HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS
HB 1669
Title: An act relating to alternative teacher certification.
Brief Description: Creating alternative teacher certification.
Sponsors: Representatives Johnson, Talcott, Mulliken, Sterk, Carlson, Hickel, Smith, Sump, D. Schmidt, Wensman, Sheahan, Clements, Boldt, Schoesler and Sullivan.
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION
Meeting Date: February 11, 1997.
Bill Analysis Prepared by: Pat Shelledy (786-7149).
Background: Teachers in public or private schools must hold certificates authorized by the State Board of Education. The State Board of Education establishes and enforces the rules determining eligibility for and certification of teachers in the common schools. Applicants for teacher certification must have completed state approved college or university teacher preparation program and hold appropriate degrees, licenses, and complete additional course work as required by the state board.
There are two types of certificates: initial and continuing. An initial certificate is valid for four years. Candidates for initial certification must have a baccalaureate degree from an approved college or university. Teachers may obtain certain endorsements to teach certain subject areas and grade levels. To obtain an endorsement to teach certain classes or grade levels, an aspiring teacher must complete a certain number of hours in pertinent course work.
The Legislature establishes for each school year in the appropriations act a state-wide salary allocation schedule for certificated employees. The schedule is for allocation purposes only. The Superintendent of Public Instruction calculates salary allocations for certificated staff by determining the district average salary for basic education staff using the salary allocation schedule. The superintendent may adjust the allocation based on the education and experience of the district=s certificated staff.
Summary of Bill: An individual may obtain an alternate teaching certificate that allows the person to teach in the state of Washington if the candidate:
(1)Possesses a baccalaureate degree in the arts, sciences, or humanities from a college or university accredited by the Northwest Association of schools or colleges or an equivalent accrediting organization;
(2)Has at least five years= work experience relevant to the subject area in which the candidate is seeking endorsements, or, sufficient knowledge of the subject area to be taught. The superintendent of the school district will determine whether a candidate has sufficient knowledge. The work or knowledge experience shall meet the requirements for an endorsement or endorsements in relevant subject areas;
(3)Completes the national teacher=s examination general knowledge test or a test of general achievement recommended by the State Board of Education, and achieves a score acceptable to the district;
(4)Demonstrates to the superintendent and the local school board an ability to communicate information effectively to students;
(5)Meets established age and character requirements; and
(6)Possesses a written agreement with the school district to complete a one-year residency to provide instructional services in the district.
The alternate teaching certificate allows the holder full authority to teach as a part-time or full-time teacher. Alternative certificates are valid for one year only. The school district board of directors must develop a written policy containing criteria for successful completion of the one year residency. The district and the individual must enter into a one year contract specifying the terms and conditions of employment. The agreements are exempt from the collective bargaining provisions for certificated employees.
After successful completion of the one year residency, the district must present the individual to the state board of education for initial certification. The state must certify the person without requiring additional course work or experience.
Alternate teaching certificates must be available beginning the 1997-98 school year.
The school district must consider the candidate=s education and employment experience, including non-education employment that is relevant to the person=s performance as a teacher, when setting the salaries of the holders of the alternative certificates. The Superintendent of Public Instruction may adjust the salary allocation for the district based on the salaries for teachers with alternative certificates.
Fiscal Note: Requested on February 5, 1997.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.