SB 6171-S - DIGEST
(AS OF SENATE 2ND READING 2/14/06)

Finds that there is a considerable shortage of qualified, certificated teachers in the areas of bilingual education and special education.

Finds it will require concerted efforts to counter these deficits and to meet the growing demand for such teachers.

Declares an intent to address this by using the proven successful strategy of recruiting classified public school employees who have the explicit interest, commitment, and life experience to teach in these areas.

Creates a demonstration project to assist classified public K-12 school employees to earn a teaching certificate with an endorsement for bilingual education or special education. The project shall provide conditional scholarships through either the future teachers conditional scholarship program and loan repayment program in accordance with chapter 28B.102 RCW or one of the alternative routes to teacher certification in accordance with chapter 28A.660 RCW.

Directs the higher education coordinating board to provide the legislature and governor with findings about the impact of this demonstration project on persons entering the teaching profession in the shortage areas of bilingual education and special education by no later than January 2008.