End-of-Course (EOC) Biology Exam
In spring 2012, all students taking biology will participate in an end-of-course exam as directed by the 2010 Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 6444, section 513 (3). Students in 10th grade who are not in biology are still required to take the biology EOC because of the No Child Left Behind requirement to assess science in high school.
The biology EOC, like the math EOCs, will be administered within the last three weeks of the school year. Students in the class of 2015 and beyond must pass a science exam in order to graduate. Please download the OSPI Math and Science EOC Policies handout for more information.
The biology EOC is based on the revised K-12 Science Learning Standards and will be given to students in grades 7-12 who are taking biology. OSPI recommended the Legislature fund two additional science EOCs, but it’s likely that won’t occur until at least 2017.
House Bill 1410, signed into law in May 2011, altered the science assessment graduation requirements, meaning:
- Students in the class of 2012 are not affected by this legislation. Those students do not have to pass a state science exam or take it in spring 2012.
- Students in the classes of 2013 and 2014 are no longer required to pass a state science exam. Students in the class of 2014 (10th graders) must take the biology EOC in spring 2012 whether they are in the biology or not. This is required by the No Child Left Behind Act, where all students must be assessed in high school science.
- Beginning with the class of 2015, students are required to pass the biology EOC. Those students can first take the biology EOC in spring 2012.
Biology EOC and the science graduation requirement: gradreq@k12.wa.us
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