procedure, the district routinely modifies and adapts its physical education curriculum for students with disabilities; and (j) An indication of whether the district routinely excludes students from physical education classes for disciplinary reasons. (2) The results of the review required by this section must be submitted by the school district to the district's wellness committee and to the office of the superintendent of public instruction. The office of the superintendent of public instruction, upon receipt of the review data, must aggregate and analyze the data, summarize the information provided by each district, and post the summarized information, by district, on its website. (3) In fulfilling the requirements of this section, the K-12 data governance group established under RCW 28A.300.507 shall develop the data protocols and guidance for school districts in the collection of data to provide a clearer understanding of physical education instructional minutes and certification. [ 2017 c 80 s 1.] RCW 28A.230.060 Waiver of course of study in Washington's history and government. Students in the twelfth grade who have not completed a course of study in Washington's history and state government because of previous residence outside the state may have the requirement in RCW 28A.230.090 waived by their principal. [ 1991 c 116 s 7; 1969 ex.s. c 57 s 2; 1969 ex.s. c 223 s 28A.05.050. Prior: 1967 c 64 s 1, part; 1963 c 31 s 1, part; 1961 c 47 s 2, part; 1941 c 203 s 1, part; Rem. Supp. 1941 s 4898-3, part. Formerly RCW 28A.05.050, 28.05.050.] RCW 28A.230.070 AIDS education in public schools—Limitations—Program adoption—Model curricula—Student's exclusion from participation. (1) The life-threatening dangers of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and its prevention shall be taught in the public schools of this state. AIDS prevention education shall be limited to the discussion of the life-threatening dangers of the disease, its spread, and prevention. Students shall receive such education at least once each school year beginning no later than the fifth grade. (2) Each district board of directors shall adopt an AIDS prevention education program which is developed in consultation with teachers, administrators, parents, and other community members including, but not limited to, persons from medical, public health, and mental health organizations and agencies so long as the curricula and materials developed for use in the AIDS education program either (a) are the model curricula and resources under subsection (3) of this section, or (b) are developed by the school district and approved for medical accuracy by the office on AIDS established in *RCW 70.24.250. If a district elects to use curricula developed by the school district, the district shall submit to the office on AIDS a copy of its curricula and an affidavit of medical accuracy stating that the material in the district-developed curricula has been compared to the model curricula for medical accuracy and that in the opinion of the district the district-developed materials are medically accurate. Upon submission of the affidavit and curricula, the district may use these materials until the approval procedure to be conducted by the office of AIDS has been completed. (3) Model curricula and other resources available from the superintendent of public instruction may be reviewed by the school district board of directors, in addition to materials designed locally, in developing the district's AIDS education program. The model curricula shall be reviewed for medical accuracy by the office on AIDS established in *RCW 70.24.250 within the department of social and health services. (4) Each school district shall, at least one month before teaching AIDS prevention education in any classroom, conduct at least one presentation during weekend and evening hours for the parents and guardians of students concerning the curricula and materials that will be used for such education. The parents and guardians shall be notified by the school district of the presentation and that the curricula and materials are available for inspection. No student may be required to participate in AIDS prevention education if the student's parent or guardian, having attended one of the district presentations, objects in writing to the participation. (5) The office of the superintendent of public instruction with the assistance of the office on AIDS shall update AIDS education curriculum material as newly discovered medical facts make it necessary. (6) The curriculum for AIDS prevention education shall be designed to teach students which behaviors place a person dangerously at risk of infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and methods to avoid such risk including, at least: (a) The dangers of drug abuse, especially that involving the use of hypodermic needles; and (b) The dangers of sexual intercourse, with or without condoms. (7) The program of AIDS prevention education shall stress the life-threatening dangers of contracting AIDS and shall stress that abstinence from sexual activity is the only certain means for the prevention of the spread or contraction of the AIDS virus through sexual contact. It shall also teach that condoms and other artificial means of birth control are not a certain means of preventing the spread of the AIDS virus and reliance on condoms puts a person at risk for exposure to the disease. [ 1994 c 245 s 7; 1988 c 206 s 402. Formerly RCW 28A.05.055.] NOTES: *Reviser's note: RCW 28A.230.080 Prevention of child abuse and neglect—Written policy—Participation in and establishment of programs. (1) Every school district board of directors shall develop a written policy regarding the district's role and responsibility relating to the prevention of child abuse and neglect. (2) Every school district shall, within the resources available to it: (a) Participate in the primary prevention program established under RCW 28A.300.160; (b) develop and implement its own child abuse and neglect education and prevention program; or (c) continue with an existing local child abuse and neglect education and prevention program. [ 1990 c 33 s 238; 1987 c 489 s 6. Formerly RCW 28A.58.255.] NOTES: Intent— RCW 28A.230.085 Curriculum for prevention of sexual abuse on superintendent's website. Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the office of the superintendent of public instruction shall make the curriculum included under RCW 28A.300.160(1)(b) available on its website. [ 2018 c 64 s 4.] NOTES: Findings— RCW 28A.230.090 High school graduation requirements or equivalencies—Career and college ready graduation requirements and waivers—Reevaluation of graduation requirements. (1) In accordance with statutory authority of the state board of education provided in RCW 28A.305.130(4), the state board of education shall establish high school graduation requirements or equivalencies for students, except as provided in RCW 28A.230.122 and 28A.230.710 and except those equivalencies established by local high schools or school districts under RCW 28A.230.097. (2)(a) The state board of education shall adopt rules to implement the career and college ready graduation requirement proposal adopted under board resolution on November 10, 2010, and revised on January 9, 2014, to take effect beginning with the graduating class of 2019 or as otherwise provided in this subsection (2). The rules must include authorization for a school district to waive up to two credits for individual students based on a student's circumstances, provided that none of the waived credits are identified as mandatory core credits by the state board of education. School districts must adhere to written policies authorizing the waivers that must be adopted by each board of directors of a school district that grants diplomas. The rules must also provide that the content of the third credit of mathematics and the content of the third credit of science may be chosen by the student based on the student's interests and high school and beyond plan with agreement of the student's parent or guardian or agreement of the school counselor or principal, or as provided in RCW 28A.230.300(4). (b) School districts may apply to the state board of education for a waiver to implement the career and college ready graduation requirement proposal beginning with the graduating class of 2020 or 2021 instead of the graduating class of 2019. In the application, a school district must describe why the waiver is being requested, the specific impediments preventing timely implementation, and efforts that will be taken to achieve implementation with the graduating class proposed under the waiver. The state board of education shall grant a waiver under this subsection (2)(b) to an applying school district at the next subsequent meeting of the board after receiving an application. Graduation requirements established by the state board of education may not obligate students to complete a culminating project as a graduation prerequisite. (3) In accordance with the duties required by subsection (1) of this section, the state board of education shall also: (a) Periodically reevaluate the graduation requirements and shall report such findings to the legislature in a timely manner as determined by the state board of education; (b) Reevaluate the graduation requirements for students enrolled in vocationally intensive and rigorous career and technical education programs, particularly those programs that lead to a certificate or credential that is state or nationally recognized. The purpose of the evaluation is to ensure that students enrolled in these programs have sufficient opportunity to complete the program and earn the program's certificate or credential, and complete other state and local graduation requirements; and (c) Forward any proposed changes to graduation requirements to the education committees of the legislature for review. The legislature shall have the opportunity to act during a regular legislative session before proposed changes may be adopted by rule of the state board of education. Changes that have a fiscal impact on school districts, as identified by a fiscal analysis prepared by the office of the superintendent of public instruction, may take effect only if authorized and funded through the omnibus appropriations act or other enacted legislation. [ 2024 c 66 s 2; 2023 c 271 s 2; 2021 c 307 s 2; 2020 c 307 s 6; (2020 c 7 s 11 expired July 31, 2020); 2019 c 252 s 103; 2018 c 229 s 1; 2017 3rd sp.s. c 31 s 4; 2016 c 162 s 2; 2014 c 217 s 202; 2011 c 203 s 2. Prior: 2009 c 548 s 111; 2009 c 223 s 2; 2006 c 114 s 3; 2005 c 205 s 3; 2004 c 19 s 103; 1997 c 222 s 2; 1993 c 371 s 3; prior: 1992 c 141 s 402; 1992 c 60 s 1; 1990 1st ex.s. c 9 s 301; 1988 c 172 s 1; 1985 c 384 s 2; 1984 c 278 s 6. Formerly RCW 28A.05.060.] NOTES: Intent— RCW 28A.230.091 High school and beyond plans—Best practices. Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the office of the superintendent of public instruction shall work with school districts, including teachers, principals, and school counselors, educational service districts, the Washington state school directors' association, institutions of higher education that are authorized to participate in state financial aid programs under chapter 28B.92 RCW, students, and parents and guardians to identify best practices for high school and beyond plans that districts and schools may employ when complying with high school and beyond plan requirements adopted in accordance with RCW 28A.230.212 and 28A.230.215. The identified best practices, which must consider differences in enrollment and other factors that distinguish districts from one another, must be posted on the website of the office of the superintendent of public instruction by September 1, 2019, and may be revised periodically as necessary. [ 2023 c 271 s 6; 2018 c 229 s 2.] NOTES: Intent— RCW 28A.230.094 High school civics course. (1)(a) Beginning with or before the 2020-21 school year, each school district that operates a high school must provide a mandatory one-half credit stand-alone course in civics for each high school student. Except as provided by (c) of this subsection, civics content and instruction embedded in other social studies courses do not satisfy the requirements of this subsection. (b) Credit awarded to students who complete the civics course must be applied to course credit requirements in social studies that are required for high school graduation. (c) Civics content and instruction required by this section may be embedded in social studies courses that offer students the opportunity to earn both high school and postsecondary credit. (2) The content of the civics course must include, but is not limited to: (a) Federal, state, tribal, and local government organization and procedures; (b) Rights and responsibilities of citizens addressed in the Washington state and United States Constitutions, including the statement of student rights and materials delineated in RCW 28A.230.005; (c) Current issues addressed at each level of government; (d) Electoral issues, including elections, ballot measures, initiatives, and referenda; (e) The study and completion of the civics component of the federally administered naturalization test required of persons seeking to become naturalized United States citizens; and (f) The importance in a free society of living the basic values and character traits specified in RCW 28A.150.211. (3) By September 1, 2020, the office of the superintendent of public instruction, in collaboration with the Washington state association of county auditors and a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization engaged in voter outreach and increasing voter participation, shall identify and make available civics materials and resources for use in courses under this section. The materials and resources must be posted on the office of the superintendent of public instruction's website. [ 2025 c 369 s 203; 2020 c 208 s 9; 2018 c 127 s 2.] NOTES: Finding— RCW 28A.230.095 Essential academic learning requirements and assessments—Verification reports. (1) By the end of the 2008-09 school year, school districts shall have in place in elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools assessments or other strategies chosen by the district to assure that students have an opportunity to learn the essential academic learning requirements in social studies, the arts, and health and fitness. Social studies includes history, geography, civics, economics, and social studies skills. Health and fitness includes, but is not limited to, mental health and suicide prevention education. Beginning with the 2008-09 school year, school districts shall annually submit an implementation verification report to the office of the superintendent of public instruction. The office of the superintendent of public instruction may not require school districts to use a classroom-based assessment in social studies, the arts, and health and fitness to meet the requirements of this section and shall clearly communicate to districts their option to use other strategies chosen by the district. (2) Beginning with the 2008-09 school year, school districts shall require students in the seventh or eighth grade, and the eleventh or twelfth grade to each complete at least one classroom-based assessment in civics. Beginning with the 2010-11 school year, school districts shall require students in the fourth or fifth grade to complete at least one classroom-based assessment in civics. The civics assessment may be selected from a list of classroom-based assessments approved by the office of the superintendent of public instruction. Beginning with the 2008-09 school year, school districts shall annually submit implementation verification reports to the office of the superintendent of public instruction documenting the use of the classroom-based assessments in civics. (3) Verification reports shall require school districts to report only the information necessary to comply with this section. [ 2011 c 185 s 5; 2009 c 556 s 8; 2006 c 113 s 2; 2004 c 19 s 203.] NOTES: Effective date— RCW 28A.230.097 Career and technical high school course equivalencies. (1) Each high school or school district board of directors shall adopt course equivalencies for career and technical high school courses offered to students in high schools and skill centers. A career and technical course equivalency may be for whole or partial credit. Each school district board of directors shall develop a course equivalency approval procedure. Boards of directors must approve AP computer science courses as equivalent to high school mathematics or science, and must denote on a student's transcript that AP computer science qualifies as a math-based quantitative course for students who take the course in their senior year. (2) School district boards of directors must, at a minimum, grant academic course equivalency for at least one statewide equivalency high school career and technical course from the list of courses approved by the superintendent of public instruction under RCW 28A.700.070. (3)(a) If the list of courses is revised after the 2015-16 school year, the school district board of