SB 5695-S - DIGEST

(SUBSTITUTED FOR - SEE 2ND SUB)

     Finds and declares:  (1) Teacher qualifications and effectiveness are the most important influences on student learning in schools.

     (2) Preparation of individuals to become well-qualified, effective teachers must be high quality.

     (3) Teachers who complete high-quality alternative route programs with intensive field-based experience, adequate coursework, and strong mentorship do as well or better than teachers who complete traditional preparation programs.

     (4) High-quality alternative route programs can provide more flexibility and expedience for individuals to transition from their current career to teaching.

     (5) High-quality alternative route programs can help school districts fill subject matter shortage areas and areas with shortages due to geographic location.

     (6) Regardless of route, all candidates for teacher certification must meet the high standards required by the state.

     Recognizes widespread concerns about the potential for teacher shortages and finds that classified instructional staff in public schools represent a great untapped resource for recruiting the teachers of the future.

     Creates a statewide partnership grant program to provide new high-quality alternative routes to residency teacher certification.

     Requires the state institute for public policy to submit to the education and fiscal committees of the legislature, the governor, the state board of education, and the Washington professional educator standards board an interim evaluation of partnership grant programs funded under this act by December 1, 2002, and a final evaluation by December 1, 2004.

     Provides that the act shall be null and void if appropriations are not approved.