Education (Testing & Assessment)

in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 22, 2026

SB 5859: Expanding opportunities for competency-based assessments in graduation pathway options.

This bill (SB 5859) expands graduation options for Washington state high school students by adding competency-based assessments and performance-based learning experiences as valid pathways to demonstrate college and career readiness. Students can now meet graduation requirements through competency-based assessments in English language arts and math (instead of solely relying on traditional tests) or by completing real-world projects, portfolios, or practicums that align with state learning standards. School districts must offer these new options alongside existing pathways (like standardized tests or dual-credit courses) and provide annual information about all options to students and families. The bill requires the state board to establish rules for evaluating these new pathways, ensuring they meet state standards while giving districts flexibility in implementation.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationExpands student pathways beyond traditional testing via competency assessments and performance projects, advancing educational access and flexibility in graduation requirements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum Higher Education Testing & Assessment

Track

in committee · Washington · Senate Jan 12, 2026

SB 5008: Supporting the use of assessment, diagnostic, and learning tools in public schools.

SB 5008 creates a temporary grant program (expiring December 31, 2028) to help Washington public schools, school districts, charter schools, and state-tribal education compact schools purchase or maintain digital assessment tools for math and English language arts in grades K-12. Schools applying for grants must outline plans for tool use and staff training, and funds prioritize districts based on need and geographic diversity. The program requires annual reports on fund usage, student demographics, and impacts on math and English test scores. This bill directly supports schools seeking tools to identify individual student needs and track progress.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates state grant program funding digital tools for public schools, advancing educational spending within state budget.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationCreates grant program for digital assessment tools in K-12, funds tool acquisition/maintenance, prioritizes need-based districts, requires staff training95% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education Testing & Assessment

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in committee · Washington · House Feb 4, 2026

HB 2007: Expanding opportunities for competency-based assessments in graduation pathway options.

HB 2007 expands Washington state high school graduation options by adding competency-based assessments as a valid pathway for students to demonstrate college and career readiness in English language arts and math. It directly affects public high school students, allowing them to meet graduation requirements through assessments that measure mastery rather than just test scores or course completion. Key provisions include establishing new rules for competency-based assessments under section (2)(d), creating a performance-based learning option (2)(f) where students showcase skills via projects or portfolios, and requiring schools to provide annual information about all pathways to students and families. The bill does not mandate specific assessments but gives schools flexibility to adopt them while aligning with state learning standards.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill expands graduation pathways via competency-based assessments, enhancing student access to demonstrate mastery beyond traditional testing, aligning with educational access and curriculum innovation indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum K-12 Education Testing & Assessment

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in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1626: Expanding access to grants within the paid family and medical leave insurance program for small school districts.

HB 1626 expands financial assistance for small school districts and small businesses in Washington state that participate in the paid family and medical leave insurance program. It provides two types of grants: up to $3,000 for hiring temporary workers during an employee’s 7+ day leave, or up to $1,000 to cover extra payroll costs from an employee’s leave. Eligible employers include small school districts (classified as "second class"), businesses with 51-150 employees, and those with 50 or fewer employees who pay all insurance premiums. Grants require documentation of the leave-related costs and are limited to 10 per year per employer, with a three-year premium assessment for businesses under 50 employees that receive a grant.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides state grants ($3,000/$1,000) to fund small school districts/businesses, increasing government spending on essential paid leave program administration.95% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationProvides direct financial grants ($3,000/$1,000) to small school districts for staffing costs during employee leave, increasing operational support for K-12 schools.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareExpands grants for paid family and medical leave insurance program, strengthening employer participation and access to leave for health-related needs.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentExpands financial assistance for paid family/medical leave program, strengthening worker benefits and employer participation in leave coverage.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Testing & Assessment Insurance Paid Leave

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in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1035: Creating policies and resources to address secondary traumatic stress in the higher education workforce.