directors must grant academic course equivalency based on the revised list beginning with the school year immediately following the revision. (b) Each high school or school district board of directors may additionally adopt local course equivalencies for career and technical education courses that are not on the list of courses approved by the superintendent of public instruction under RCW 28A.700.070 as local equivalency courses in support of RCW 28A.700.070. (c) Approved local or state equivalency courses at any core, branch, or satellite skill center must be offered for academic credit to all students participating in courses at those sites. (4) On and after September 1, 2021, any statewide equivalency course offered by a school district or accessed at a skill center must be offered for academic credit. (5) Career and technical courses determined to be equivalent to academic core courses, in full or in part, by the high school or school district shall be accepted as meeting core requirements, including graduation requirements, if the courses are recorded on the student's transcript using the equivalent academic high school department designation and title. Full or partial credit shall be recorded as appropriate. The high school or school district shall also issue and keep record of course completion certificates that demonstrate that the career and technical courses were successfully completed as needed for industry certification, college credit, or preapprenticeship, as applicable. The certificate shall be part of the student's high school and beyond plan. The office of the superintendent of public instruction shall develop and make available electronic samples of certificates of course completion. (6) Prior to course scheduling or course registration for the next school term, each public school that serves students in any of grades nine through 12 must provide all students and their parents or legal guardians with information about the opportunities for meeting credit-based graduation requirements through equivalency courses, including those available within the school district or at a skill center. [ 2023 c 407 s 2; 2019 c 221 s 2. Prior: 2018 c 177 s 301; 2018 c 73 s 1; prior: 2014 c 217 s 204; 2014 c 217 s 102; 2013 c 241 s 2; 2008 c 170 s 202; 2006 c 114 s 2.] NOTES: Finding— RCW 28A.230.100 Rules implementing course requirements—Temporary exemptions and special alterations from requirements—Competency testing. (1) The superintendent of public instruction, in consultation with the student achievement council, the state board for community and technical colleges, and the workforce training and education coordinating board, shall adopt rules pursuant to chapter 34.05 RCW, to implement the course requirements set forth in RCW 28A.230.090. The rules shall include, as the superintendent deems necessary, granting equivalencies for and temporary exemptions from the course requirements in RCW 28A.230.090 and special alterations of the course requirements in RCW 28A.230.090. In developing such rules the superintendent shall recognize the relevance of vocational and applied courses and allow such courses to fulfill in whole or in part the courses required for graduation in RCW 28A.230.090, as determined by the high school or school district in accordance with RCW 28A.230.097. (2) The rules created under subsection (1) of this section must include provisions for: (a) Competency testing in lieu of such courses required for graduation in RCW 28A.230.090; (b) Competency testing in lieu of electives, including computer science electives created under RCW 28A.230.300, provided applicable state learning standards and equivalency requirements are met; and (c) Demonstration of specific skill proficiency or understanding of concepts through work or experience. [ 2019 c 180 s 3; 2012 c 229 s 504. Prior: 2006 c 263 s 402; 2006 c 114 s 4; 1991 c 116 s 8; 1990 c 33 s 239; 1985 c 384 s 1. Formerly RCW 28A.05.062.] NOTES: Findings— RCW 28A.230.120 High school diplomas—Issuance—Option to receive final transcripts—Notice. (1) School districts shall issue diplomas to students signifying graduation from high school upon the students' satisfactory completion of all local and state graduation requirements. Districts shall grant students the option of receiving a final transcript in addition to the regular diploma. (2) School districts or schools of attendance shall establish policies and procedures to notify senior students of the transcript option and shall direct students to indicate their decisions in a timely manner. School districts shall make appropriate provisions to assure that students who choose to receive a copy of their final transcript shall receive such transcript after graduation. (3)(a) A school district may issue a high school diploma to a person who: (i) Is a veteran of the armed forces of the United States with a qualifying discharge as defined in RCW 73.04.005; and (ii) Left high school before graduation to serve in World War II, the Korean conflict, or the Vietnam era as defined in RCW 41.04.005. (b) A school district may issue a diploma to or on behalf of a person otherwise eligible under (a) of this subsection notwithstanding the fact that the person holds a high school equivalency certification or is deceased. (c) The superintendent of public instruction shall adopt a form for a diploma application to be used by a veteran or a person acting on behalf of a deceased veteran under this subsection (3). The superintendent of public instruction shall specify what constitutes acceptable evidence of eligibility for a diploma. (4)(a) A school district, at the request of the parent, guardian, or custodian, may issue a posthumous high school diploma for a deceased student if the student: (i) Was enrolled in a public school of the district at the time of death; (ii) Was deemed on-track for graduation before the time of death; and (iii) Died after matriculating into high school. (b) A high school diploma issued under this subsection (4) must bear the inscription "honoris causa" and may not be issued before the graduation date of the class in which the student was enrolled. (c) Nothing in this subsection (4): (i) Obligates school districts to award a diploma for a deceased student at the same ceremony or event as other graduating students; or (ii) Limits the retroactive issuance of a high school diploma. (d) Diplomas issued under this subsection (4) may not be applied toward student graduation counts or for any other purpose of federal and state accountability data collection. [ 2024 c 146 s 10; 2022 c 224 s 2; 2008 c 185 s 1; 2003 c 234 s 1; 2002 c 35 s 1; 1984 c 178 s 2. Formerly RCW 28A.58.108.] NOTES: Intent— RCW 28A.230.122 International baccalaureate diplomas. (1) A student who fulfills the requirements specified in subsection (3) of this section toward completion of an international baccalaureate diploma programme is considered to have met the requirements of the graduation pathway option established in *RCW 28A.655.250(1)(b)(iv) and to have satisfied state minimum requirements for graduation from a public high school, except that the provisions of RCW 28A.230.170 regarding study of the United States Constitution and the Washington state Constitution apply to students under this section. (2) School districts may require students under this section to complete local graduation requirements that are in addition to state minimum requirements before issuing a high school diploma under RCW 28A.230.120. However, school districts are encouraged to waive local requirements as necessary to encourage students to pursue an international baccalaureate diploma. (3) To receive a high school diploma under this section, a student must complete and pass all required international baccalaureate diploma programme courses as scored at the local level; pass all internal assessments as scored at the local level; successfully complete all required projects and products as scored at the local level; and complete the final examinations administered by the international baccalaureate organization in each of the required subjects under the diploma programme. [ 2019 c 252 s 110; 2011 c 203 s 1.] NOTES: *Reviser's note: RCW 28A.230.125 Standardized high school transcripts. (1)(a) Before the 2026-27 school year, the superintendent of public instruction, in consultation with the four-year institutions as defined in RCW 28B.76.020, the state board for community and technical colleges, the state board of education, and the workforce training and education coordinating board, shall develop and update for use by all public school districts a standardized high school transcript. The superintendent shall establish clear definitions for the terms "credits" and "hours" so that school programs operating on the quarter, semester, or trimester system can be compared. (b) The standardized high school transcript must include a notation of whether the student has earned the Washington state seal of biliteracy established under RCW 28A.300.575. (2) Before the 2026-27 school year, the state board of education, in consultation with the four-year institutions as defined in RCW 28B.76.020, the state board for community and technical colleges, the office of the superintendent of public instruction, the Washington student achievement council, and the workforce training and education coordinating board, shall develop or identify and recommend to the office of the superintendent of public instruction a format for a competency-based education high school transcript that can be used by all public school districts as part of, or as an alternative to, the standardized high school transcript developed under subsection (1) of this section. (3) The office of the superintendent of public instruction must inform public school districts of updates to the transcripts developed under this section. (4) For the purposes of this section, "competency-based education" has the same meaning as in RCW 28A.255.010. [ 2025 c 278 s 5; 2024 c 202 s 5; 2019 c 252 s 111; 2014 c 102 s 3; 2011 1st sp.s. c 11 s 130; 2009 c 556 s 9. Prior: 2006 c 263 s 401; 2006 c 115 s 6; 2004 c 19 s 108; 1984 c 178 s 1. Formerly RCW 28A.305.220, 28A.04.155.] NOTES: Findings— RCW 28A.230.130 Program to help students meet minimum entrance requirements at baccalaureate-granting institutions or to pursue career or other opportunities—High school course offerings for postsecondary credit. (1) All public high schools of the state shall provide a program, directly or in cooperation with a community college or another school district, for students whose educational plans include application for entrance to a baccalaureate-granting institution after being granted a high school diploma. The program shall help these students to meet at least the minimum entrance requirements under RCW 28B.10.050. (2) All public high schools of the state shall provide a program, directly or in cooperation with a community or technical college, a skills [skill] center, an apprenticeship committee, or another school district, for students who plan to pursue career or work opportunities other than entrance to a baccalaureate-granting institution after being granted a high school diploma. These programs may: (a) Help students demonstrate the application of essential academic learning requirements to the world of work, occupation-specific skills, knowledge of more than one career in a chosen pathway, and employability and leadership skills; and (b) Help students demonstrate the knowledge