Legislation delays WASL rules

Legislation that would delay requirements that high school seniors pass the math and science portions of Washington’s student achievement test before they can graduate has won approval in both legislative chambers, but differences between the two versions still need to be ironed out.

Lawmakers are trying to lessen the impact of a test that has left many high school students wondering if they’ll get their diplomas. Just 58 percent of this year’s junior class has passed all three sections of the 10th-grade WASL, with most failures in the math section.

Before the legislative session started, Gov. Chris Gregoire and Superintendent of Public Instruction Terry Bergeson proposed delaying the math requirement for graduation until 2011. Gregoire spokeswoman Holly Armstrong said the governor is generally supportive of the proposal that passed the Senate but has not expressed support for the House measure, which allows a five-year delay.

School levies: With rhetoric that pitted overtaxed homeowners against under-funded schools, the state House on Monday approved a bill that could make it easier for schools to raise local tax dollars. The issue is whether to scrap the current requirement that school levies receive a 60 percent supermajority to pass. “It’s easier to build an arena or a prison than it is to build a public school,” said Rep. Shay Schual-Berke, D-Normandy Park, the prime sponsor of House Resolution 4204. Critics argue they’re leery of making it any easier to raise property taxes, even for schools. If approved by the Senate and the governor, voters would get final say because it would require amending the state constitution.

Enhanced driver’s licenses: Legislators are close to authorizing new enhanced driver’s licenses aimed at easing border crossings with British Columbia without motorists having to get passports. The House approved the legislation 94-2 Tuesday. The Senate passed its own bill a week earlier, so leaders will decide which version to send to Gregoire. The legislation also authorizes the state and British Columbia to collaborate on a three-month pilot project for scanning driver’s licenses.

Fire lines: Farmers, ranchers and other property owners would be allowed past fire-related roadblocks to protect their crops and herds if they have suitable experience under a bill that won Senate approval Wednesday. It is awaiting consideration in the House.

Staff and wire reports