SENATE BILL REPORT

                           ESHB 1374

     AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION, APRIL 2, 1993

Brief Description:  Changing provisions relating to the teacher admission to practice examination.

SPONSORS: House Committee on Education (originally sponsored by Representatives Brough and Peery)

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended. 

     Signed by Senators Pelz, Chairman; McAuliffe, Vice Chairman; Gaspard, M. Rasmussen, Rinehart, Skratek, A. Smith, and Winsley.

Staff:  Larry Davis (786‑7422)

Hearing Dates: March 29, 1993; April 2, 1993

BACKGROUND:

In 1987, the Washington State Legislature created a requirement that teacher certification candidates pass an examination before receiving an initial teaching certificate.  The examination is to test knowledge and competence in subjects including, but not limited to, instructional skills, classroom management, and student behavior and development.  The examination is required to consist primarily of essay questions and is to take effect on August 31, 1993.

No funds were appropriated for developing and administering the exam.  As a result, the State Board of Education solicited proposals from testing companies to develop and administer the test, with certification applicants paying a fee to cover the cost of the exam.

However, prior to awarding the contract, the Attorney General's office concluded that the State Board did not have the legislative authority to charge applicants for taking the test.

In addition, the Governor's Council on Education Reform and Funding has recommended that certification requirements for teachers be more performance-based.

SUMMARY:

The current teacher examination is postponed until August 31, 1995.  In addition, the exam is broadened to be an individual assessment instead of an examination using primarily essay questions.  The assessment is expanded to include the testing of oral and written language skills, the assessment of students, and other knowledge, skills and attributes needed to successfully assist students in achieving mastery of the essential learning requirements.

The State Board of Education and the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) are given the authority to charge applicants for the test and to hire a contractor to develop and administer the assessment.

Fee revenues shall be deposited in a revolving fund.

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED SENATE AMENDMENT:

The teacher admission-to-practice examination is repealed.  The State Board is directed to monitor the development of a performance-based education system and provide recommendations in 1997 regarding an individual teacher certification exam that would be consistent with a performance-based education system.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  yes

Fiscal Note:  requested March 3, 1993

TESTIMONY FOR:

The content of the exam has been updated to more closely fit in with the state's education reform movement.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  Rep. Jean Marie Brough, sponsor