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RUNNING START FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

DATE: August 2023

TO:

Interested Parties

FROM: C

ouncil of Presidents (COP)

Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI)

State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC)

). Running

Start provides students an opportunity to enroll at certain institutions of higher education and earn high

school and college/university credit.

Runni

ng Start is offered through Washington’s 34 community and technical colleges

and the following public, four-year universities:

• Wa

• Central Washington University

• Eastern Washington University

compact school, have a right granted by the Legislature to participate in Running Start. The exercise of that

right is subject only to minimal eligibility and procedural requirements as described in state administrative

rules. The Washington Legislature has charged OSPI with adopting rules to fund students’ participation in

summer quarter Running Start through Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5693(504)(18)

Substitute House Bill 1316 (2023). Bulletin 057-23 provides additional information on summer quarter

Running Start specifically, and is available on the OSPI Bulletins webpage

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A variety of K-12 and higher education representatives and the Office of the Attorney General developed

this document. The answers reflect how schools, including public high schools, private schools,

to the appropriate institutional legal contacts.

CONTENTS

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GENERAL QUESTIONS

There are four main differences between Running Start and College in the High School.

in person or online by a college faculty member. College in the High School is taught on a high

school campus by a college-approved high school teacher.

11th and 12th grades are eligible to enroll in Running Start. For the summer term, students who

establish a college transcript through CiHS. On the other hand, enrollment in Running Start requires

students to take courses for both high school and college credit and automatically establishes a

college transcript.

equivalent (FTE) each term (21 college credits), and for a maximum annual average FTE (AAFTE) of

1.40 per year. Beginning on September 1, 2023, students who are enrolled with Washington public,

four-year institution or a community or technical college offering a CiHS program and attend a

public, Washington high school as defined in RCW 28A.150.010

who choose to earn college credit

school credit when they complete the course. The credit and grades students earn will be transcribed on

their permanent college transcript.

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Dual enrollment, in Washington, is generally defined as a student enrolled concurrently in two different

institutions of higher education.

Concurrent enrollment, in Washington, is a partnership between K-12 schools and postsecondary education

Dual credit, in Washington, is credit awarded through one of the six dual credit programs in Washington.

These include Advanced Placement (AP), Cambridge International (CI), College in the High School (CiHS),

Career and Technical Education (CTE) Dual Credit, International Baccalaureate (IB), and Running Start.

Maybe. Running Start courses are taught on a college campus but may also be offered online. Travel may

be required of students to attend the course on the college campus.

ATTENDANCE

Start program.

Districts/schools cannot adopt policies and procedures that intentionally create barriers to student

participation in the program. For example, requiring daily or weekly attendance in a High School and

Beyond Plan class would logically hinder Running Start participation.

Districts that have such requirements are strongly encouraged to offer accommodations to students

participating in Running Start.

Students who are not specifically seeking a high school diploma from a public school district, charter school

or tribal compact school may choose to refrain from completing the district’s/school’s specific graduation

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provided. (See federal legal citation 7 CFR 210.) A student must attend a class at the high school before

and/or after the high school’s meal service period to have access to the meal service.

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student spends accessing their Running Start instruction on the high school campus cannot be claimed as a

high school FTE. Allowing Running Start students to access computers on a high school campus without

having them enrolled and supervised presents a liability risk.

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require a student to challenge the outcomes of a course by participating in a formal assessment process,

rather than taking the course. Students can only be claimed for state funding if they are enrolled in the

college course on the monthly count day, had participated in instructional activities during the month prior

to the count day, and will not exceed the combined 1.40 FTE monthly limitation.

No. The FTE claimed for a Running Start course is based on the number of college credits that would be

awarded after successfully completing the class. If a student is auditing a college course with no intention of

earning a college credit, then the enrollment in this class would not be eligible to be claimed for Running

Start funding.

The entire college catalog is available to Running Start students if they have met any pre- requisites that the

college requires of all students. Running Start courses may include both academic and professional-

Studies and surveys consistently indicate that most students can successfully transfer credits earned

through Running Start programs, both in-state and around the country. Parents and students are

encouraged to educate themselves about the transferability of college credits to another college. The

receiving institution has the right to determine which and how many college credits it will accept.

