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SB 5327

Concerning paying interns.

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Steve Conway and 13 co-sponsors

Directs review/adjustment of WA high school graduation standards to ensure competency in foundational CS (and financial education in some versions), with SBE/OSPI reports by 2026.

By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
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Bill Summary · SB 5327

SB 5327 — Summary (2025 session)

Short title / primary purpose
- Directs review and potential adjustment of Washington high school graduation requirements and learning standards so students have adequate opportunity to demonstrate competency in foundational computer science and financial education skills.

Important note on bill evolution
- SB 5327 was originally introduced in 2023 as a bill about paying interns. During the 2025 session the bill was substituted with a very different education-focused measure (substitute versions S-1318.1 and S-0479.2). The 2025 substitute that advanced in the Legislature focuses on computer science and (in some versions) financial education standards and graduation pathways.

Key provisions
- State Board of Education (SBE) recommendations
- As the SBE reviews graduation requirements, it must at minimum recommend adjustments to ensure students have adequate opportunities to demonstrate competency in foundational skills from the high school computer science state learning standards (and in some versions, the state financial education standards).
- SBE must consult broadly (students, families, educators, K–12 partners, postsecondary partners, employers, community) and consider credit and competency-based options.
- SBE must report recommendations to the Governor and legislative education committees by December 31, 2026.
- Certain provisions expire August 1, 2027.

  • Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) reviews

    • OSPI must initiate a review and update of K–12 computer science learning standards, benchmarking against other states and consulting nonprofit experts.
    • For grades 9–12, OSPI must identify which computer science standards are “foundational” for graduation purposes.
    • OSPI must also review the state financial education learning standards and likewise identify any “foundational” standards for graduation (in versions that include financial education).

  • Data collection and reporting

    • SBE must collect district-level information on current CS and financial education courses/opportunities, how competency is or will be assessed, and what districts would need to implement SBE recommendations.
    • SBE must summarize and report findings and legislative recommendations (including whether to explore increasing the number of educators endorsed to teach computer science) by December 31, 2026 (one CS-only version sets the report date to Dec 31, 2025).

  • State learning standards integration

    • When revising state learning standards, OSPI shall integrate statutory basic education goals three and four (thinking/technology and work/finance) to the maximum extent possible — not only goal four as under prior guidance.
    • OSPI must include screenings for biased content and incorporate diversity, equity, and inclusion concepts in new or revised standards per amended RCW language.

Who is affected
- Public school students (especially high school students)
- School districts and high schools (course offerings, assessment, scheduling, credit options)
- SBE and OSPI (new review, reporting, and data-collection duties)
- Educators (possible changes to course offerings, potential demand for more computer science–endorsed teachers)
- Postsecondary institutions, employers, and community stakeholders (consultation and alignment implications)

Timeline, status, and procedure
- Report deadlines: SBE reports to Governor and Legislature by Dec 31, 2026 (or Dec 31, 2025 in one version); summaries of district data due Dec 31, 2026.
- Several new sections include an August 1, 2027 expiration.
- Effective date for operative language generally follows standard timing (often 90 days after adjournment of the session in which enacted) as noted in earlier versions.
- Legislative history shows substitution of the original 2023 intern-pay bill with the 2025 education substitute; the bill passed the House (3/5/25) and moved through committees in early 2025. Fiscal note available; no appropriation included in the substitute text.

Potential impacts / considerations
- Could expand equitable access to computer science and financial education content and create pathways for competency-based demonstration aligned with graduation requirements.
- May increase demand for qualified CS teachers and require district investments in curriculum, assessments, and teacher preparation.
- Requires coordination among SBE, OSPI, districts, and community stakeholders; reports are designed to identify resource and policy needs for legislative consideration.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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