HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

              HB 2957

Title:  An act relating to principal assessment and support.

Brief Description:  Providing for principal assessment and support.

Sponsors:  Representatives Haigh, Talcott, Quall, Miloscia, D. Schmidt, Wensman, Rockefeller, Conway, Lantz and Santos.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Meeting Date:  February 1, 2000

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

Background:  By law, principals must achieve state certification.  Initial or provisional certification lasts for three years.  In order to achieve permanent or professional certification, a principal must meet criteria adopted by the State Board of Education.  The Board is in the process of implementing  competency based  requirements for professional certification.

The state funds several programs designed to assist persons seeking various forms of educator certification   One of the programs was created in 1993 as part of the state's education reform efforts.  Through the program, persons training to become principals may receive internships that help prepare them for initial certification.  The internship program is funded through the state budget.  Through another state funded program created in 1984,  beginning teachers may receive mentoring and assistance from experienced teachers. The state does not support similar assistance programs for new school principals or superintendents.

Summary:  Through a contract with a qualified independent organization, the Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) will implement the Principal Competency and Support Program.  The program will help new school principals and principal candidates to develop and implement individualized professional growth plans and to achieve professional certification.  The program will include three required components.  First, the program will include a competency based assessment that measures leadership and managerial skills.  Second, the program will require the development of individualized professional growth plans.  Finally, the program will include assistance for one to three years for new principals and principal candidates.  The assistance will be provided by mentor principals who will help their new colleagues build any skills necessary to successfully complete a professional growth plan.

The program expires on July 1, 2006.

Appropriation:   $250,000 for the 1999-01 biennium is appropriated to OSPI for the purposes of this act.

Fiscal Note:  None.

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