SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 1675
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 March 19, 2009
Title: An act relating to work experience as an entry requirement for the alternative route partnership grant program.
Brief Description: Changing the work experience provisions of the alternative route partnership grant program.
Sponsors: Representatives Sells, Anderson, Wallace, Upthegrove and Kenney.
Brief History: Passed House: 3/03/09, 97-0.
Committee Activity: Early Learning & K-12 Education: 3/19/09.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON EARLY LEARNING & K-12 EDUCATION |
Staff: Juliana Roe (786-7438)
Background: The Alternative Routes Partnership Grant Program, established in 2001, is operated by the Professional Educator Standards Board with the Higher Education Coordinating Board as fiscal agent. It provides support for the formation of partnerships between school districts and higher education teacher preparation programs to offer one or more of four school-based alternative routes to teacher certification. The programs are aimed at experienced paraeducators and midcareer professionals with expertise in subject areas in which Washington has shortages, such as math, science, and special education.
There are nine alternative route programs (programs) that serve midcareer professionals, paraeducators, classified instructional staff, and conditional certificate holders in Washington State. The programs are typically more intensive and shorter in length than traditional teacher certification routes, based on mentored internships and on-site training.
Programs geared toward experienced paraeducators (routes one and two) currently require that candidates have three years of "successful student interaction" before entry into the program. Programs aimed at "career changers" (routes three and four) currently require five years of work experience for entry into the program.
Summary of Bill: Work experience requirements for teacher candidates pursuing residency teacher certification through alternative certification routes one and two are decreased from three years to one year.
Work experience requirements for candidates pursuing residency teacher certification through alternative certification routes three and four are removed.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
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 is a bill requested by the Professional Educators Standards Board. The alternative routes program is intensive. I commend this bill to you.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Sells, prime sponsor.