Most Washington colleges have transfer credit equivalencies listed on their “Transfer Credit” webpages to

assist students with determining how college credits and exam scores will transfer.

No. NCAA Bylaw 12.8.2.3

the five-year rule does not begin while a student is enrolled in a collegiate institution in a joint high

school/college academic program for high school students in which the courses count as both high school

graduation credit and college credit, provided the student has not officially graduated from high school and

does not participate in intercollegiate athletics while enrolled in the joint program.” (Revised:

11/01/2001 effective 8/01/2002, 7/31/2014)

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awarded credit by the high school for any student and meet all other requirements for core courses.

College courses must be placed on the student’s high school transcript.

eligibility that limits the length of time students can receive aid. The limit depends on the state, federal,

and/or institutional policy. While there are some ways that dual credit participation can affect a student’s

access to financial aid, due to recent changes to Washington’s maximum timeframe rules

Washington College Grant (WCG) expansion (formerly State Need Grant, SNG), student accumulation of

college credit through dual credit programs will NOT impact their ability to access state financial aid. The

new rules for the Washington College Grant (WCG) expansion eliminate the SNG

125% of the length of a program and replace it with maximum terms of eligibility. A maximum timeframe

policy limits the length of time students are eligible to receive aid. This policy depends on the policies and

Because dual credit students cannot receive state financial aid to pay for college credits earned through

dual credit, no coursework taken in dual credit programs will apply to the WCG full-time limit.

Students who earn an associate degree through dual credit programs can use WCG toward another

associate degree.

Students who already have an associate degree can use WCG toward a second associate degree if they are

enrolled in an aid-eligible program. This means students who earn an associate degree or who earn college

credit toward an associate degree through dual credit programs may apply for WCG to pursue a second

aid-eligible associate degree.

choose to take time off from school. The CBS maximum terms of eligibility are 12 quarters/8 semesters or

the equivalent of full-time enrollment (15 quarters/10 semesters or the equivalent of full-time enrollment).

Like WCG, this full-time limit only applies to the quarters in which a student received the CBS. In other

words, no coursework taken in dual credit programs will apply to the CBS full time limit. CBS Scholars must

also enroll in college or university within one academic year following their high school graduation to be

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eligible for CBS consideration. For example, a CBS Scholar who graduated high school in the spring of 2021

is required to enroll in college or university by the fall term of 2022. CBS Scholars who do not enroll in

college within a year of high school graduation are not eligible to receive the scholarship – unless they

completed transcribed college credit prior to high school graduation through a dual credit program such as

• The student does not enroll in college until the fall term of 2023.

• The student is still eligible for CBS consideration because they met the enrollment deadline through

RS participation. However, the student still only has five years after high school graduation to use

CBS funding, meaning they would only have three years of remaining funding left.

For federal financial aid, including the Pell Grant, the maximum timeframe policy limit is 150% of the

published length of the student’s program. Every credit on a student’s college transcript is eligible to be

counted towards the federal 150% maximum timeframe. This includes credits earned through dual credit

programs.

Federal policies do allow for exceptions to be granted in the calculation of the limit and provide grant

policy.

Specific institutional aid may also have differing maximum timeframe policy rules. Students who get close

to the maximum timeframe will need to work closely with the financial aid representative at their

college/university to maintain eligibility for federal and institutional aid. This issue is most likely to occur for

students who graduate with a high number of college credits.

the credits enrolled that they received aid for to demonstrate academic progress. This is known as the

cumulative academic progress percentage. The federal SAP has a “pace” requirement instead where

students must earn 67% of the credits attempted.

Though specific SAP review standards may vary by institution, all SAP policies consider the maximum

applies even if the student does not intend to graduate from the public high school.

