SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6476
BYSenators Craswell, McDonald, Metcalf, Rasmussen, Lee, Bluechel, Bailey, Benitz, Cantu, Thorsness, Johnson, Amondson, Patterson, Hayner, Smith, Saling, Sellar and West
Providing an alternative to teacher certification.
Senate Committee on Education
Senate Hearing Date(s):January 22, 1990; February 1, 1990
Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6476 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.
Signed by Senators Bailey, Chairman; Lee, Vice Chairman; Anderson, Bender, Benitz, Craswell, Gaspard, Metcalf, Murray, Rinehart.
Senate Staff:Susan Mosborg (786-7439)
February 5, 1990
AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION, FEBRUARY 1, 1990
BACKGROUND:
Some experts suggest that providing alternative routes into the teaching profession will attract persons of diverse backgrounds who have the skills, subject matter knowledge, and work experience to be effective teachers. If alternative routes are not provided, some of these persons may be unwilling or unable to commit the personal resources necessary to complete a teacher preparation program for teacher certification.
SUMMARY:
School districts are allowed to employ persons who are not certificated teachers to teach in public schools.
To qualify, a person must (1) hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; (2) have five years work experience since obtaining the bachelor's degree; and (3) pass a background check by the Washington State Patrol criminal investigation system. In addition, a school district may develop procedures, including testing, for the hiring of uncertificated teachers.
Continued employment as an uncertificated teacher is conditioned upon successfully completing a two-year probationary period of teaching under the supervision of a certificated teacher.
After successfully completing the probationary period, uncertificated teachers have the same rights and benefits as certificated teachers, and must take in-service continuing education courses as required by law.
EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:
All provisions in the original bill are deleted.
The State Board of Education will develop by December 15, 1990, the standards for an Alternate Teacher Preparation Pilot Program. Standards will be developed for but not limited to: eligibility, preservice training, in-service training, supervision, and evaluation. Eligibility standards include possession of a baccalaureate degree, work experience, and compliance with the State Patrol background check.
Candidates for alternate route teacher certification must complete a preservice training program developed jointly by at least one school district and one higher education institution with a State Board approved teacher preparation program.
Alternate route teachers will participate in the Teacher Assistance Program and be assigned a mentor teacher.
Beginning August 31, 1993, candidates for alternate route certification must take the statewide exam of pedagogy. Passage is not a prerequisite for employment. The results are used in meeting the preservice training needs of the alternate route teacher applicant.
The State Board may develop an alternate route teacher certificate for use during the term of the pilot program. The certificate is valid for two years only. To teach beyond two years the alternate route teacher must apply for initial or professional certification with the Superintendent of Public Instruction and have demonstrated professional education standards equivalent to an approved college or university teacher preparation program.
The pilot program begins with the 1991-92 school year and concludes at the end of the 1995-96 school year. The program expires December 31, 1996.
The State Board reports to the Legislature and the Governor by December 15, 1990 on: the adopted standards; recommendations for placement of alternate route teachers on the statewide salary allocation schedule developed while teaching under an alternate route certificate, and how appropriate related occupational experience might be recognized for compensation purposes; and funding necessary to support preservice training programs. The Board reports annually on the program.
Appropriation: $49,000 to the State Board of Education
Revenue: none
Fiscal Note: none requested
Senate Committee - Testified: FOR: Senator Craswell, sponsor; Philip Tenkhoff; William Safford; Bob Williams, Washington Institute for Policy Studies; AGAINST: Ted Andrews, Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction; Judy Hartmann, Washington Education Association; NEUTRAL: Dwayne Slate, Washington State School Directors Association; Ronn Robinson, Office of the Governor