SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5312

BYSenators Bailey, Metcalf, Rinehart and Lee

Revising grade level certification requirements for teachers.

Senate Committee on Education

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 14, 1989; February 16, 1989

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Bailey, Chairman; Lee, Vice Chairman; Anderson, Bender, Craswell, Fleming, Gaspard, Metcalf, Murray, Rinehart.

Senate Staff:Susan Finkel (786-7483)

                  March 15, 1989

AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 14, 1989

BACKGROUND:

In 1987 the Legislature required that the State Board of Education adopt rules providing that all individuals qualifying for initial-level teaching certificates after August 31, 1992, possess a baccalaureate degree in the arts, sciences and/or humanities and have fulfilled the teacher certification requirements.

Candidates for certification for preschool through grade six may have an undergraduate major in early childhood education, elementary or special education with an additional minimum of 30 quarter hours or 20 semester hours in one academic field to satisfy the teaching requirements.

Middle schools, common in this state since the 1980s, are considered the intermediary between elementary schools and high schools. For purposes of teacher preparation, however, middle schools are more similar to elementary than high schools.

There is concern that the teaching certification for preschool through sixth grade will prevent appropriately trained teachers to teach in the middle schools (which go up to eighth grade).

SUMMARY:

Candidates for teacher certification from preschool through eighth grade may satisfy certification requirements with an undergraduate major in education with an additional 30 quarter hours or 20 semester hours in one academic field.

The State Board of Education is required to review its provisions relating to the certification of teachers in the middle level grades and develop as necessary new requirements by May 31, 1990.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Judy Hartmann, office of Superintendent of Public Instruction