SENATE BILL REPORT
HB 2575
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 19, 2014
Title: An act relating to teacher assignment data collection.
Brief Description: Requiring that certain teacher assignment and reassignment data be included in data submitted to the office of the superintendent of public instruction.
Sponsors: Representatives Bergquist, Dahlquist, Stonier and Santos; by request of Professional Educator Standards Board.
Brief History: Passed House: 2/11/14, 92-6.
Committee Activity: Early Learning & K-12 Education: 2/19/14.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON EARLY LEARNING & K-12 EDUCATION |
Staff: Eric Wolf (786-7405)
Background: The Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) is charged with maintaining the state's system of educator preparation and certification. Legislation enacted in 2010 also directed PESB to convene regional meetings of school districts and educator preparation programs to examine data and discuss topics related to educator workforce supply and demand. In its first report on this topic, PESB concluded that many school districts do not finalize hiring of new teachers until August or September. Some wait to finalize contracts until after the start of the school year and instead rely on substitute teachers for an indeterminate duration.
The full extent of late hiring practices in Washington is not known. School districts are currently required to record in the statewide student data system the certification number for each teacher assigned to each class, along with the students enrolled in that class. However, the date the teacher is assigned to the class is not recorded.
Summary of Bill: No later than the beginning of the 2014-15 school year, school districts must report the dates of teacher assignment and reassignment in the statewide student data system.
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: Children deserve to have a certificated teacher in the classroom from the first day of school; this bill will help collect data on when substitute teachers are in the classroom instead. This is an inexpensive way to collect the data needed to assess when long-term substitutes are being used instead of a permanently assigned teacher. Districts have late hiring dates that can be months after the beginning of the school year, and permanent teachers are often not assigned at the start of the year. This bill will provide better information on how substitutes are used to cover classes before permanent teachers are placed in the classroom.
Persons Testifying: PRO: David Brenna, PESB; Lucinda Young, WA Education Assn.