and skill needed to prepare for industry certification, and/or have the opportunity to articulate to postsecondary education and training programs. (3) Within existing resources, all public high schools in the state shall: (a) Work towards the goal of offering a sufficient number of high school courses that give students the opportunity to earn the equivalent of a year's worth of postsecondary credit towards a certificate, apprenticeship program, technical degree, or associate or baccalaureate degree. These high school courses are those advanced courses that have accompanying proficiency exams or demonstrated competencies that are used to demonstrate postsecondary knowledge and skills; and (b) Inform students and their families, emphasizing communication to underrepresented groups, about the program offerings and the opportunities to take courses that qualify for postsecondary credit through demonstrated competencies or if the student earns the qualifying score on the proficiency exam. This information shall encourage students to use the twelfth grade as the launch year for an advance start on their career and postsecondary education. (4) A middle school that receives approval from the office of the superintendent of public instruction to provide a career and technical program in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics directly to students shall receive funding at the same rate as a high school operating a similar program. Additionally, a middle school that provides a hands-on experience in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics with an integrated curriculum of academic content and career and technical education, and includes a career and technical education exploratory component shall also qualify for the career and technical education funding. [ 2011 c 77 s 2; 2009 c 212 s 2; 2007 c 396 s 14; (2007 c 396 s 13 expired September 1, 2009); 2006 c 263 s 407; 2003 c 49 s 2; 1991 c 116 s 9; 1988 c 172 s 2; 1984 c 278 s 16. Formerly RCW 28A.05.070.] NOTES: Findings— RCW 28A.230.140 United States flag—Procurement, display, exercises—National anthem. The board of directors of every school district shall cause a United States flag being in good condition to be displayed during school hours upon or near every public school plant, except during inclement weather. They shall cause appropriate flag exercises to be held in each classroom at the beginning of the school day, and in every school at the opening of all school assemblies, at which exercises those pupils so desiring shall recite the following salute to the flag: "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all". Students not reciting the pledge shall maintain a respectful silence. The salute to the flag or the national anthem shall be rendered immediately preceding interschool events when feasible. [ 1981 c 130 s 1; 1969 ex.s. c 223 s 28A.02.030. Prior: (i) 1961 c 238 s 1; 1955 c 8 s 1; 1919 c 90 s 4; 1915 c 71 s 1; 1909 c 97 p 286 s 3; 1897 c 118 s 180; RRS s 4777. Formerly RCW 28.02.030. (ii) 1955 c 8 s 2; 1919 c 90 s 5; RRS s 4778. Formerly RCW 28A.02.030, 28.87.180.] NOTES: Display of national and state flags: RCW 1.20.015. RCW 28A.230.150 Temperance and Good Citizenship Day—Aids in programming—Voter registration—Report. (1) On January 16th of each year or the preceding Friday when January 16th falls on a nonschool day, there shall be observed within each public school "Temperance and Good Citizenship Day." Annually the state superintendent of public instruction shall duly prepare and publish for circulation among the teachers of the state a program for use on such day embodying topics pertinent thereto and may from year to year designate particular laws for special observance. (2) Each year on "Temperance and Good Citizenship Day," social studies teachers must, as resources allow, coordinate a voter registration event in each history or social studies class attended by high school seniors. This event is part of the future voter program. Teachers must make voter sign up and registration available to all students. (3) County auditors may, as resources allow, help coordinate elements of the future voter program, and participate in voter registration events for students on "Temperance and Good Citizenship Day." (4) On each temperance and good citizenship day all students who will be eighteen years of age or older by the time of the next general election will be given the opportunity to register to vote online in the classroom. Paper registration must also be made available in the classroom. Students who do not possess a state identicard or driver's license must be provided a paper registration form. The event must include adequate time for students to complete the registration process in class. (5) The superintendent of public instruction, in consultation with the secretary of state, must update and distribute youth voter registration materials annually, by December 1st, for eligible students to register to vote at school. Electronic notification of the availability of the materials must be distributed to high school principals and secondary social studies and history teachers. (6) The superintendent of public instruction must consult with the secretary of state to provide registration methods that enable the electronic collection of information on the number of students who registered to vote on "Temperance and Good Citizenship Day," with the goal of achieving at least fifty thousand new voter registrations for seventeen and eighteen year olds annually, beginning in January 2020. (7) Beginning March 1, 2020, and annually thereafter, the superintendent of public instruction must report on yearly progress toward the goal established in *subsection (5) of this section, including the