HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

                  SB 5925

Title:  An act relating to certificated instructional staff salaries.

Brief Description:  Conditioning the use of college credits for the teachers' salary schedule.

Sponsors:  Senator West.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Meeting Date:  April 1, 1997.

Staff Contact:  Joe Hauth (786-7111).

Background: The Superintendent of Public Instruction must allocate state-apportioned funds to school districts for certificated instructional staff salaries based on a state-wide salary allocation schedule.  The Legislature established the state-wide salary allocation schedule to account for differences in the education and experience of each school district=s teaching staff.  Actual salaries are negotiated at the local school district level, within certain state-established constraints. 

In 1995 the Legislature limited the educational credits that a school district could count in advancing the experience level, and, consequently, the salary allocation, for certificated instructional staff.  In general, the credits earned by certificated staff had to be related to improving student learning, or be directly related to the certificated staff member=s professional development.  The credit limits set by the Legislature in 1995 expire June 30, 1997. 

Summary of Bill:  Educational credits for state apportionment purposes are defined. 

For state apportionment purposes, educational credits earned by certificated instructional staff after September 1, 1995, are eligible for application to the state salary allocation schedule only if the course content:

  -is consistent with a school-based plan for mastery of student learning goals;

  -pertains to the individual's current assignment or expected assignment for the subsequent school year;

  -is necessary to obtain an endorsement as prescribed by the State Board of Education;

  -is specifically required to obtain advanced levels of certification; or

  -is included in a college or university degree program that pertains to the individual's current assignment, or potential future assignment, as a certificated instructional staff.

"Credits" are defined to mean college quarter hour credits and equivalent credits for approved in-service, approved continuing education, or approved internship hours computed in accordance with current law.  The Superintendent of Public Instruction must adopt rules consistent with this act.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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