SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5433

BYSenators Bauer, Bailey, Bender, Gaspard, Rinehart, Saling, Patterson and Zimmerman

Providing for discussions about other western states' teacher certification programs.

Senate Committee on Education

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 17, 1987

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Gaspard, Chairman; Bauer, Vice Chairman; Rinehart, Vice Chairman; Bailey, Benitz, Craswell, Patterson, Saling, Smitherman, Warnke.

Senate Staff:Larry Davis (786-7422)

                  March 6, 1987

AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 5, 1987

BACKGROUND:

Current statute provides for Washington state participation in the Interstate Agreement on Qualifications of Educational Personnel.  Unresolved issues remain between Washington and Oregon concerning recognition of program standards and certification requirements.  Encouraging discussions between Oregon and Washington officials may contribute toward the resolution of differences.

SUMMARY:

The Higher Education Coordinating Board, the State Board of Education, and the Superintendent of Public Instruction are directed to establish ongoing discussions with Oregon and other western regional states to address issues relating to program standards and accreditation requirements for teachers, administrators, and educational staff associates, and definitions of educational staff associates.

The purpose of the discussions is to encourage agreements between Washington, Oregon, and other states to facilitate both interstate student teaching opportunities and interstate educational employment opportunities.

The Higher Education Coordinating Board is encouraged to enlist the assistance of the Western Interstate Commission on Higher Education.

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: No one