RCW 28A.600.280
Effective date- 2012 c 229 s s 101, 117, 401, 402, 501 through 594, 601 through 609, 701 through 708, 801 through 821, 902, and 904: See note following RCW 28B.77.005.
Findings-Intent- 2009 c 450 : "(1) The legislature finds that the economy of the state of Washington requires a well-prepared workforce. To meet the need, more Washington students need to be prepared for postsecondary education and training. Further, the personal enrichment and success of Washington citizens increasingly relies on their ability to use the state's postsecondary education and training system. To accomplish those ends, the legislature desires to increase the number of students who begin earning college credits while still in high school.
(2) The legislature further finds that dual credit programs introduce students to college-level work, provide a jump start on getting a college degree, and, perhaps most importantly, show students that they can succeed in college. Dual credit programs also provide another avenue of student financial aid, since many programs are offered for little or no cost to students.
(3) The legislature also finds that students must be provided a choice when selecting a dual credit program that is right for them. Options should be available for the student who wants to learn on a college campus and the student who wants to stay at the high school and take college-level courses. Options must also be available for the hands-on learner who seeks to complete an apprenticeship program.
(4) The legislature intends to blur the line between high school and college by articulating a vision to dramatically increase participation in dual credit programs. It is for this reason that the legislature should call on all education stakeholders to come together to coordinate resources, track outcomes, and improve program availability.
(5) The legislature further intends to provide high schools, colleges, and universities with a set of tools for growing and coordinating dual credit programs. Institutions should be given some flexibility in determining the best methods to secure long-term, ample financial support for these programs, while students should be given some help in offsetting instructional costs." [ 2009 c 450 s 1.]