Brief Description: Including a classified employee on the Washington professional educator standards board.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Education (originally sponsored by Senators Zarelli, McAuliffe, Schmidt, Eide, Benton, Carlson, Keiser, Mulliken, Kohl-Welles, Stevens, Winsley, Hale, Roach and Poulsen).

Hearing Date: 3/20/03

Staff: Susan Morrissey (786-7111).

Background:

The Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) was created by the 2000 Legislature to provide advice and recommendations on issues affecting education professionals to the State Board of Education (SBE), Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI), Governor and Legislature. The issues include recruitment, hiring, preparation, certification, mentoring, professional growth, retention, governance, assessment, and evaluation. In addition, the PESB oversees new basic skills and subject matter assessments to be required of all new teachers prior to state certification. Finally, the PESB brings greater public focus and attention to the education professions.

The 2001 Legislature added a responsibility to implement three alternative routes to certify educators.

The PESB is composed of the SPI and 19 members appointed by the Governor to four-year staggered terms. The chair of the PESB is appointed by the Governor from amongst the teachers and principals on the PESB. Of the 19 appointed members, eight are teachers, seven from public schools and one representing private schools. Four members are school administrators, two of whom are public school principals, one principal from a private school and one superintendent. Two members are educational staff associates, and three represent college and university educator preparation programs. One member is a parent and one represents the public. Most of the members of the PESB who represent K-12 and higher education are also required to meet additional qualifications.

Summary of Bill:

The Governor will appoint to the PESB a classified employee who assists in public school instruction. The employee must have at least three years of public school experience in the paraeducator role and must be currently serving in that capacity. The paraeducator will replace the public member of the PESB.

Differences between HB 1193 and SSB 5240: SSB 5240 retains a 20 member board and replaces the public member with a paraeducator. HB 1193 added a 21st member to the Board.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not Requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.