WASL graduation requirement suspended until 2013

"We must improve math and science teaching and learning, but we cannot penalize students when the system has failed them," said Gregoire. "This bill extends to 2013 the deadline for students to meet the state math and science standards through the WASL or an approved alternative for high school graduation."

Gregoire vetoed sections nine, 10, 11 and 13 of the bill.

Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6023, sponsored by Sen. Rosemary McAuliffe (D-Bothell), passed the Senate with 30 votes and passed the House with 56 votes. The bill takes effect July 22.

The Washington Roundtable business group reacted with disappointment to Gregoire's decision to endorse the bill.

"This legislation reinforces the fact that Washington state lacks a fundamental capacity to adapt and evolve in a meaningful way to ensure young people get the skills they need to qualify for family wage jobs," said Steve Mullin, Roundtable president.

"We are very discouraged that, in the face of overwhelming evidence that math and science are the keys to innovation, our state has decided not only to delay these requirements until 2013 - which is far too long - but to set aside academic standards, which is exactly what is happening with nearly 20 alternative assessments that are not aligned with state standards," Mullin said.

The Roundtable was particularly troubled that lawmakers approved this bill at the same time that they were approving well over $4 billion in new spending, including an additional $1.8 billion in K-12 education.

"The employers of this state simply do not believe that more money and less accountability is the formula for ensuring students get the skills they will need in the global economy;" Mullin said.