number of seventeen and eighteen year olds registered to vote by county and recommendations for increasing youth voter registration, to the governor and the appropriate standing committees of the legislature in accordance with RCW 43.01.036. (8) For the purposes of this section: (a) "Future voter program" refers to the information that may be collected by a number of processes about a future voter. Information that is otherwise disclosable under chapter 29A.08 RCW cannot be disclosed on the future voter until the person reaches age eighteen, except for the purpose of processing and delivering ballots. (b) "Sign up" means the act of providing information relevant to eventual official voter registration, prior to such time that he or she will be eighteen years of age by the next election. [ 2018 c 109 s 3; 1969 ex.s. c 223 s 28A.02.090. Prior: (i) 1923 c 76 s 1; RRS s 4901-1. (ii) 1923 c 76 s 2; RRS s 4901-2. Formerly RCW 28A.02.090, 28.02.090, and 28.02.095.] NOTES: *Reviser's note: RCW 28A.230.158 Disability history month—Activities. Annually, during the month of October, each public school shall conduct or promote educational activities that provide instruction, awareness, and understanding of disability history and people with disabilities. The activities may include, but not be limited to, school assemblies or guest speaker presentations. [ 2008 c 167 s 3.] NOTES: Short title— RCW 28A.230.160 Educational activities in observance of Veterans Day. During the school week preceding the eleventh day of November of each year, there shall be presented in each common school as defined in RCW 28A.150.020 educational activities suitable to the observance of Veterans Day. The responsibility for the preparation and presentation of the activities approximating at least sixty minutes total throughout the week shall be with the principal or head teacher of each school building and such program shall embrace topics tending to instill a loyalty and devotion to the institutions and laws of this state and nation. The superintendent of public instruction and each educational service district superintendent, by advice and suggestion, shall aid in the preparation of these activities if such aid be solicited. [ 1990 c 33 s 241; 1985 c 60 s 1; 1977 ex.s. c 120 s 2; 1975 1st ex.s. c 275 s 45; 1970 ex.s. c 15 s 12. Prior: 1969 ex.s. c 283 s 24; 1969 ex.s. c 176 s 101; 1969 ex.s. c 223 s 28A.02.070; prior: 1955 c 20 s 3; prior: (i) 1939 c 21 s 1; 1921 c 56 s 1; RRS s 4899. (ii) 1921 c 56 s 2; RRS s 4900. (iii) 1921 c 56 s 3; RRS s 4901. Formerly RCW 28A.02.070, 28.02.070.] NOTES: Severability— RCW 28A.230.170 Study of constitutions compulsory—Rules. The study of the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the state of Washington shall be a condition prerequisite to graduation from the public and private high schools of this state. The superintendent of public instruction shall provide by rule for the implementation of this section. The superintendent of public instruction may adopt a rule permitting students who meet the criteria in RCW 28A.230.122 to meet the prerequisite through noncredit-based study. [ 2011 c 203 s 3; 2006 c 263 s 403; 1985 c 341 s 1; 1969 ex.s. c 223 s 28A.02.080. Prior: (i) 1925 ex.s. c 134 s 1; RRS s 4898-1. (ii) 1925 ex.s. c 134 s 2; RRS s 4898-2. Formerly RCW 28A.02.080, 28.02.080, and 28.02.081.] NOTES: Findings— RCW 28A.230.178 Civil rights education. School districts are encouraged to prepare and conduct a program at least once a year to commemorate the history of civil rights in our nation, including providing an opportunity for students to learn about the personalities and convictions of heroes of the civil rights movement and the importance of the fundamental principle and promise of equality under our nation's Constitution. [ 2011 c 44 s 2.] NOTES: Findings— RCW 28A.230.179 Cardiopulmonary resuscitation instruction. (1) Each school district that operates a high school must offer instruction in cardiopulmonary resuscitation to students as provided in this section. Beginning with the 2013-14 school year, instruction in cardiopulmonary resuscitation must be included in at least one health class necessary for graduation. (2) Instruction in cardiopulmonary resuscitation under this section must: (a) Be an instructional program developed by the American heart association or the American red cross or be nationally recognized and based on the most current national evidence-based emergency cardiovascular care guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation; (b) Include appropriate use of an automated external defibrillator, which may be taught by video; and (c) Incorporate hands-on practice in addition to cognitive learning. (3) School districts may offer the instruction in cardiopulmonary resuscitation directly or arrange for the instruction to be provided by available community-based providers. The instruction is not required to be provided by a certificated teacher. Certificated teachers providing the instruction are not required to be certified trainers of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. A student is not required to earn certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation to successfully complete the instruction for the purposes of this section. [ 2013 c 181 s 3.] NOTES: Findings— RCW 28A.230.180 Access to campus and student information directories by official recruiting representatives—Informing students of educational and career opportunities. If the board of directors of a school district provides access to the campus and the student information directory to persons or groups which make students aware of occupational or educational options, the board shall provide access to official recruiting representatives of the