SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5631

BYSenators Smitherman, Gaspard and Bauer; by request of Superintendent of Public Instruction and State Board of Education

Providing for the recruitment of teachers from underrepresented groups.

Senate Committee on Education

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 10, 1987; February 12, 1987

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Gaspard, Chairman; Bauer, Vice Chairman; Rinehart, Vice Chairman; Bailey, Patterson, Smitherman.

Senate Staff:Larry Davis (786-7422)

                  February 26, 1987

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 25, 1987

BACKGROUND:

Statistical information from the Superintendent of Public Instruction shows that the percentage of teachers from various ethnic groups does not reflect the percentage of students in the state common school system who comprise the same various ethnic groups.  National and state data project that the numbers of non-Caucasian students will continue to increase for the foreseeable future.

SUMMARY:

A pilot program is established, to be administered by the Superintendent of Public Instruction, to increase the number of persons from underrepresented groups preparing for the teaching profession.

The program shall include encouraging targeted students in grades nine through 12 to acquire the academic and other skills needed for a teacher preparation program at a higher education institution.

The Superintendent of Public Instruction is authorized to grant funds to selected school districts and institutions of higher education to assist in the development and implementation of the pilot program.

The Superintendent is directed to consult with higher education representatives and various education organizations having an interest in teacher recruitment issues.

Fiscal Note:      requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Judy Hartmann, Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction; Bob Pickles, Washington Education Association