BP BHEAD INT S [atlas:bill]

AN ACT Relating to teacher preparation; creating new sections; and declaring an emergency.

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

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds that some certificated and classified instructional staff may not have the necessary knowledge and skills to provide an appropriate education for both special education and regular education students under the federal requirement of least-restrictive environment. Teachers may need additional preservice instruction in creating and adjusting curriculum, or they may need training or internships with special education professionals in designing strategies to include special education students in the regular classroom. Classified staff may need additional training when assigned to assist a special education student who is included in regular classroom instruction. The legislature intends to direct a study to assess the adequacy of teacher preparation programs and other training programs in addressing special education and regular education needs in a least-restrictive environment.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. (1) The joint legislative audit and review committee, in conjunction with the office of the superintendent of public instruction, shall conduct a study of teacher preparation programs and classified staff training programs relating to special education needs.

(2) The joint legislative audit and review committee is directed to:

(a) Survey in-state and out-of-state institutions of postsecondary education regarding programs, curriculum, and courses to prepare teachers to instruct special education students in the least-restrictive environment;

(b) Survey the range of practices in school districts, educational service districts, and other educational programs around the state to instruct children with special education needs in a least-restrictive environment; and

(c) Examine, to the extent it is possible, the adequacy of teacher preparation programs and classified staff training programs in providing the necessary knowledge and skills to deliver appropriate instruction and services to special education students and regular education students from kindergarten through twelfth grade in a least-restrictive environment.

(3) As part of the study effort, the office of the superintendent of public instruction shall survey the attitudes of parents, educators, and administrators regarding the reported quality, effectiveness, and efficiency of special education instruction and services. The results of the survey shall be integrated into a report prepared by the joint legislative audit and review committee.

(4) In conducting the study described in this section, the joint legislative audit and review committee may convene a technical advisory committee composed of legislators and representatives from higher education, K-12 education, and teacher, advocate, and parent organizations. Members of the technical advisory committee shall be reimbursed for travel expenses as provided in RCW 43.03.050 and 43.03.060.

(5) The joint legislative audit and review committee shall provide an interim project briefing to the appropriate legislative committees by December 31, 1997. The joint legislative audit and review committee shall report its findings and recommendations to the appropriate legislative committees by September 25, 1998.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 4. If specific funding for the purposes of this act, referencing this act by bill or chapter number, is not provided by June 30, 1997, in the omnibus appropriations act, this act is null and void.