Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Education Committee

HB 1570

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Brief Description: Creating flexibility for the educator retooling conditional scholarship program.

Sponsors: Representatives Gregory, Bergquist, S. Hunt, Reykdal, Kilduff, Ortiz-Self and Pollet; by request of Governor Inslee.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Renames the Retooling to Teach Mathematics and Sciences Conditional Scholarship Program to the Educator Retooling Conditional Scholarship Program.

  • Expands the types of endorsements teachers and certain certificated elementary educators may pursue to qualify for the conditional scholarship program.

Hearing Date: 2/9/15

Staff: Robin Hammond (786-7291).

Background:

A conditional scholarship is a loan that is forgiven in whole or in part in exchange for service as a certificated teacher at a K-12 public school. The state forgives one year of loan obligation for every two years a recipient teaches in a Washington K-12 public school. When a recipient fails to continue with the required course of study or teaching obligation, the recipient must repay the remaining loan principal with interest.

The Retooling to Teach Mathematics and Sciences Conditional Scholarship Program requires a K-12 teacher, or certificated elementary educator who is not employed in a position requiring an elementary education certificate, to pursue an endorsement in math or science to be eligible for the program. The conditional scholarship amount is determined by the student achievement council, may not exceed $3,000 per year, and is applied to the cost of tuition, fees, and educational expenses.

Summary of Bill:

The Retooling to Teach Mathematics and Sciences Conditional Scholarship Program is renamed as the Educator Retooling Conditional Scholarship Program. A K-12 teacher, or certificated elementary educator who is not employed in a position requiring an elementary education certificate, may qualify for the scholarship program by pursuing an endorsement in math, science, special education, bilingual education, English language learner, computer science education, or environmental and sustainability education.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

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