job corps, peace corps, and AmeriCorps, and to official recruiting representatives of the military forces of the state and the United States for the purpose of informing students of educational and career opportunities available in the military, which must be equal to and no less than access provided to other postsecondary occupational or educational representatives. As used in this section, "access" includes, but is not limited to, the number of days provided and the type of presentation space. [ 2013 c 25 s 1; 1980 c 96 s 1. Formerly RCW 28A.58.535.] RCW 28A.230.195 Test or assessment scores—Adjustments to instructional practices—Notification to parents. (1) If students' scores on the test or assessments under RCW 28A.655.070 indicate that students need help in identified areas, the school district shall evaluate its instructional practices and make appropriate adjustments. (2) Each school district shall notify the parents of each student of their child's performance on the test and assessments conducted under this chapter. [ 2005 c 217 s 1; 1999 c 373 s 603; 1992 c 141 s 401.] NOTES: Part headings not law— RCW 28A.230.212 High school and beyond plans—Substantive requirements. (1) Each student must have a high school and beyond plan to guide the student's high school experience and inform course taking that is aligned with the student's goals for education or training and career after high school. (2)(a) By grade seven, each student must be administered a career interest and skills inventory which is intended to be used to inform grade eight course taking and development of an initial high school and beyond plan. No later than grade eight, each student must have begun development of a high school and beyond plan that includes a proposed plan for first-year high school courses aligned with graduation requirements and secondary and postsecondary goals. (b) For each student who has not earned a score of level 3 or 4 on the middle school mathematics assessment identified in RCW 28A.655.070 by grade nine, the high school and beyond plan must be updated to ensure that the student takes a mathematics course in both grades nine and 10. These courses may include career and technical education equivalencies in mathematics adopted pursuant to RCW 28A.230.097. (3) With staff support, students must update their high school and beyond plan annually, at a minimum, to review academic progress and inform future course taking. (a) The high school and beyond plan must be updated in grade 10 to reflect high school assessment results under RCW 28A.655.070(3), ensure student access to advanced course options per the district's academic acceleration policy in RCW 28A.320.195, and assess progress toward identified goals, and revised as necessary for changing interests, goals, and needs. (b) Each school district shall provide students who have not met the standard on state assessments or who are behind in completion of credits or graduation pathway options with the opportunity to access interventions and academic supports, courses, or both, designed to enable students to meet all high school graduation requirements. The parents or legal guardians shall be notified about these opportunities as included in the student's high school and beyond plan, preferably through a student-led conference, including the parents or legal guardians, and at least annually until the student is on track to graduate. (c) For students with an individualized education program, the high school and beyond plan must be developed and updated in alignment with their school to postschool transition plan. The high school and beyond plan must be (i) developed and updated in a similar manner and with similar school personnel as for all other students and (ii) integrated with the statewide online system for individualized education programs developed under RCW 28A.155.275, to the greatest extent possible, in order to relieve duplication between the two plans. (4) School districts shall involve parents and legal guardians to the greatest extent feasible in the process of developing and updating the high school and beyond plan. (a) High school and beyond plans must be provided to students and their parents or legal guardians in a language the students and parents or legal guardians understand and in accordance with the school district's language access policy and procedures as required under chapter 28A.183 RCW, which may require language assistance for students and parents or legal guardians with limited English proficiency. (b) School districts must annually provide students in grades eight through 12, and their parents or legal guardians, with comprehensive information about the graduation pathway options offered by the district and are strongly encouraged to begin providing this information to students in grade six. School districts must provide this information in a manner that conforms with the school district's language access policy and procedures as required under chapter 28A.183 RCW. (5) School districts are strongly encouraged to partner with student serving, community-based organizations that support career and college exploration and preparation for postsecondary and career pathways. Partnerships may include high school and beyond plan coordination and planning, data-sharing agreements, and safe and secure access to individual student's high school and beyond plans. (6) All high school and beyond plans must, at a minimum, include the following elements: (a) Identification of career goals and interests, aided by a skills and interest assessment; (b) Identification of secondary and postsecondary education and training goals; (c) An academic plan for course taking that: (i) Informs students about course options for satisfyin