SENATE BILL REPORT

HB 3068

As of February 22, 2010

Title: An act relating to providing access to alternative routes to certification for the recruiting Washington teachers program.

Brief Description: Providing access to alternative routes to certification for the recruiting Washington teachers program.

Sponsors: Representatives Santos, Priest, Sullivan, Upthegrove, Maxwell, Morrell, Wallace, Ormsby, Kenney and Simpson.

Brief History: Passed House: 2/12/10, 95-0.

Committee Activity: Early Learning & K-12 Education: 2/22/10.

Staff: Susan Mielke (786-7422)

Background: In 2001 the Legislature authorized four alternative routes to teacher certification for school districts to partner with higher education teacher preparation programs to provide a shortened field-based teacher preparation program with a mentored internship. Conditional scholarships that provide one year of loan forgiveness in exchange for two years of teaching in a Washington public school are available for alternative route participants. One of the alternative routes (Route One) is designed for classified school employees with an associates degree and three years of experience to earn a bachelors degree and teaching endorsement in special education, bilingual education, or English as a Second Language education.

In 2007 the Legislature created the Pipeline for Paraeducators for paraeducators without a degree but with three years of classroom experience to earn an associates degree, and then enroll in a Route One program to earn a bachelors degree and teaching certification in the specified teaching fields. Conditional scholarships are available for Pipeline for Paraeducators participants.

Also in 2007 the Legislature re-established the Recruiting Washington Teachers (RWT) program and provided grants to recruit and provide training and academic support for high school students to enter the teaching profession, particularly in shortage areas and among under-represented groups. In 2009 the Legislature continued grant funding to support four RWT programs that operate as partnerships between school districts, higher education, and community organizations. The state does not currently provide conditional scholarships for this program.

Summary of Bill: If there are conditional scholarship funds available in the Pipeline for Paraeducators program after qualified paraeducators have been accepted, individuals who participated in one of the RWT programs may participate in the Pipeline for Paraeducators scholarship program. These individuals also qualify to continue their teaching credential and receive scholarships through a Route One alternative route program. The alternative Route One is expanded to include earning a teaching endorsement in mathematics.

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: The Renton Teacher Academy, which is one of the programs supported by a Recruiting Washington Teachers state grant, is increasing diversity in the teacher workforce, improving teacher quality, and increasing the number of teachers who are qualified to teach in shortage areas. This program gives them dual high school and college credit. Our students tell us that higher education tuition is a major barrier for them to continue their education. Having a conditional scholarship will help these students earn their teaching certification. It will enable students to successfully pursue their dreams and become a passionate educator.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Mea Moore, Professional Educator Standards Board; Eric Hougan, teacher, Renton School District; Alejandro Catro-Wilson, student, Renton Teacher Academy; Jennifer Nguyen, student, Highline Community College.