HB 1035 requires Washington's public community colleges, technical colleges, and regional universities to adopt policies addressing secondary traumatic stress among faculty and staff. It mandates developing model policies with specific elements, including mental health support, diversity-focused workplace climates, campus mental health committees, and annual reporting. Institutions must post these policies publicly by September 2025 and incorporate all required elements into their own policies by the start of the 2025-26 academic year. The bill also requires colleges to publish online links to mental health resources, self-assessment tools, and best practices for their workforce.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates mental health support and diversity-focused policies for higher education staff, strengthening workforce well-being and retention in educational institutions.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates mental health support services as required policy element for college staff, directly advancing mental health resources in workplace settings.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentMandates mental health support and safe workplace policies for faculty/staff, directly advancing workplace safety standards under Labor & Employment.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Testing & Assessment Mental Health

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signed · Washington · House May 13, 2025

HB 1079: Supporting remote testing options for students enrolled in online school programs.

House Bill 1079 permits school districts with online programs to offer remote testing options for statewide assessments to their students, starting in the 2027-28 school year. This measure aims to reduce travel burdens and costs for students and families enrolled in online education. The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) is required to develop comprehensive policies by April 1, 2027, to ensure the security and integrity of these remote tests. These policies will address requirements for testing personnel, student-to-proctor ratios, remote testing environments, device specifications, and parental consent.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationPermits remote testing for online students, reducing travel burdens and costs to expand access to statewide assessments, aligning with 'expands educational access' indicator.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Testing & Assessment

passed · Washington · Senate Jan 12, 2026

SB 5193: Supporting remote testing options for students enrolled in online school programs.

Senate Bill 5193 supports remote testing options for students enrolled in online school programs in Washington state, directly affecting these students, their families, and participating school districts. Beginning in the 2027-28 school year, school districts with online programs may offer students the ability to complete statewide assessments remotely. To implement this, the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) must develop or update assessment administration and security policies by April 1, 2027. These policies will cover requirements for testing personnel, student-to-proctor ratios, remote testing environments, device and network specifications, and parental consent. The bill aims to reduce burdens on families and ensure equitable access to assessments for online learners.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationEnables remote testing for online students, expanding access to statewide assessments without restricting options, aligning with enhanced educational access.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Testing & Assessment

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in committee · Washington · House Jan 12, 2026

HB 1783: Concerning law enforcement officers participating in college and technical school programs.

HB 1783 allows Washington law enforcement officers to receive small gifts of appreciation (up to $25 in value) for speaking in specific college and technical school courses outside their official duties. The bill directly affects certified law enforcement officers and institutions offering criminal justice, police science, or forensic-related programs, aiming to strengthen community relationships and inspire future recruits. Key provisions permit officers to share real-world expertise in courses like police science or forensic technology, with gifts only allowed when presentations occur outside work hours and comply with state ethics rules. The bill responds to a 2024 workforce assessment highlighting challenges in connecting law enforcement with educational programs. It creates a limited exception to general rules prohibiting state employees from accepting gifts, focusing on educational engagement rather than compensation.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationEnables law enforcement to share expertise in criminal justice programs, enhancing curriculum relevance and student engagement in relevant educational courses.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Testing & Assessment

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signed · Washington · House Mar 23, 2026

HB 1634: Providing school districts and public schools with assistance to coordinate comprehensive behavioral health supports for students.

HB 1634 establishes regional school safety centers in Washington state to help public school districts coordinate behavioral health support for students. The centers will provide training for school staff on suicide prevention, facilitate partnerships between schools and community health providers, offer Medicaid billing assistance, and support school-based threat assessment programs. This bill directly affects all public school districts, their staff (including counselors and psychologists), and students needing behavioral health services by improving access to existing resources through coordinated planning. It amends state law to require these centers to work with tribes and community partners to ensure culturally responsive support. The bill focuses on strengthening existing systems rather than creating new programs.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationEstablishes regional centers for school behavioral health support, training, and partnerships - directly strengthening student mental health services in schools.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes regional centers to coordinate student behavioral health services, including suicide prevention training, Medicaid billing assistance, and school-community health partnerships, directly advancing mental health support in schools.95% confidence

Sub-Topics School Safety Student Health Testing & Assessment Medicaid Mental Health