FINAL BILL REPORT
HB 2331
C 90 L 90
BYRepresentatives H. Myers, Peery, Betrozoff, Jacobsen, Brumsickle, Pruitt, Rector, Spanel, Cooper, Phillips, Rayburn, Jones, Basich, Crane, Winsley, Schoon and Wang
Requiring teachers to complete a course on issues of abuse.
House Committe on Education
Senate Committee on Education
SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED
BACKGROUND:
State law requires that no later than 48 hours after professional school personnel has reasonable cause to believe that a child has suffered abuse or neglect, he or she must report the incident or cause to the proper law enforcement agency.
Colleges and universities have been encouraged by the State Board of Education and the Legislature to include information on the recognition of child abuse in teacher preparation programs. There is no requirement, however, that a single course be devoted to this subject.
Each school district is required to adopt a policy regarding the district's role in the prevention of child abuse and neglect and an education and prevention program. School districts and the Superintendent of Public Instruction have been encouraged by the Legislature to provide inservice training for certificated and classified staff on these issues.
In the past few years many schools have developed programs, that deal with the issues of physical abuse or neglect, sexual abuse, and drug and alcohol abuse. These programs have identified not only the effects of abuse on the abuser and victims, but also on other family members.
SUMMARY:
After August 31, 1991, an applicant for initial teacher certification must have completed a course that covers these issues: physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, substance abuse, the impact of abuse on the behavior and learning of students, responsibilities of teachers to report abuse or provide assistance to students who are victims of abuse, and methods for teaching students about abuse of all types and the prevention of abuse.
VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:
House 93 0
Senate 43 5
EFFECTIVE:June 7, 1990