SENATE BILL REPORT
SHB 1264
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. |
As of March 19, 2019
Title: An act relating to secondary traumatic stress in public school staff.
Brief Description: Concerning secondary traumatic stress in public school staff.
Sponsors: House Committee on Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives Ortiz-Self, Orwall, Bergquist, Santos, Dolan, Lovick, Peterson, Reeves, Sells, Stanford, Appleton, Callan, Wylie and Pollet).
Brief History: Passed House: 3/04/19, 96-0.
Committee Activity: Early Learning & K-12 Education: 3/15/19.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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SENATE COMMITTEE ON EARLY LEARNING & K-12 EDUCATION |
Staff: Ailey Kato (786-7434)
Background: Vicarious or Secondary Trauma. In 2009, the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) created a training tool that defined vicarious or secondary trauma. Vicarious trauma often carries many of the same symptoms as first-hand trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder. Vicarious means to feel through the experience of others; a secondary rather than primary experience. The training tool described self-care as an ethical obligation and is necessary to recognize and prevent the impact of vicarious trauma.
Professional Learning Days. Professional learning means a comprehensive, sustained, job-embedded, and collaborative approach to improving teachers' and principals' effectiveness in raising student achievement. Beginning with the 2018-19 school year, the Legislature must begin phasing in funding for professional learning days for certificated instructional staff. At a minimum, the state must allocate funding for:
one day in the 2018-19 school year;
two days in the 2019-20 school year; and
three days in the 2020-21 school year.
Summary of Bill: Online Training Modules. OSPI must identify or develop online training modules, available on OSPI's website, to support teachers affected by secondary traumatic stress. At a minimum, the modules must:
describe the signs and symptoms of secondary traumatic stress;
outline the reasons why teachers and other staff might be at risk for this type of stress and include a self-assessment;
describe the impact of this stress on various life domains;
teach how to craft a self-care plan and how to overcome barriers to self-care; and
include an appendix of resources on secondary traumatic stress and self-care.
Professional Learning Days. Beginning in fiscal year 2021, if the number of state-allocated professional learning days for either certificated instructional staff or classified staff is increased beyond the number allocated in fiscal year 2020, OSPI must include the training modules on the menu of topics that may be implemented on the additional days.
Appropriation: The bill contains a null and void clause requiring specific funding be provided in an omnibus appropriation act.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Students and educators are facing many difficult issues in schools. Educators are on the frontline when there are tragedies. The stress level in the education system is high including educators experiencing secondary traumatic stress. This bill provides support for teachers and administrators, which will enhance well-being and improve school climate.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Lillian Ortiz-Self, Prime Sponsor; Mona Johnson, Office of the Superintendent of the Public Instruction; Lucinda Young, Washington Education Association.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.