SENATE BILL REPORT

ESSB 6160

BYSenate Committee on Education (originally sponsored by Senator Bailey)

Providing baccalaureate and masters degree equivalencies for certification of vocational instructors.

Senate Committee on Education

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 1, 1988

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6160 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Bailey, Chairman; Kiskaddon, Vice Chairman; Bender, Craswell, Gaspard, Rinehart.

Senate Staff:Don Bennett (786-7424)

                  March 5, 1988

House Committe on Education

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 11, 1988

BACKGROUND:

Significant enhancements of teacher certification standards were included in SSB 5479, Chapter 525, Laws of 1987.  After August 31, 1992, all individuals qualifying for initial certification must possess a baccalaureate degree in the arts, sciences, and/or humanities.  The only exceptions recognized are specific educational qualifications applicable to applicants for preschool through grade six certificates.

After August 31, 1992, all applicants for professional level certification must possess a masters degree in teaching, or a masters degree in the arts, sciences, and/or humanities.

Current standards for certification of vocational instructors are provided by State Board of Education regulations. Individuals who enter vocational education as instructors after a number of years in business or industry are able to attain certification based on that experience provided additional requirements are also met.

SUMMARY:

The State Board of Education shall develop baccalaureate degree equivalency standards for certification of vocational instructors. 

The State Board of Education shall establish masters degree equivalency standards for vocational instructors acquiring professional level certification after August 31, 1992.

Public vocational-technical institutes may certify instructors for supplemental and apprenticeship programs.  Each vocational-technical institute shall submit an annual report to the Superintendent of Public Instruction identifying individuals so certified.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: Tim Strege, Washington State Council of Area Vocational-Technical Institutes (for); Kathleen Preston, Washington Vocational Association (for); Chuck Christensen, Washington Federation of Teachers (for); Judy Hartmann, Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction

HOUSE AMENDMENT:

Authority for public vocational-technical institutes to certify instructors is deleted.