, if a student has begun their senior school year without having earned

the state and locally required credits mandated by the school district for the award of a high school

diploma, they may continue to access Running Start under the limits set forth in

WAC 392-169-055. A

b) The student previously participated in Running Start;

c) The student is under the age of 21;

d) The student has not received the credits required to earn a high school diploma from their school

district;

e) The student has not exceeded the 1.40 combined FTE/AAFTE limitation for all senior years

combined; and

limits pursuant to RCW 28A.600.330 and WAC 392-169-020

No. Per WAC 392-160-020

diploma or its equivalent.” As high school diplomas may be awarded upon completion of an associate

degree, students who have achieved this are not eligible for Running Start. Professional certificates,

industry-recognized credentials, and General Education Development (GED) credentials are not considered

equivalent to a diploma and do not preclude students from taking advantage of Running Start.

No, not for the standard school year’s college term. It is required in statute

grade class standing as defined by the high school to participate in Running Start. For the summer term,

however, a student who has completed the 10th grade or is eligible to begin the 11th grade in the fall may

enroll in Running Start for a maximum of 10 credits.

total college credits for the 12th grade academic year(s) combined. Running Start eligibility is not based on

college terms, but rather 11th and 12th grade academic years.

Yes, SHB 1316

to no more than 65 total college credits for both senior academic years. An eligible student who turns 21

during the school year may continue to participate for the remainder of that school year. However, they

may only enroll in classes specifically needed for high school graduation and cannot exceed the maximum

allowable Running Start enrollment in accordance with WAC 392-169-020 and RCW 28A.600.330.

Yes, provided both a local high school or school district and a local college allow repeating the course. Both

the original course and the retaken course, as well as the corresponding grades earned, will show on both

the college and high school transcripts. Whether or not the original grade is removed from the grade point

Yes. Students who have been suspended or expelled from their high school for a violation of school district

policies may continue to participate in college classes through the end of the academic term. Colleges may

not discipline Running Start students who have been suspended or expelled from high school unless the

Yes. Contingent upon being re-enrolled in a high school and meeting all other eligibility requirements.

Yes. A student who moves to a new school district in Washington after enrolling in Running Start and takes

no classes at any high school in the new district, shall be deemed to have retained his or her residence in

the school district in which they originally enrolled in Running Start. This retention is for high school

graduation, funding, and other purposes under the Running Start Program in accordance with

169-020(2).

It depends on the district’s grade-level placement policy. While colleges have their own policies about

accepting underage students, in order to access Running Start funds, the student must have completed

10th grade or be eligible to enroll in 11th grade. Per WAC 392-169-020

No. The student is limited to second-year senior standards in accordance with RCW 28A.600.330.

Eligibility and Limitations section.

No. Running Start students who have not yet met standard on their 10th grade ELA and/or Math

assessments should check with their home high school to see what options are available for retaking one or

both exams or using an alternative assessment option. For the 11th grade Science exam, arrangements

should be made at the college or high school to accommodate the student who is taking the high school

test required by the state.

In accordance with WAC 392-169-070

Start and how to become eligible to all students in grades ten, eleven, and twelve, and to the

parents/guardians of those students. To the extent practicable, this information should be delivered in

multiple formats and languages accessible to students with disabilities and English language learners. Dual

credit information should also be included in students’ High School and Beyond Plans (HSBP) as described

in

RCW 28A.230.090(1)(c)(v). The district must share information about the opportunity to enroll in the

program through online courses available at state institutions of higher education and including the college

high school diploma options in accordance with

RCW 28B.50.535.

to read, “Every

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school district must allow eligible students as described in subsection (2) of this section to participate in the

Running Start program.”

No. If a student meets the eligibility requirements and can register for college classes within a college’s

registration deadline, they should be allowed to enroll. However, the college can impose a registration

deadline. It is recommended that high schools and colleges work together to define a mutually understood

process for registration.

Schedules must include enough flexibility not to impose barriers on students’ Running Start participation.

Each term, a complete Running Start Verification Form (RSEVF) must be in place prior to the start of the

No. However, colleges may ask all students, including Running Start students, to provide their social

security numbers or ITIN for federal tax reporting purposes. Under federal law, colleges must have a legally

permissible need to collect this information, must inform individuals that disclosure is voluntary, and must

explain the legal basis for seeking the numbers and how the college intends to use them.

