SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5639

                    As of February 7, 1995

Title:  An act relating to world language instruction.

Brief Description:  Increasing efforts to maximize world language instruction in schools.

Sponsors:  Senators Fairley, Wood, Kohl, Prince, Fraser, Rasmussen and Prentice.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Higher Education:  2/13/95.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION

Staff:  Jean Six (786-7423)

Background:  The 1993 Legislature established the Washington Task Force on International Education and Cultural Exchanges.  The preliminary report, delivered to the Legislature in December 1993, provided a snapshot of the international education activities in which the state is currently involved.  The October, 1994 final report recognized that Washington State's economic future is world trade, and that citizens must be provided with the tools they need to work in the international arena.  The task force made six broad recommendations to the Legislature.  Recommendation 3 asserts that the importance of competency in two world languages becomes critical as Washington State citizens compete for jobs and business opportunities in the world trade market.  Washington State students in both K-12 and higher education must learn a second world language as part of their educational process.

Summary of Bill: Alternative certification is available through the State Board of Education for individuals who demonstrate fluency in a language other than English and who are knowledgeable in the culture and history of other countries.  Such individuals may provide world language, cultural, and history instruction in public and private schools without having to graduate from a teacher preparation program.

By September 1, 2000, individuals must demonstrate competency in a second world language before receiving an initial teaching certificate.

Incentives must be developed by the State Board of Education, the Higher Education Coordinating Board and the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges that (a) encourage teacher preparation candidates to study world languages and cultures, (b) encourage world language majors to teach, and (c) support the use of technology to maximize the availability of world language instruction. 

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on January 30, 1995.

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