HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

                 HB  2760

Title:  An act relating to standards for educator quality.

Brief Description:  Promoting standards for educator quality.

Sponsors:  Representatives Quall, Carlson, Lovick, Constantine, Regala, Haigh, Tokuda, Linville, Keiser, Stensen, Conway, Wood, Morris, Kenney and Ogden; by request of Governor Locke

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Meeting Date:  January 26, 2000

Bill Analysis Prepared by:  Susan Morrissey (786-7111).

Background:  By law, as part of its duties, the State Board of Education sets requirements for teachers, administrators, and educational staff associates in four major areas:  preparation; assessment; certification; and standards of practice.  Since the early 1990's, the board has been moving toward a performance based system for the preparation and certification of teachers. One foundation of the performance based certification system envisioned by the board is the establishment of a series of assessments that will permit potential teachers to demonstrate their competency in three areas: basic skills, knowledge in the subjects they plan to teach, and pedagogy or teaching skills.   The 1995 legislature directed the board to study and report on some of the implementation issues associated with the creation of assessments for persons seeking initial or residency teaching certificates.  The legislation required the board to report to the legislature on the results of the study by January 1,1997.  The legislation also required the board to obtain legislative approval before implementation of any certification assessments.

Since 1987, potential teachers have been required to demonstrate competency in certain basic skills before they are admitted to teacher preparation programs.   These potential teachers must demonstrate competency in the basic skills of oral and written communication, reading, and computation.  They may demonstrate that  competency in a variety of ways including successful completion of an examination of basic skills, completion of a baccalaureate or graduate degree program, completion of two years of college and a demonstration of competency in basic skills and an essay, or by earning a combined score of more than the statewide median score of all persons taking the test in the prior school year.

Summary: The Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) is created as a self-governing board. The PESB includes 16 members representing different facets of the education profession.  The board will be composed of seven public school teachers, one private school teacher, two representatives of teacher preparation programs,  three administrators, one parent and one member of the public.  The members are appointed by the Governor and serve four year staggered terms.  The members may not serve for more than two consecutive full terms. The Superintendent of Public Instruction is a nonvoting member.  The Governor will select the members from lists provided by organizations that are constituencies of the board, from applications from qualified individuals, or both.  The Washington Education Association, the Association of Washington School Principals, and the Washington Association of School Administrators will submit lists of nominees to the Governor.

Duties currently performed by the State Board of Education regarding teacher, administrator, and educational staff associate preparation, assessment, certification, and standards of practice, are transferred to the PESB.  The supplemental budget of the State Board of Education must be adjusted to reflect its reduction in duties.

By September 1, 2001, the PESB makes a "basic skills" assessment available for teachers.  Beginning August 1, 2002, teaching certificate and teacher preparation program applicants must pass the basic skills assessment.  Beginning September 1, 2002, the PESB begins implementing a subject knowledge assessment.  The assessment does not include teaching methodology.  Unless an appropriation is provided, applicants for teacher certification pay a fee for assessments and related costs.

The PESB must annually report its activities and recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested

Effective Date:  The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.