Yes. Students enrolled in a charter or tribal compact school can enroll in Running Start without enrolling in

Based on the appropriate monthly enrollment reports, the charter or tribal compact school would then

remit up to 93% of the funds for the Running Start students to the college.

No. To meet the definition of an enrolled student, the student must be a resident of a Washington district

in accordance with WAC 392-121-106

. Running Start funding is only available to Washington residents

enrolled in a Washington public high school, charter school or tribal compact school and physically living a

majority (+50%) of their time in Washington. Establishing residency is also based on the expectation that

the student will physically reside in Washington for a minimum of 20 consecutive days in accordance with

WAC 392-137-115.

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Residency determinations must be made for students who exceed the 1.40 FTE and AAFTE limitations or

enroll in non-college level courses during the regular term. These situations would not be covered under

.

classes that receive basic education funding, including Running Start in accordance with WAC 392-137-115.

H

owever, residency determinations must be made for students who exceed the 1.40 FTE and AAFTE

college, informs the high school of the classes the student will be taking at the college, and explains the

1.40 FTE limitation to the student and parents and why tuition may be due to the college.

The Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) is the measurement of a student’s monthly enrollment.

For high school classes:

1.00 FTE is equal to 27 weekly hours and 45 minutes or 1,665 weekly minutes. For part-time high school

enrollment, FTE is calculated by dividing the student’s enrolled weekly minutes by 1,665. The Annual

Average FTE (AAFTE) for high school classes is the 10-month average of reported enrollment from

September through June.

The FTE limitation for Running Start is 1.40 FTE. A student enrolled in high school and RS classes can be

claimed up to a combined 1.40 FTE in any month. The high school is limited to a 1.0 FTE. The college can

exceed 1.0 FTE.

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An exception is allowed for December and January but only when the following occurs:

For December, when the high school’s second trimester overlaps with the college’s fall quarter.

For January, when the high school’s first semester overlaps with the college’s winter quarter.

additional college credits and possibly complete a course overload petition at their local college. See Fees

and Tuition section.

Yes, a student enrolled in high school and skill centers classes can attend Running Start. There are two

distinct and separate times when a student can exceed 1.0 FTE. Often these are called Super FTEs.

1.60 FTE. For the school year, up to a 1.60 annual average FTE (AAFTE). Neither the high school nor skill

center can exceed 1.0 FTE/AAFTE.

A student enrolled in a high school and Running Start can be claimed in any month up to a combined 1.40

FTE. And for the school year, up to a 1.40 AAFTE. The high school is limited to a 1.0 FTE. The college can

exceed the 1.0 FTE.

When a student who is attending a high school and skill center and wishes to attend Running Start, first

determine what the combined high school/skill center FTE is. If the number is over 1.0, then the student has

a 0.40 FTE available for Running Start. If the number is less than 1.0, subtract the combined high school/skill

FTE available for Running Start or 12 credits.

No. The 1.40 AAFTE reflects a “combined maximum enrollment.” Students may not exceed 1.00 FTE for any

month or a 1.00 AAFTE for the school year at the high school level. High schools are limited to 1.00 monthly

FTE and AAFTE.

Yes. Students may be claimed for up to 1.40 FTE/AAFTE at the college, depending on the high school course

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load. It should be noted, however, that most colleges have a maximum credit limitation and require prior

approval before enrolling more than full-time (15 credits). FTE/AAFTE limitations also apply to the summer,

so students intending to participate in the summer quarter should be mindful of their FTE capacity during

the standard school year. Students who exceed a full-time course load during the school year may not have

but a student who reached the 1.40 AAFTE limit at the college or between the high school and college

combined would not. Regardless of the available FTE, it should be noted that the statute limits summer

enrollment to 10 credits. Graduating students would be subject to the provisions of “after-exit” Running

Start funding.

If the student exceeds 1.40 FTE, the college will charge tuition for any FTE that they cannot claim. High

schools are unable to charge a student tuition. Accordingly, the high school FTE is claimed and then any

college.

