Legislation that would enable Washington’s public institutions of higher education to receive basic contact information for graduating high school students in the state was heard in the House Education committee yesterday. SB 5593 would also have the colleges and universities report back to high schools where students enrolled in their postsecondary programs.
Currently, colleges and universities rely on data collected from students participating in certain standardized placement tests and exams. If enacted, the bill would require the state’s K-12 Coordinating body – the Office of Public Education Supervision (OSPI) – and the public universities and colleges to enter into data-sharing agreements. School districts would provide basic directory information about students graduating from their high schools which would allow the public 2-year and 4-year colleges and universities to share postsecondary opportunities with their students. Only half of the state’s high school graduates receive information from these opportunities. This effort, supported by WSU, would help students, who have been underrepresented in the college-going culture learn that postsecondary education is achievable and affordable.
The bill cleared the Senate last week and now awaits a vote by the Education committee.