S-0980

AN ACT Relating to alternate teacher certification; and adding new sections to chapter 28A.410 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. It is the intent of the legislature to attract career professionals from diverse backgrounds into the teaching profession and prevent teacher shortages by making alternate teacher certification available to persons with baccalaureate degrees and extensive, relevant work experience. The alternate certificate established under section 2 of this act shall allow eligible persons to qualify for initial teacher certification upon satisfactory completion of limited preservice course work and two years of full-time teaching under the guidance and supervision of a school district in Washington state.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. The state board of education shall by December 15, 1991, adopt rules to implement an alternate teacher certificate having the following standards:

(1) Each candidate for the alternate teacher's certificate shall:

(a) Possess a baccalaureate degree in the arts, sciences, or humanities from an accredited college or university;

(b) Have at least ten years' work experience relevant to the subject area in which he or she is seeking endorsement;

(c) Meet the age and character requirements established by the state board of education for all certificated school staff, including compliance with the background check through the Washington state patrol criminal investigation system as required under RCW 28A.410.010; and

(d) Possess a contract for employment in a school district of the state.

(2) Prior to beginning teaching under the alternate teacher certificate, the candidate shall:

(a) Have satisfied preservice course work requirements established by the state board of education for this purpose. These requirements shall be limited to no more than fifteen quarter hours or ten semester hours of postbaccalaureate course work, or the equivalent in state board of education approved in-service clock hours. In establishing the requirements, the state board shall select courses available during the summer as well as the school year;

(b) Have developed with their employing school district a written plan for supervision, guidance, and support to be provided to the candidate by the district for the duration of the alternate certificate. The plan shall include but not be limited to assignment by the district of a mentor teacher according to criteria established for the teacher assistance program under RCW 28A.405.450 and evaluation under the school district's teacher evaluation procedures.

(3) The alternate teacher certificate allows the holder full authority to serve as a part-time or full-time teacher. The certificate shall be valid for not more than two years of full-time teaching or its equivalent. A person desiring to teach beyond the expiration date of his or her alternate certificate shall apply for initial or professional certification with the superintendent of public instruction. Such certification shall be conditioned upon the satisfaction of all requirements in this section and recommendation by the school district employing the candidate under alternate certification. Initial certification shall not require additional course work or experience.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. The alternate certification developed under section 2 of this act shall be available not later than the 1992-93 school year.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 4. (1) The state board of education shall report to the legislature by December 15, 1991, on:

(a) The standards adopted pursuant to section 2 of this act; and

(b) Recommendations for placement of teachers with alternate certification as provided for in section 2 of this act on the state-wide salary allocation schedule.

(2) The state board of education shall report annually to the legislature and the governor on alternate teacher certification. Each report is due by December 1 and shall include but not be limited to: The number of alternate certification teachers hired by school districts; the grade level and subject areas to which they have been assigned; the number of instructional hours they have taught; the number who have applied for initial or professional certification; and the number who have been granted initial or professional certification.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 5. Sections 1 through 4 of this act are each added to chapter 28A.410 RCW.