SB 6668-S.E - DIGEST

(AS OF SENATE 2ND READING 2/14/00)

     Finds and declares:  (1) Creation of a public, rule-making body whose focus is educator assessment would be likely to bring greater focus and attention to the profession;

     (2) professional educator standards boards are consumer protection boards, establishing assessment policies to ensure the public that its practitioners are competent;

     (3) the highest possible standards for all educators are essential in ensuring attainment of high academic standards by all students;

     (4) teacher assessment for certification can guard against admission to the teaching profession of persons who have not demonstrated that they are knowledgeable in the subjects they will be assigned to teach; and

     (5) teacher assessment for certification should be implemented as an additional element to the system of teacher preparation and certification.

     Creates the Washington professional educator standards board.

     Provides that the Washington professional educator standards board shall:  (1) Serve as the sole advisory body to the state board of education on issues related to educator recruitment, hiring, preparation, certification including high quality alternate routes to certification, mentoring and support, professional growth, retention, and governance; and

     (2) submit annual reports, beginning December 1, 2000, to the governor and the legislature concerning duties and activities within the board's advisory capacity.  The Washington professional educator standards board shall submit a separate report by December 1, 2000, to the governor and the legislature, providing recommendations for at least two high quality alternate routes to teacher certification.

     Repeals RCW 28A.410.020.