SB 5889

SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5889

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As Reported By Senate Committee On:
Early Learning & K-12 Education, February 22, 2007

Title: An act relating to funding for teachers attaining national board for professional teaching standards certification.

Brief Description: Funding assessment fees for certificated instructional staff applying for national board for professional teaching standards certification.

Sponsors: Senators Tom, Holmquist, Hewitt, Clements, Zarelli, McAuliffe, Pridemore, Oemig, Kilmer, Rasmussen and Shin.

Committee Activity: Early Learning & K-12 Education: 2/08/07, 2/22/07 [DPS-WM, w/oRec].

Majority Report: That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5889 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.Signed by Senators McAuliffe, Chair; Tom, Vice Chair; Holmquist, Ranking Minority Member; Brandland, Clements, Eide, Hewitt, Hobbs, Kauffman, Oemig, Rasmussen and Weinstein.

Minority Report: That it be referred without recommendation.Signed by Senator Zarelli.

Background: The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) is a nonprofit organization comprised of teachers and other people interested in education. The board was created in 1987 and has established standards for 24 certificate areas. Obtaining NBPTS certification requires the teacher to compile a portfolio for review by the NBPTS and to successfully complete an assessment of the teacher's subject knowledge.

To be eligible for certification, the applicant must hold a bachelor's degree, have completed three full years of teaching/counseling experience, and possess a valid state teaching/counseling license. The certification process requires a $2,500 assessment fee. A NBPTS certificate is valid for ten years and may be renewed for additional ten-year periods by providing evidence that the teacher continues to meet the NBPTS standards.

In Washington, 1,311 teachers have received NBPTS certification. Currently, teachers receive an annual bonus not to exceed $3,500 for each year they hold a NBPTS certificate.

Summary of Bill (Recommended Substitute): Certified instructional staff who have met the eligibility requirements and have applied for certification from the NBPTS will receive funding for the assessment fee. The assessment fee is provided in addition to compensation received under a district's salary schedule. The Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) must identify criteria for selecting recipients if more than 1,000 teachers seek funding assistance for NBPTS certification.

The sum of $2.5 million is appropriated to the SPI for fiscal year 2008.

EFFECT OF CHANGES MADE BY EARLY LEARNING & K-12 EDUCATION COMMITTEE (Recommended Substitute): It is clarified that teachers who are pursuing a national board certificate should receive funding assistance. It also clarifies that the fee payment should not be considered earnable compensation.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Original Bill: (Early Learning & K-12 Education)PRO: We are asking teachers to use their own funds to get a national board certificate; however, many teachers do not have $2,500 to pay the assessment fee. We know the certification program works. A teacher's skills help raise students' skills. Thus, the state needs to give teachers the opportunity to be involved in this program.

Persons Testifying (Early Learning & K-12 Education): PRO: Senator Tom, prime sponsor; Lucinda Young, Washington Education Association; Kyra Kester, Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony on Recommended Substitute: (Ways & Means): PRO: By providing funds to cover the assessment fee, we are creating the capacity of new teachers with quality skills. The financial assistance will provide the needed incentive to get more teachers to go through the National Board process and improve their skills.

Persons Testifying (Ways & Means): PRO: Senator Tom, prime sponsor; Jennifer Priddy, Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.