HB 2676 - DIGEST

Finds that improving education and services for children who are deaf or hard of hearing requires a corps of highly trained teachers, knowledgeable of the most recent research and pedagogy, and competent to address the full range of communication and educational options for their students.

Finds that the preservice training and professional development necessary to create such a corps of teachers are not currently available through teacher preparation or in-service programs in Washington.

Declares an intent to provide an incentive for institutions of higher education to develop curricula, design education and training programs, and use innovative service delivery models for teachers of the deaf and hard of hearing.

Provides that, subject to legislative appropriation, the higher education coordinating board may award, on a competitive basis, grants to public institutions of higher education or consortia of institutions to develop education programs for teachers of the deaf and hard of hearing.