SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6067
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 January 15, 2020
Title: An act relating to educator certification assessments.
Brief Description: Concerning educator certification assessments.
Sponsors: Senators Hasegawa, Nguyen and Wilson, C.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Early Learning & K-12 Education: 1/17/20.
Brief Summary of Bill |
|
SENATE COMMITTEE ON EARLY LEARNING & K-12 EDUCATION |
Staff: Benjamin Omdal (786-7442)
Background: Teacher Certification Requirements. Under state law, the Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) is tasked with establishing rules for teacher certification, including requirements for teacher preparation programs. Under rules set by PESB and state law, there are several pathways to becoming a certificated teacher, with the traditional route being enrolled in a teacher preparation program as part of a bachelor or master's degree program. Currently, all individuals hoping to become certified teachers in Washington must meet assessment requirements.
Minimum Assessment Requirements. Before receiving their initial (residency) teaching certificate, teacher certification candidates must achieve a minimum score on a uniform and externally administered professional-level certification assessment based on demonstrated teaching skill.
This assessment, more commonly known as the edTPA, is a national assessment that analyzes teaching candidates' planning, instruction, and knowledge through a submitted portfolio that is then graded by educators. All teaching candidates completing PESB-approved teacher preparation programs have been required to successfully pass the edTPA since January 2014. Candidates must also meet a minimum score on an assessment of subject knowledge in order to obtain an endorsement in that area.
Summary of Bill: Language is removed from state law that requires PESB to implement a uniform and externally administered professional-level certification assessment. The requirement that an applicant must achieve a minimum score on assessments in order to receive a residency certificate is removed.
Applicants for initial teacher certification are not required to perform a professional-level certification assessment to receive a residency certificate.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 13, 2020.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.