SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6470

As of January 30, 2004

Title: An act relating to scholarships for continuing education for classroom teachers.

Brief Description: Providing scholarships for continuing education for eligible classroom teachers.

Sponsors: Senators Murray, McAuliffe, Eide, Johnson, B. Sheldon, Berkey, Kohl-Welles, Shin, Winsley and Rasmussen.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Education: 2/4/04.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Staff: Susan Mielke (786-7422)

Background: "Title I" is a federal program that provides funding for additional educational support and instruction for struggling students in reading, math, and language arts. In the current school year there are 1,092 first year teachers in schools receiving federal Title I funds.

A residency certificate is the first level of Washington teaching certificates and is the certificate that beginning teachers receive. This certificate is valid for five years. Within this five-year period, teachers are expected to obtain the second level teaching certificate, the Professional Certificate. Beginning teachers can earn the Professional Certificate by either completing a State Board of Education approved professional teacher certificate program at a college or university in Washington or earning a certificate issued by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. There are additional methods available to out-of-state candidates.

Summary of Substitute Bill: To the extent that funds are provided, the Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) provides scholarships to second-year classroom teachers in schools receiving federal Title I funding. The scholarships must be used to cover expenses incurred in obtaining the continuing education requirements for state certification. The scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first served basis.

A timeline provides when SPI must provide notice of the availability of the scholarships, when the applications must be submitted, and when SPI must distribute the scholarship funds.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill: The original bill was not considered.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 26, 2004.

Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.