6668-S AMS FINK S4727.3

SSB 6668 - S AMD - 148

By Senator Finkbeiner

                                               NOT ADOPTED 2/14/00

    On page 7, after line 21, insert the following:

                              "PART 3

                     CONDITIONAL CERTIFICATION

NEW SECTION. Sec. 301.  A new section is added to chapter 28A.410 RCW to read as follows:

    (1) The purpose of a conditional certificate is to assist local school districts, approved private schools, and educational service districts in meeting the state's educational goals by giving them flexibility in hiring decisions based on shortages or the opportunity to secure the services of talented individuals.

    (2) A conditional certificate shall be issued upon application by the local school district, approved private school, or educational service district superintendent to persons who meet the age, good moral character, and personal fitness requirements established by the state board of education for all certificated staff, if one of the following conditions is verified:

    (a) The applicant is highly qualified and experienced in the subject matter to be taught and has unusual distinction or exceptional talent; or

    (b) No person with regular teacher certification in the endorsement area is available as verified by the district or educational service district superintendent or approved private school administrator, or circumstances warrant consideration of issuance of a conditional certificate.

    (3) When requesting a conditional certificate for persons who provide classroom instruction, the educational service district superintendent or local district superintendent or approved private school administrator shall verify that the following criteria will be met:

    (a) The individual passes the basic skills assessment under section 201(1) of this act when it becomes required;

    (b) The individual passes the subject knowledge assessment under section 201(2) of this act when it becomes required;

    (c) The individual will be delegated primary responsibility for planning, conducting, and evaluating instructional activities;

    (d) The individual will be oriented and prepared for the specific assignment by the employing district or approved private school; and

    (e) Within the first sixty working days, the individual will complete sixty clock hours of coursework in pedagogy and child/adolescent development appropriate to the assigned grade levels as approved by the employing school district or approved private school.

    (4) The certificate is valid for two years or less, as evidenced by the expiration date that is printed on the certificate, and only for the activity specified.  The certificate may be reissued for two years and for two-year intervals thereafter upon application by the employing local school district, approved private school, or educational service district, and upon completion of sixty clock hours since the issuance of the most recent certificate."

    Renumber the remaining part and sections consecutively and correct any internal references accordingly.

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