SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5942
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 of February 28, 2007
Title: An act relating to bilingual instructional staff salary bonuses.
Brief Description: Providing a salary bonus for bilingual instructional staff who use both languages in the classroom.
Sponsors: Senators Brandland and Carrell.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Early Learning & K-12 Education: 2/28/07.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON EARLY LEARNING & K-12 EDUCATION
Staff: Eric Bratton (786-7438)
Background: The Transitional Bilingual Instruction Act of 1979, amended in 1984, requires
school districts to make available to each eligible student transitional bilingual instruction to help
the students achieve competency in English. Eligible students are those students whose primary
language is other than English and whose English language skills are sufficiently deficient or
absent to impair their learning. Transitional bilingual instruction is a system of instruction which
uses two languages, one of which is English, as a means of instruction to build upon and expand
language skills to enable eligible students to achieve competency in English.
Priority for funding is given to early elementary grades. In the 2004-05 school year, there were
75,255 eligible bilingual students.
Summary of Bill: Certificated instructional staff who can demonstrate that they are fluent in two languages and use both languages in the classroom instruction of their students will receive an annual bonus of 10 percent of the salary associated with the recipient's education and experience on the statewide salary allocation schedule for the relevant year. This annual bonus is provided in addition to compensation received under a district's salary schedule and will not be included in calculations of a district's average salary and associated salary limitations.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on February 20, 2007.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: This bill recognizes the efforts that bilingual teachers are making to reach the non-English speaking students in their schools. Bilingual teachers provide a connection between students that do not speak English and the school. Bilingual needs are increasing.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Senator Brandland, prime sponsor; Barbara Mertens, Washington Association of School Administrators; Tim Yeomans, Mount Baker School District.