BP BHEAD INT H

AN ACT Relating to assessments for persons entering teacher preparation programs and applying for state certification; amending RCW 28A.410.020; adding a new section to chapter 28A.410 RCW; creating a new section; repealing RCW 28A.410.013; and providing an effective date.

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

Sec. 1. RCW 28A.410.020 and 1991 c 116 s 20 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) No person may be admitted to a professional teacher preparation program within Washington state without first demonstrating that he or she is competent in the basic skills required for oral and written communication and computation. ((This requirement shall be waived for persons who have completed a baccalaureate degree; or graduate degree program; or who have completed two or more years of college level course work, demonstrated competency through college level course work and a written essay, and are over the age of twenty-one.))

(2) ((After June 30, 1989, no person shall be admitted to a teacher preparation program who has a combined score of less than the state-wide median score for the prior school year scored by all persons taking tests of general achievement selected by the state board of education. The state board of education shall develop criteria and adopt rules for exemptions from this subsection.)) An assessment measuring these basic skills, selected by the state board of education, shall be administered to all applicants for teacher preparation programs as a condition of admission. The state board shall develop criteria for successful demonstration of these basic skills.

(3) The state board of education shall adopt rules to implement this section.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 28A.410 RCW to read as follows:

(1) Effective May 1, 1998, the state board of education shall require teacher certification candidates applying for initial certification and out-of-state teachers applying for certification in Washington state to pass an individual assessment before being granted an initial certificate. The assessment shall include but not be limited to essay questions. The assessment shall test knowledge and competence in subjects including, but not limited to, instructional skills, classroom management, student behavior and development, oral and written language skills, student performance-based assessment skills, and other knowledge, skills, and attributes needed to be successful in assisting all students, including students with diverse and unique needs, in achieving mastery of the essential academic learning requirements established under RCW 28A.630.885. In administering the assessment, the state board shall address the needs of certification candidates who have specific learning disabilities or physical conditions that may require special consideration in taking the assessment.

(2) The state board of education shall adopt such rules as may be necessary to implement this section, including, but not limited to, rules establishing the fees assessed persons who apply to take the assessment and the circumstances, if any, under which such fees may be refunded in whole or part. Fees shall be set at a level not higher than the costs for administering the tests. Fees shall not include costs of developing the test.

(3) Fee revenues received under this section shall be deposited in the teacher assessment revolving fund hereby established in the custody of the state treasurer. The fund is subject to the allotment procedures provided under chapter 43.88 RCW, but no appropriation is required for disbursement. The superintendent of public instruction is responsible for administering the assessment program consistent with state board of education rules. The superintendent of public instruction shall expend moneys from the teacher assessment revolving fund exclusively for the direct and indirect costs of establishing, equipping, maintaining, and operating the assessment program.

(4) Out-of-state teachers applying for certification within Washington state must pass the basic skills test in RCW 28A.410.020.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. By December 31, 1997, the state board of education shall identify and select an assessment that measures basic oral and written communication and computation skills pursuant to RCW 28A.410.020.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 4. RCW 28A.410.013 and 1995 c 222 s 1 are each repealed.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 5. Section 1 of this act shall take effect January 1, 1998.