Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: In an effort to improve the current processing system for educator certification applications in Washington state, the office of superintendent of public instruction (OSPI) is working with the professional educator standards board (PESB) to implement a new application deadline system that requires renewal certification applications to be submitted six months in advance of the certification expiration date. To enforce this change, OSPI is considering rule making to make effective starting in the 2030 renewal cycle a late fee for educators who submit applications after their respective certification application deadlines have passed.

Other Federal and State Agencies that Regulate this Subject and the Process Coordinating the Rule with These Agencies: PESB is the agency responsible for setting rules on educator certification. OSPI has worked with PESB staff and its board to shape this policy. Additionally, OSPI has engaged with other internal and external stakeholders to ensure that they are aware of this potential change and are able to participate in this particular rule making.

Process for Developing New Rule: Early solicitation of feedback and recommendations concerning new or amended rules, and consideration of comments and recommendations in the course of drafting rule language.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Timothy York, OSPI, P.O. Box 47200, Olympia, WA 98504, phone 360-867-8131, TTY 360-664-3631, email timothy.york@k12.wa.us, website ospi.k12.wa.us.