Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
Higher Education Committee

HB 2088

Brief Description:  Providing conditional scholarships.

Sponsors:  Representatives Kenney, Cox, Keiser, Tokuda, Skinner, Fromhold, Jarrett, Gombosky, Quall, Santos and Schual‑Berke.

Brief Summary of Bill

$Offers a conditional scholarship for future K-12 teachers, or existing teachers who want to complete an additional endorsement, in the areas of math, science, technology, or bilingual education.

Hearing Date:  2/19/01

Staff:  Marsha Reilly (786‑7135).

Background: 

The future teachers conditional scholarship program was created in 1987 and was designed to attract individuals into the teaching profession.  The program has not been funded since 1995. During the 2000 Legislature, a conditional scholarship for K-12 employees was included in the budget proviso and the Higher Education Coordinating Board (HECB) is currently administering that program.

On February 5, the committee heard House Bill 1399, "Providing conditional scholarships for future bilingual and English as a second language teachers.  This bill added a new section to and amended RCW 28B.102.020, 050.  Since hearing that bill, suggestions have been made to reflect  the current K-12 conditional scholarship program from the budget proviso, thereby lowering the administrative cost, to include the disciplines of math, science, and technology, and to remove English as a second language.  Removing English as a second language from the title required that a new bill be offered.

Summary of Bill: 

Conditional scholarships of up to $4,000 for the 2001-02 academic year will be offered for full or part-time studies for individuals who declare an intention to complete an approved preparation program leading to teacher certification with an endorsement in math, science, technology, or bilingual education.  Teachers who are seeking an additional endorsement in math, science, technology or bilingual education are also eligible.

The Higher Education Coordinating Board will administer the scholarship program and will give priority to bilingual students demonstrating language proficiency.  An applicant=s demonstrated academic ability and commitment to serve as a teacher within the state of Washington will also be considered.

Loans will be forgiven at the rate of one year of loan for two years of teaching service.  Recipients who teach in geographic or subject-matter shortage areas may have their loans forgiven at the rate of one year of loan for one year of teaching service.  Recipients who fail to fulfill the required teaching service will repay the loan with interest.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not Requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.