The Running Start Enrollment Verification Form (RSEVF) is the communication tool used to inform students

and their families when the student’s FTE will exceed 1.40 and when tuition may be due to the college and

whether AAFTE remains to enroll for summer term.

Provided the student does not exceed the 1.40 FTE in any month, they will not exceed the 1.40 AAFTE by

The RSEVF that will be available for the summer term will require the high school or district business office

to complete a table that provides the high school and college FTE that was claimed for the standard school

year. The table will calculate the available AAFTE for the summer term.

No, they would only be eligible to take the courses needed to meet their district's graduation requirements.

Additionally, a 5th year senior would be limited to taking a maximum of 63 college credits for both senior

academic school years combined. For example, if there is one class that the student needs to retake to meet

their district graduation requirement, they would be limited to just that one class as a 5th year senior.

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It depends. The available AAFTE is dependent upon how many months the student was claimed for funding.

student was claimed for state funding after withdrawing from a Running Start course.

Yes. A RSEVF must be completed prior to the beginning of the Running Start class for each Running Start

student including those who attend private schools and are home-based, for each term, and for each

college. Completion would include the student, parent/guardian, high school, and college signatures.

Copies of each student’s completed form should be retained at the high school and college, as well as a

copy given to the student.

The RSEVF is updated by OSPI at least annually. Click here for the fall 2023 RSEVF.

This informs all parties of the effect of the schedule change on the claimable FTE and gives the college the

opportunity to contact the parents/student for tuition.

There is no legal requirement that prohibits colleges from using digital signatures on enrollment verification

forms. However, colleges are responsible for ensuring the validity and authenticity of any electronic

It would be best practice to keep a hard copy of the RSEVF to support the FTE that you are reporting for

that student. Should there be any dispute over how the student's FTE will be split, the retained RSEVF can

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provide this information.

available fee waivers for low-income Running Start students in accordance with RCW 28A.600.310(2).

A

student meets federal eligibility requirements for free or reduced-price school meals.

Acceptable documentation of low-income status may also include:

• Student has been deemed eligible for free-reduced-price lunches in the past five years.

• Family income is equal to or less than 50 percent of the state median.

• Family income is less than 200 percent of the federal poverty level.

• Student is receiving any state or federal assistance funds.

• A youth in care.

C

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Yes. All earned credit must be recorded on an official high school transcript.

All students are eligible for up to a maximum of 1.40 FTE or 21 credits at the college and a combined public

high school and college FTE of 1.40. A Running Start Enrollment Verification Form (RSEVF) should be

completed for all students wishing to enroll in Running Start. A private school or home-based instruction

student who is also taking courses in a public high school, charter school or tribal compact school must

adhere to the combined 1.40 FTE limitation.

For a private school or home-based student who is not enrolled in a public high school, charter school or

tribal compact school for any classes, the RSEVF should show that there is no FTE claimed by the high

through their home school or private school.

Yes. This can be accomplished in two ways. The choice district can complete a RSEVF with the college in the

student’s home district and the college would report the student’s enrollment to the choice district. Or the

choice district can enter into an inter-district agreement with the home district, releasing a portion of the

student’s FTE for the home district to use for the student’s Running Start enrollment. Refer to OSPI’s

Student Transfers: Choice Transfer, Interdistrict Agreements, and Standard Choice Transfer System (SCTS)

Districts should ensure that their Choice Transfer policies adhere to the Legislature’s intent that districts

provide maximum access to Running Start for interested and ready students.

Students and parent(s) or guardian(s) must also be notified of their right to appeal district decisions that

reject choice requests or terminate existing Choice Transfers. Appeals can be made both to the district and

to OSPI in accordance with RCW 28A.225.220 – 28A.225.225 and RCW 28A.225.230 . Also see OSPI

035-18 for additional information on choice transfers and inter-district agreements.

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The district who has accepted the choice transfer is responsible for the entirety of the student’s public

education including access to Running Start for the duration of the transfer. If a student is dual enrolled in

No. SHB 1316

intended, in part, to ensure that students have the flexibility to attend the school of their choosing without

in subsection (2) of this section to participate in the Running Start program.” Students may not be

prohibited from participation based on the school they attend nor required to disenroll to access Running

Start. School districts contracting for school operations must establish whether the school district or the

contracted organization will manage Running Start enrollment.

