FINAL BILL REPORT

                     EHB 1139

                                 C 155 L 91

                            Synopsis As Enacted

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

By Representatives Peery, H. Myers, Brough, Morris, Winsley, Pruitt, Cooper, Jones, Rayburn, Basich, Betrozoff, Miller and G. Fisher.

House Committee on Education

Senate Committee on Education

Background:  In 1986, the State Board of Education approved regulations that, with several minor exceptions, require individuals who obtain continuing education certificates after August 1987 to complete 150 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 approved courses that are professionally relevant.

Summary:  Educational staff associates may use credits that satisfy the continuing education requirements for their state professional licenses, if any, to fulfill the continuing education requirements established by the State Board of Education.

Votes on Final Passage:

House 98    0

Senate   44    0     (Senate amended)

House 96    0     (House concurred)

Effective:     July 28, 1991