The House of Representatives has tackled one of the thorny, controversial aspects facing current Washington state high school students.

As the legislative session gets underway in Olympia, the State House has passed a bill, HB 2214, that would do away with the need to pass a science test to graduate. But the bill has also generated it's own controversy, by eliminating the tenth grade English and Math tests in favor of Common Core academic requirements.

According to supporters of the bill, it would streamline the educational system and reportedly save the state $45 million over the next three years.

Critics question if the moves are designed to help education, or are a budget fix to help alleviate the state's education shortfalls under the McCleary Decision.

Rep. Chris Reykdal, (D) of Olympia, who is also running for Superintendent of Public Instruction, says one-size-fits-all testing is not meeting the needs of current students.

While the new bill would cut down the number of tests required for eventual graduation, it would also eliminate some of the alternative testing programs for those who don't pass the exams. The bill, which passed 87-10 in the House now heads to the State Senate, where it's fate is unknown.

More From 870 AM KFLD