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SB 5189

Supporting the implementation of competency-based education.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Manka Dhingra and 7 co-sponsors

Establishes Washington's competency-based education framework, funds full-time enrollment for eligible CBE students via FTE, and requires designation, new transcripts, and rules.

Effective date 7/27/2025.
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Bill Summary · SB 5189

SB 5189 — Supporting the implementation of competency-based education

Chapter 278, 2025 Laws — Effective July 27, 2025

Purpose / intent

SB 5189 establishes statutory definitions and a framework to support wider implementation of competency‑based (aka mastery‑based) education in Washington. It (1) defines competencies and competency‑based education, (2) directs the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) to adopt rules to fund full‑time enrollment in qualifying competency‑based programs, (3) requires the State Board of Education (SBE) to design a designation process and to help develop competencies aligned with state standards, and (4) updates transcript and interscholastic activity considerations.

Key provisions / changes

  • Definitions (New chapter in Title 28A RCW)

    • “Competencies”: rigorous, shared expectations spanning knowledge, skills, abilities across grades; broader than standards and measurable/transferable.
    • “Competency‑based education”: specified as education including seven elements (student agency; assessments as empowering and actionable; timely differentiated support; progression based on mastery not seat time; varied pathways and pacing; equity embedded; rigorous, transparent transferable expectations).
    • “Mastery‑based learning” is defined as the same as competency‑based education.

  • Enrollment funding (Sec. 2)

    • OSPI must adopt rules by September 1, 2025 to authorize full‑time enrollment funding for students in competency‑based programs identified by SBE based on:
    • membership in the Mastery‑Based Learning Collaborative or
    • having an SBE waiver from credit‑based graduation requirements, or
    • the designation process developed by SBE.
    • Rules must allow districts to report eligible students as full‑time equivalents (FTE) for general apportionment/basic education funding.

  • SBE / OSPI duties (Sec. 3)

    • SBE to design and recommend a process to identify/designate schools or districts implementing competency‑based education and estimate associated costs; assessment should reference the seven‑element definition.
    • OSPI (in consultation with SBE) to develop/recommend a process for creating competencies aligned to state learning standards, incorporate Mastery‑Based Learning Collaborative materials, and submit recommendations and cost estimates to SBE by December 1, 2025.
    • SBE must include these recommendations and costs in its December 31, 2025 report (per prior law).

  • Transcripts (amendment to RCW 28A.230.125)

    • OSPI to develop/update a standardized high school transcript before 2026–27 and define “credits” and “hours” for comparability across term systems.
    • SBE (with higher ed and workforce boards) to develop or recommend a competency‑based high school transcript format (as part of, or alternative to, the standardized transcript) before 2026–27.

  • Interscholastic activities

    • Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA) must review potential barriers created by its rules for students participating in competency‑based education to help ensure equitable access.

  • Other

    • Repeals RCW 28A.300.810 (Innovative learning pilot program).
    • New chapter created in Title 28A for the competency framework.

Funding / procedural notes

  • Null‑and‑void clause (Sec. 8): the act is null and void unless specific funding for its purposes (referencing this act) is provided in the omnibus appropriations act by June 30, 2025.
  • Key timelines in the bill:
    • OSPI rules to authorize funding: by Sept. 1, 2025.
    • OSPI recommendations on competencies: submit to SBE by Dec. 1, 2025.
    • SBE inclusion of recommendations in required report: Dec. 31, 2025.
    • Transcript formats developed/recommended: before the 2026–27 school year.
  • Legislative status: Passed both chambers; delivered to and signed by Governor (May 13, 2025); effective July 27, 2025 (subject to the funding condition above).

Who is affected

  • Students enrolled in competency‑based programs (potentially eligible for full‑time funding reporting).
  • School districts and schools implementing or seeking designation for competency‑based education.
  • OSPI and SBE (new rulemakings, processes, and reporting duties).
  • Mastery‑Based Learning Collaborative members and schools holding waivers from credit‑based graduation.
  • WIAA and participating schools (rule review obligations).
  • Higher education and workforce boards (consultation on transcript format).

Potential impacts

  • Creates a path for competency‑based programs to be funded via existing FTE/apportionment reporting rather than seat‑time only, which could expand program adoption.
  • Standardizes competency language and aims to produce competency‑aligned transcripts to improve postsecondary recognition of non‑seat‑time learning.
  • Imposes administrative responsibilities and potential costs for OSPI and SBE to develop designation processes, competencies, and transcript formats (to be estimated and reported under the bill).

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

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