House passes bill that would cut high school science test

SEATTLE (AP) — The Washington House has passed a bill that would eliminate the need to pass a science test to graduate from high school.

The proposal, House Bill 2214, would also discontinue the tenth grade English and math exams in favor of the new tests based on the Common Core academic standards.

It would also eliminate an alternative to the high school exams, a portfolio approach known as the collection of evidence. Instead, students who don't pass the exams would be required to take and pass another high school class in the same subject area.

The changes in the bill, which now goes on to the Senate after passing in the House on a vote of 87-10, would take effect this school year.

Lawmakers say the changes to the testing system would save the state millions of dollars.