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SB 5849

Making financial education a graduation requirement in Washington state.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Javier Valdez

WA high school grads (class of 2029/2030) must demonstrate computer science competency through a CS course, embedded CS, or other evidence; no extra seat time or total credits.

Prefiled for introduction.
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Bill Summary · SB 5849

Summary — SB 5849: Computer Science Competency Graduation Requirement

Status: Returned to Senate Rules Committee for third reading (by resolution, 03/07/2024). Introduced (prefiled) 12/15/2023.

Purpose

SB 5849 would make demonstration of competency in state computer science learning standards a high‑school graduation requirement in Washington. The bill aims to ensure graduates possess foundational computer science skills while allowing flexible routes to demonstrate competency.

Key provisions

  • Graduation requirement

    • Beginning with the graduating class of 2029 (in most substitute versions) — and in one House amendment, delayed to the class of 2030 — students must demonstrate competency in the high‑school computer science state learning standards to graduate.
    • Required competency may be shown by:
    • Completing a stand‑alone computer science course aligned to state standards;
    • Completing another subject course with embedded computer science learning standards; or
    • Demonstrating foundational competency (e.g., competency exam, portfolio, culminating project, supervised work experience, CTE classes, regional/community programs, postsecondary credits, or documented prior learning).
    • Seat time/instructional hours are not required; students can present multiple types of evidence.
    • The requirement does not increase the total number of high‑school credits required for graduation.

  • Waivers

    • Principals must approve waiver requests when a student’s High School and Beyond Plan (HSBP) shows the computer science competencies are not applicable to the student’s planned education/career path.
    • Principals may waive the requirement for 12th‑grade students who could not demonstrate competency due to prior residence outside Washington.

  • Standards review and supports

    • The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) is directed to review and update K–12 computer science learning standards, consult other states and expert nonprofits, and identify foundational HS standards for graduation.
    • The State Board of Education (SBE) is directed to collect information from districts about current CS course offerings and assessment plans and report to the Legislature by Oct 31, 2025.
    • The standards‑review/collection provisions expire July 1, 2026.

  • Data collection and reporting

    • The bill requires disaggregated demographic data collection to assess equity impacts (groups named include students struggling in school, low‑income students, students of color, students experiencing homelessness). Reporting timelines and agency responsibility vary by version:
    • Engrossed second substitute: OSPI collects and reports annually beginning Dec 1, 2029.
    • Amendment in House: OSPI required to provide professional development and report annually beginning Dec 1, 2030.
    • Second substitute: shifts data‑collection/reporting responsibility to the SBE (beginning Dec 1, 2029).

  • RCW amendment

    • Amends RCW 28A.655.070 to emphasize integrating “technology literacy and fluency” into state learning standards.

Who is affected

  • Public high school students (future graduating classes 2029/2030 and beyond)
  • School districts and high schools (course offerings, competency assessment systems)
  • Educators (professional development, potential increased need for CS‑endorsed teachers)
  • OSPI and SBE (standard review, data collection, and reporting duties)

Timeline & procedural notes

  • Introduced/prefiled: 12/15/2023.
  • Passed the House (engrossed second substitute) on 02/08/2024 (46–3).
  • Referred to Appropriations; hearings and executive sessions held in Senate and House committees (Jan–Feb 2024).
  • 03/07/2024: By resolution, returned to Senate Rules Committee for third reading.
  • Some provisions (standards review reporting) expire July 1, 2026.

Implementation considerations

  • Districts may need to expand CS course offerings, alternative competency assessments, and teacher endorsements; SBE/OSPI reports are intended to surface needs and equity impacts before full implementation.
  • Multiple bill versions contain differences (start year 2029 vs. 2030; whether OSPI or SBE conducts data collection and reporting); final requirements depend on the version enacted.

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

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