Bill > SB5189

This bill supports the implementation of competency-based education in Washington state by establishing a comprehensive framework for its adoption. The bill defines "competency-based education" as an approach where students are empowered to make decisions about their learning, progress based on mastery of skills rather than seat time, receive personalized support, and learn through varied pathways. By September 1, 2025, the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction must adopt rules to provide full-time enrollment funding for schools implementing competency-based education programs, with eligibility based on membership in a mastery-based learning collaborative or meeting specific state board criteria. The State Board of Education is tasked with designing a process to identify and designate schools implementing competency-based education and will work with the superintendent's office to develop competencies aligned with state learning standards. Additionally, the bill requires the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association to review its rules to ensure equitable access for students in competency-based education programs and mandates the development of a competency-based education high school transcript format. The bill also repeals a previous innovative learning pilot program and includes a provision that nullifies the act if specific funding is not provided by June 30, 2025.