HOUSE BILL REPORT

                  HB 1985

             As Reported By House Committee on:

                          Education

Title:  An act relating to teacher preparation in child abuse issues.

Brief Description:  Requiring teachers to have professional preparation in child abuse issues.

Sponsor(s):  Representatives Brumsickle, Dorn, Peery, Winsley, Miller and Rasmussen; by request of Superintendent of Public Instruction and Board of Education.

Brief History:

  Reported by House Committee on:

Education, February 27, 1991, DP.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON

EDUCATION

Majority Report: Do pass.  Signed by 19 members:  Representatives Peery, Chair; G. Fisher, Vice Chair; Brough, Ranking Minority Member; Vance, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Betrozoff; Broback; Brumsickle; Cole; Dorn; Holland; P. Johnson; Jones; Neher; Orr; Phillips; Rasmussen; Roland; H. Sommers; and Valle.

Staff:  Robert Butts (786-7111).

Background:  Learning is more difficult for many children because they are the victims of child abuse.  Educators are often in a position to identify and assist these children in coping with their unfortunate circumstances.

In recognition of this, the 1990 Legislature adopted legislation that requires persons applying for an initial teaching certificate to complete a course on issues of child abuse.  The legislation did not specify the length of the course required.

Summary of Bill:  The minimum length of the course on child abuse required for teacher candidates shall be 10 hours.

The course must be taken by persons enrolled in teacher education programs, or before persons receive their continuing certificate.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  This bill makes only technical changes.

Testimony Against:  None.

Witnesses:  Marcia Costello, Superintendent of Public Instruction (Pro); Ann Olson, Washington State PTA (Pro); Dawn Larsen, Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs (Pro); and Richard Winters, Department of Social & Health Services (Pro).