No. Passed in 2023, SHB 1316

stipulates, “(1) Every school district must allow eligible students as described

in subsection (2) of this section to participate in the Running Start program.” Districts choosing to host ALE

or online school programs accept all responsibilities associated with students that live outside of the district

the student’s resident district. In these cases, the student should access Running Start through their resident

district.

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work within their programs.

PARENTAL RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

rights to their education records. They have the right to consent prior to any disclosure of information from

showing that the parent claims the student as a dependent. Neither the age of the student nor the parent's

status as a custodial parent is relevant. If a student is claimed as a dependent by either parent for tax

purposes, then either parent may have access under this provision. In accordance with 34 CFR § 99.31

(a)(8).

No. While the RSEVF does include a checkbox that permits student records to be shared between

educational institutions, the student or parent/guardian is not required to check it to participate in Running

Start; however, it is highly recommended. Withholding permission for institutions to communicate Running

under the age of 18. If parents do not give permission, faculty should consider providing alternative options

to that student. Most Running Start Coordinators collect a blanket permission form early in the enrollment

process.

STUDENT ACTIVITIES AND RECOGNITIONS

Yes. Except for intercollegiate sports, Running Start students may participate in any activities on the

college/university campus, consistent with the institution’s general requirements for participation in

W

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No. A 12th grade Running Start student and a traditional 12th grade high school student are entitled to

participate equally in a high school graduation ceremony. A school should have criteria, other than mere

status as a Running Start student, for these honors. In addition, such preclusion could violate equal

protection principles.

F

student with a high GPA would be just as eligible as a non-Running Start student with a high GPA. On the

other hand, if the criteria included a high GPA, coupled with a certain level of participation in class or school

activities (e.g., serving as class officer or other leadership activity), it is possible that a Running Start student

would have a more difficult time qualifying for such honors and recognitions.

T

he intent of Running Start law is to encourage maximum student access to the Running Start program.

Districts/Schools should not adopt policies and procedures that intentionally create barriers to student

participation in the program, nor other disincentives for student participation.

TRANSCRIPT INFORMATION

Yes. Since courses taken through Running Start are funded as part of the student’s basic education

Yes. According to OSPI’s Transcript FAQ

received running start apportionment, course was paid for by Running Start, etc.), then this needs to be part

choose to not give their college transcript for that course to the high school.”

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There is no prohibition on P/F grades for Running Start, but students should be advised that it may not be

advisable from a college admissions perspective if they are presumed to be using a P/F option to preserve

their GPA due to poor performance. Students should also ensure that the P/F option can be applied to their

district/school decides to use, it should be what is determined to be the most fair, accurate representation

of the student’s performance, and should be used consistently for all students." This may require the district

to seek additional information from the college to determine what grade is most appropriate.

The answer to the first question lies in the applicable policy of the institution. It is possible for a student to

described above, the high school counselor and the Running Start coordinator at the college must

communicate with one another for the high school to be apprised of the student's grade.

Yes. Running Start courses need to be recorded on the high school transcript. The standardized transcript

must contain a designation of “R” for courses completed and credit earned through Running Start in

accordance with WAC 392-415-070.

grade appropriate to the rules for K-12 and the college would transcribe the grade appropriate to its policy

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Grades and credit earned through Running Start courses are transcribed to both the high school and

college transcript. School districts are responsible for ensuring student grades on the high school transcript

grading policy - including the grading scale and grade options - is solely up to the college or university and

cannot be altered or modified by the

school district’s grading policy.

district must adhere to their local policies for the high school transcript while, when required, providing

grading information to the college or university which adheres to the college or university’s grading policy.

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r additional information contacts are listed below. Questions related to higher education should be

directed to one of the higher education sector leads and questions related to K-12 should be directed

toward the Office of Public Instruction.

-Year Institutions

-341-2955

-704-3929

-623-4494

Becky McLean