Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Ways & Means Committee |
HB 3193
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. |
Brief Description: Adjusting salary bonuses associated with the national board for professional teaching standards.
Sponsors: Representatives Sullivan and Linville.
Brief Summary of Bill |
|
Hearing Date: 3/8/10
Staff: Ben Rarick (786-7349).
Background:
The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS or National Board) is an independent, nonprofit, and nonpartisan organization founded in 1987 to create a system of advanced certification for teachers based on high standards. National Board Certification is a voluntary assessment program designed to identify, recognize, and reward accomplished teachers who meet high and rigorous standards based on what teachers should know and be able to do.
By the end of the 2010-11 school year, the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction estimates that over 5,000 Washington teachers will have achieved certification from NBPTS. The 2009-11 base operating budget includes approximately $65 million for the NBPTS bonus program. Some of the provisions regarding the bonus program are in statute; others appear in budget proviso.
Summary of Bill:
The bonus for National Board-certified teachers teaching in high poverty schools is reduced from $5,000 to $2,500 during the 2010-11 school year. Future changes to the high poverty school bonus amount will be specified in the operating budget.
Inflation adjustments to the National Board base bonus amounts are subject to appropriations in the budget.
Persons receiving the National Board bonus are required to be in "instructional assignments" in a Washington public school. This would preclude principals who originally achieved National Board certification as a teacher from continuing to receive the bonus.
The statutory definition of a "high poverty school" is revised to align with language currently used in the operating budget. This clarifying language results in no change to current practice.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.