SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 5714
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 30, 2009
Title: An act relating to conditional funding for teachers to pursue national board for professional teaching standards certification.
Brief Description: Providing conditional funding for teachers to pursue national board for professional teaching standards certification.
Sponsors: Senators Tom, Jarrett and Shin.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Early Learning & K-12 Education: 2/11/09.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON EARLY LEARNING & K-12 EDUCATION |
Staff: Juliana Roe (786-7438)
Background: Under current law, certificated instructional staff who have attained national board certification receive a bonus each year in which they maintain certification. Starting in the 2007-08 school year, the annual bonus is $5,000. The bonus increases with inflation. Those teachers eligible for the annual $5,000 national board certification bonus may also be eligible for additional bonuses if they teach in a school in which at least 70 percent of the students qualify for a free and reduced-price lunch program.
Summary of Bill: Teachers who have applied and met eligibility requirements for national board certification will receive a conditional advance on the first annual bonus in the amount of $2,500 in addition to compensation received under a district's salary schedule, to encourage more teachers to pursue certification. Recipients who fail to receive certification after three years are required to repay the advanced money. Certificated staff who receive an advance will receive the remainder of their first annual bonus during the first year in which they are eligible.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 29, 2009.
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 an important bill. Due to the present economic situation, we must determine how to make a difference in education while spending a minimal amount of dollars. This bill is a step in the right direction. Studies have shown that moving an average teacher into the 85th percentile of teachers has the same effect as halving the class size. This bill provides a manner in which teachers can move to the next level. This $2,500 advance allows people, who were initially unable to afford the national certification process, to start the process and motivates them to finish the program. It is a phenomenal experience that should be spread throughout the school system.
This $2,500 advance would inspire more teachers to go through the certification process. Washington State has the third most teachers in the country going through the national certification process. It is having a positive impact on high needs schools, communities, and students. Retention rates have increased. National board teachers have proven to be effective in the classroom and leaders in their schools. Accomplished teachers should continue to be rewarded.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Michaela Miller, Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction; Jen Brotherton, Olympia School District; Lucinda Young, Washington Education Association.