HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  HB 1068

             As Reported By House Committee on:

                          Education

Title:  An act relating to teacher certification.

Brief Description:  Allowing noncertificated, unsupervised persons to teach in the common schools under limited circumstances.

Sponsor(s):  Representatives Brough, Peery, Vance, H. Sommers, Neher, Broback, Tate, May, Forner, Mitchell, McLean and Winsley.

Brief History:

  Reported by House Committee on:

Education, February 27, 1991, DPS.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON

EDUCATION

Majority Report: That Substitute House Bill No. 1068 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.  Signed by 15 members:  Representatives Peery, Chair; Brough, Ranking Minority Member; Vance, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Betrozoff; Broback; Brumsickle; Cole; Dorn; Holland; P. Johnson; Neher; Orr; Rasmussen; Roland; and H. Sommers.

Minority Report: Do not pass.  Signed by 4 members:  Representatives G. Fisher, Vice Chair; Jones; Phillips; and Valle.

Staff:  Robert Butts (786-7111).

Background:  Under current laws and regulations, one must meet specified certification requirements before one can teach unsupervised in a classroom.  Except in exceptional circumstances, new teachers must score above average in basic skills competency, complete a teacher preparation program, take specific classes in the subject areas to be taught, obtain a master's degree before a professional level certificate is issued, and take 150 clock hours of classes every five years.  In addition, after August 31, 1993, all persons applying for teacher certification must pass an exam.

In lieu of completing a lengthy teacher education program, the State Board of Education recently adopted new regulations that would allow persons with BAs and work experience, and MAs to qualify for initial certificates by completing one quarter of teacher education classes, teaching for a year, and completing a second quarter of teacher education classes.  The State Board also adopted provisions that would allow individuals of "unusual distinction or exceptional talent," e.g. Bill Gates and Einstein, to teach under specified conditions.

Summary of Substitute Bill:  In establishing rules for certification of persons employed in the state's common schools, the State Board of Education shall allow school districts to employ, with or without compensation or other benefits, persons without certificates to teach classes without being under the supervision of a certificated teacher if the person:

(1) will provide classroom instruction for 180 hours or less during the school year in that school district, or in any school district in the State;

(2) holds a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university; and

(3) complies with applicable background check requirements under RCW 28A.410.010.

The school district may require such persons to obtain additional educational experience or in-service training before, or concurrent with, the classroom instruction.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:  An intent section was added to the substitute, as was language that would restrict a person from teaching more than 180 hours statewide.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date of Substitute Bill:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For:  This bill gives school districts additional flexibility, and would allow talented individuals to work in our schools on a part-time basis.

Testimony Against:  In recent years, the Legislature and State Board of Education have considerably raised standards for certification.  This bill moves in the opposite direction, and has the potential of destroying the certification process in Washington.

Witnesses:  Bob Maier, Washington Education Association (has serious concerns); and Ted Andrews, Superintendent of Public Instruction (Con).