SENATE BILL REPORT

                  SHB 1416

                     As of March 28, 1997

Title:  An act relating to recognizing teaching degrees in deaf education from a program approved by the council on education of the deaf.

Brief Description:  Recognizing degrees in deaf education from a program approved by the council on education of the deaf.

Sponsors:  House Committee on Education (originally sponsored by Representatives Mulliken, Romero, Talcott, Clements, Johnson, Costa, Wolfe, Mielke and Dunn).

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Education:  4/3/97.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Staff:  Aldo Melchiori (786-7439)

Background:  The State Board of Education establishes requirements for teacher education including subject area endorsements. To receive an endorsement for special education, the teacher must complete 24 quarter hours or 16 semester hours in specified subject areas.

The Council on Education of the Deaf approves 39 universities in the United States that offer baccalaureate or masters degrees in deaf education.

Summary of Bill:  The Legislature finds that deaf and hard of hearing students need greater opportunities to develop their unique strategies and perceptions in today's world and that their educational development can be improved by increasing access to deaf or hard of hearing educators.

The State Board of Education must waive special education endorsement requirements for applicants who possess a baccalaureate or master's degree from a program approved by the Council on Education of the Deaf and who intend to instruct deaf or hard of hearing children.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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