HOUSE BILL REPORT

                 EHB 1139

                       As Passed House

                       March 12, 1991

Title:  An act relating to continuing education credit requirements.

Brief Description:  Authorizing continuing education credit for teachers for certain out‑of‑state courses.

Sponsor(s):  Representatives Peery, H. Myers, Brough, Morris, Winsley, Pruitt, Cooper, Jones, Rayburn, Basich, Betrozoff, Miller and G. Fisher.

Brief History:

  Reported by House Committee on:

Education, February 14, 1991, DPA;

Passed House, March 12, 1991, 98-0.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON

EDUCATION

Majority Report: Do pass as amended.  Signed by 18 members:  Representatives Peery, Chair; G. Fisher, Vice Chair; Brough, Ranking Minority Member; Vance, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Betrozoff; Broback; Brumsickle; Dorn; Holland; P. Johnson; Jones; Neher; Orr; Phillips; Rasmussen; Roland; H. Sommers; and Valle.

Staff:  Bob Butts (786-7111).

Background:  In 1986, the State Board of Education approved regulations that, with several minor exceptions, require individuals who obtain continuing certificates after August 1987 to complete 150 credit hours of continuing education every five years.  The requirement applies to all certificated personnel, including teachers, principals, and educational staff associates (e.g. school nurses, psychologists, occupational therapists).

Continuing education credit may only be granted by entities approved by the State Board of Education.  Some certificated personnel, such as school nurses, speech therapists and psychologists, have a difficult time finding courses that are professionally relevant that have been approved by the State Board of Education.

Summary of Bill:  Credit earned by educational staff associates for taking courses may be used to fulfill any applicable continuing education certification credit requirements if the course may be used for continuing education credit needed to maintain a professional license, or if the course is sponsored by a state or national association, the association is awarding professional continuing education credit to course participants, and the educational staff associate is employed as a psychologist, communication disorder specialist, nurse, occupational therapist, physical therapist, counselor, or social worker.

Fiscal Note:  Available.

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

Testimony For:  None.

Testimony Against:  It is important that the State Board be able to approve continuing education credit courses to prevent abuse.  In response to similar legislation last year, the State Board of Education has made it easier for organizations to apply for and receive approvals for courses.

Witnesses:  Ted Andrews and Marcia Costello, Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.