Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Education Committee |
HB 1804
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: Concerning the confidentiality of educator professional growth plans.
Sponsors: Representatives Springer, Magendanz, Lytton, Muri and Reykdal; by request of Professional Educator Standards Board.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 2/12/15
Staff: Megan Wargacki (786-7194).
Background:
The Public Records Act.
The Public Records Act (PRA) requires all state and local agencies to disclose public records to any person upon request, unless the record falls within certain statutory exemptions. Under the PRA, a public record is any writing containing information relating to the conduct of government or the performance of any governmental or proprietary function prepared, owned, used, or retained by any state or local agency, regardless of physical form or characteristics.
Over 500 specific references in the PRA or other statutes remove certain information from application of the PRA, provide exceptions to the public disclosure and copying of certain
information, or designate certain information as confidential. The provisions requiring public records disclosure must be interpreted liberally while the exemptions must be interpreted narrowly to effectuate the general policy favoring disclosure.
Professional Growth Plans.
The Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) has established two levels of certification:
residency, which is achieved after completion of an approved preparation program; and
professional, which is a second-tier certification achieved after three years of experience and a specified process of additional professional development.
For renewal of professional certificates, the PESB requires teachers, administrators, school counselors, and school psychologists to complete four annual Professional Growth Plans (PGPs) during a five-year period. A PGP is a plan an educator intends to implement for growth over the coming year.
Summary of Bill:
The PGPs in educator license renewals submitted through the electronic certification system in the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction are exempt from public inspection and copying.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.