Read first time 01/16/2006.   Referred to Committee on Early Learning, K-12 & Higher Education.

     AN ACT Relating to standards for educational interpreters for students who are deaf or hard of hearing; adding a new section to chapter 28A.155 RCW; and creating a new section.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The legislature finds that there are no current standards for educational interpreters for students who are deaf or hard of hearing. Establishing standards will improve the quality of educational interpreters in our schools.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 28A.155 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) To the extent funds are appropriated, by January 15, 2007, the superintendent of public instruction must develop standards for educational interpreters of students who are deaf or hard of hearing. The standards must be focused on the specific skills and knowledge necessary to serve the communication needs of these students. By January 15, 2007, the superintendent must report to the education committees of the legislature and also recommend an implementation schedule for the standards. The superintendent of public instruction must obtain formal legislative approval through legislation before the implementation of any standards for educational interpreters.
     (2) When developing the standards, the superintendent of public instruction must convene and consult with an advisory committee including, but not limited to, representatives of: (a) Nationally certificated educational interpreters; (b) tactile interpreters; (c) interpreter educators; (d) district program coordinators of deaf programs; (e) leaders in the deaf community; and (f) parents of deaf children and of deaf-blind children.