SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 1755
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 18, 2019
Title: An act relating to allowing regional universities to offer doctorate level degrees in education.
Brief Description: Allowing regional universities to offer doctorate level degrees in education.
Sponsors: Representatives Leavitt, Van Werven, Bergquist, Corry, Ybarra, Volz, Pollet, Dent, Lovick, Doglio, Ormsby and Santos.
Brief History: Passed House: 3/04/19, 95-2.
Committee Activity: Higher Education & Workforce Development: 3/14/19.
Brief Summary of Bill |
|
SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT |
Staff: Alicia Kinne-Clawson (786-7407)
Background: Central Washington University, Eastern Washington University, and Western Washington University each offer masters degrees in education. Eastern Washington University offers applied, but not research, doctorate degrees in physical therapy. Western Washington University offers applied, but not research, doctorate degrees in audiology. The University of Washington and Washington State University offer both applied and research doctorate degrees in education.
Generally, an applied doctorate degree in education (Ed.D.) is designed for advanced professional practice focusing on the application of existing research and knowledge applied in the field, rather than on the creation of new research for the field. A typical Ed.D. program includes classroom study, field placements, and administrative practice.
Summary of Bill: The boards of trustees of the regional universities may offer applied, but not research, doctorate level degrees in education.
Appropriation: None.
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: This bill allows the regionals to offer applied doctorates in education. These are designed from advanced professional practice focused on the application of existing research and knowledge. There are over 600 administrators and principals practicing out in the field that do not have a doctorate. A recent survey we conducted indicates that many of them would like to pursue a doctorate credential but are limited based on geography. This program would be self-supporting with no money from the state. We work with school leaders in mostly rural areas and many of them are also interested in participating in a doctoral program. The top five barriers facing school leaders in accessing doctoral education include cost and the location of classes. We think a hybrid program would make sense for many of these students and would help the superintendent pipeline. An Ed.D. helps make people better candidates for school leadership positions. Expanding this program to the regionals will help expand diversity for the school leadership pipeline.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Mari Leavitt, Prime Sponsor; Tim Bruce, Western Washington University; Don Larsen, Western Washington University; Tara Haskins, Eastern Washington University; Antonio Sanchez, Central Washington University.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.