HOUSE BILL REPORT

SSB 6145

BYSenate Committee on Higher Education (originally sponsored by Senators Rinehart, Bailey, Bauer, Saling, Gaspard, Kiskaddon, Smitherman and Benitz)

Establishing a program to promote collaborative relationships between various educational faculty and staff.

House Committe on Higher Education

Majority Report:  Do pass.  (12)

      Signed by Representatives Jacobsen, Chair; Heavey, Vice Chair; Barnes, Basich, Fox, Jesernig, Miller, Nelson, Prince, Silver, Unsoeld and K. Wilson.

House Staff:Susan Hosch (786-7120)

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION FEBRUARY 17, 1988

BACKGROUND:

Concern about the quality of teaching in the public schools has prompted the legislature and the State Board of Education to institute measures designed to improve student preparation for teaching.  Measures such as requiring minimum test scores for entry into a teacher preparation program, and the new requirement for a master's degree are directed at potential teachers.

Other measures were adopted to encourage better communication and cooperation between institutions of higher education and the K-12 system.  Professional Education Advisory Boards have been formed at public and independent institutions of higher education to supervise and monitor teacher preparation programs at each institution.  These advisory boards include teachers, principals, alumni, and faculty in the teacher preparation programs.

In 1987, the Legislature adopted statutory language encouraging the state's school districts and colleges and universities with teacher preparation programs to explore ways to establish cooperative arrangements.  Through these arrangements higher education faculty can share the benefits of their research and new ideas with K-12 faculty.  In return, K-12 faculty can share the realities of the classroom with higher education faculty.

SUMMARY:

The State Board of Education shall establish a program to promote and encourage collaborative relationships between higher education faculty and common school personnel.  Any higher education institution in the state with a State Board of Education approved professional preparation program for school personnel is eligible to participate in the program.

The program shall be based in "school improvement hour services" provided by higher education faculty to schools or school districts.  "School improvement hour services" will be defined in rule by the State Board of Education.  Services may be provided during or between school years.

The Professional Education Advisory Board of each participating higher education institution will recommend priority areas of service emphasis on an annual basis.

Based upon the provision of "school improvement hour services," the maximum amount of reimbursement that may be distributed to each participating institution through its Professional Education Advisory Board is $10,000 per year.

The State Board of Education must adopt rules by June 30, 1989, and beginning no later than January 15, 1991, submit a biennial report to the Legislature on the School Improvement Hour Services Program.

Fiscal Note:      Requested February 17, 1988.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Sen. Nita Rinehart.

House Committee - Testified Against:      None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    The program implements legislation adopted last year.  It permits school districts to receive educational services in areas where their need is greatest.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None Presented.