SENATE BILL REPORT

                  SJM 8000

                    As of January 16, 1997

Brief Description:  Encouraging teacher literacy.

Sponsors:  Senator Hochstatter.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Education:  1/17/97.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Staff:  Susan Mielke (786-7422)

Background:  The current statutory duties of the State Board of Education (SBE) include setting standards for the educator preparation programs at public and private colleges and universities in Washington State and establishing standards for educator certification.  The SBE is in the process of proposing rules to align the educator preparation and certification standards with the evolving performance-based K-12 education system. 

Summary of Bill:  The State Board of Education is encouraged to include in its proposed rules the requirement that educators and educator candidates demonstrate literacy in the essential academic learning requirements identified by the Legislature.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.