HOUSE BILL REPORT

HB 1556

BYRepresentatives K. Wilson, Schoon, Pruitt, P. King, Winsley, Rasmussen, Miller, Nelson, Brough, Van Luven and Basich

Providing for in-service training for teachers in secondary school buildings.

House Committe on Education

Majority Report:  Do pass.  (17)

      Signed by Representatives Peery, Chair; G. Fisher, Vice Chair; Betrozoff, Ranking Republican Member; Brumsickle, Cole, Dorn, Fuhrman, Holland, Horn, Jones, P. King, Phillips, Pruitt, Rayburn, Schoon, Walker and K. Wilson.

House Staff:Susan Patrick (786-7111)

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION FEBRUARY 22, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Recent studies by the Board of Economic Development and the Washington Business Roundtable have emphasized the importance of an education which will yield highly educated, multi-skilled and flexible employees.  These skills are important for the state of Washington to compete in a global economy.  These reports have also emphasized the importance of evaluating student performance of specific skills or competencies rather than successful completion of a specified number of hours in particular courses.

SUMMARY:

To reach the goals of developing a highly educated, multi-skilled and flexible population which will give Washington a competitive edge in the global economy, the core competency in-service training grant program is created.  The Superintendent of Public Instruction may grant funds to selected school districts for the implementation of in-service training on the teaching of core competencies.  These skills include cooperative problem solving, critical thinking and analysis, self reliance, and conflict resolution.

The in-service training will be provided for teachers in the secondary schools of the state.  The program will provide for the training of at least one teacher in the secondary school buildings of selected school districts.  The selected teachers will receive training, material and course outlines to be used in training the teachers in his or her building.  It shall be the responsibility for the selected teacher to actually conduct the training within his or her building.  In its application the district must provide written assurance that it will provide the assistance necessary to allow the participating teacher to carry out the in- service training at the building level.

Funding for this program shall be as provided in the appropriations act.

Fiscal Note:      Requested February 14, 1989.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Representative Karla Wilson.

House Committee - Testified Against:      None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    The report form the Economic Development Board has given us a picture of the skills needed by our students as they enter the work force.  It is important that secondary teachers have the opportunity to receive training on the teaching and development of critical thinking skills, analytical skills, and group decision making and problem resolution.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None Presented.