VETO MESSAGE ON HB 1374-S2

                   April 3, 1998

To the Honorable Speaker and Members,

  The House of Representatives of the State of Washington

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     I am returning herewith, without my approval, Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill No. 1374 entitled:

"AN ACT Relating to alternate teacher certification;"

     This legislation would require the state to issue alternate certification to individuals who want to teach middle school, junior high, or high school students.  Such individuals would have to meet certain practical and experience requirements, and complete an "assessment" of teaching knowledge.  The results of the assessment would be used by the employing district to structure on-the-job training and assistance.  The bill would also provide that after two years of successful teaching under such an alternate certificate, and upon passing assessments of subject matter and teaching knowledge, the individual would be issued an initial or residency teaching certificate.

     The foundation of this legislation is in the assessments.  In lieu of a formal teacher preparation program, the assessments would provide the state with assurances that the individual it certifies has both adequate knowledge of the subject matter, as well as adequate knowledge and skills in teaching methods, classroom management, child development and behavior, school safety and discipline, and other important competencies.  Unfortunately, the Legislature did not pass a bill authorizing development of assessments.  Without the assessments, the state would be required to issue certificates without assurance that these teachers will have met important competency standards.  In addition, without the assessments the bill would not improve the alternate certification laws that already exist.  The State Board of Education currently has authority to issue two-year conditional and internship certificates, as well as alternate certificates which allow people of "unusual distinction or exceptional talent" to teach in their areas of expertise.

     For these reasons, I have vetoed Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill No. 1374 in its entirety.

                   Respectfully submitted,

                   Gary Locke

                   Governor