HB 1389-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST OF PROPOSED 1ST SUBSTITUTE)

     Declares that, subject to funding provided for this specific purpose, the superintendent of public instruction may provide the following types of recognition to Washington's public school teachers who have obtained certification from the national board for professional teaching standards:

     (1) Beginning with the 2001-02 school year, for the duration of the national certification, a five thousand dollar annual salary bonus which shall be paid in a lump sum and shall not be included in the definition of "earnable compensation" under RCW 41.32.010(10);

     (2) For the duration of the national certification, a five thousand dollar supplemental contract in any year in which a teacher is selected by his or her school district to mentor other teachers while continuing to teach in the classroom.  The money shall not be included in the definition of "earnable compensation" under RCW 41.32.010(10).

     Provides that the funds in this act may not be used to provide mentor stipends to more than one teacher for every three hundred full-time equivalent students in a school.

     Requires that, by October 15, 2010, the Washington professional educator standards board shall report to the appropriate house of representatives and senate committees on the results and accomplishments of the salary bonuses and supplemental contracts.  The report may include recommendations for the continuation, modification, or elimination of the bonuses and contracts.

     Requires, by August 1, 2004, and periodically thereafter, the Washington professional educator standards board to review the national board certification standards to determine whether the standards are sufficiently rigorous and aligned to student achievement.  The board shall also determine whether additional requirements are needed to ensure that the national standards meet the needs of Washington's students.

     Requires, by October 15, 2010, the Washington professional educator standards board to report to the appropriate house of representatives and senate committees on the results and accomplishments of the recognition awards, including the awards' mentoring component.  The report may include recommendations for the continuation, modification, or elimination of the awards.