HOUSE BILL REPORT

EHB 2331

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

Majority Report:  Do pass.  (18)

      Signed by Representatives Peery, Chair; G. Fisher, Vice Chair; Betrozoff, Ranking Republican Member; Brumsickle, Cole, Dorn, Fuhrman, Holland, Horn, Jones, P. King, Phillips, Pruitt, Rasmussen, Schoon, Valle, Walker and K. Wilson.

House Staff:Susan Patrick (786-7111)

AS PASSED HOUSE FEBRUARY 9, 1990

BACKGROUND:

Currently teacher preparation programs have been directed by the State Board of Education by direction of the legislature in RCW 28A.04.165 to include information on the recognition of child abuse in the preparation program.  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 including an education and prevention program. School districts and the Superintendent of Public Instruction were also urged by the legislature to provide inservice training for certificated and classified staff on these issues.

RCW 26.44.030 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.

In the past few years the schools have developed programs, not only to deal with physical abuse or neglect, but to deal with the abuse of drugs and alcohol.  These programs have identified, not only the effects of these substances on the abuser, but also on family members.

SUMMARY:

After August 31, 1991, an applicant for initial teacher certification must have completed a course which discusses the following issues:  a) Physical, emotional and sexual abuse, b) Substance abuse, c) The impact of abuse on the behavior and learning of students, d) Responsibilities of teachers to report abuse or provide assistance to students who are victims of abuse, and e) Methods for teaching students about abuse of all types and the prevention of abuse.

Fiscal Note:      Requested January 4, 1990.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Representative Holly Myers; Mary Alt, DSHS; Lonnie Johns Brown, Washington Association of Child Abuse Councils; Bob Maier, WEA; Don Johnson, SPI; and Kim Clark, Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse, DSHS.

House Committee - Testified Against:      No one.

House Committee - Testimony For:    Teachers are often the first adults to become aware of abuse.  This may be physical abuse, neglect or the abuse of substances such as alcohol or drugs.  Teachers are required by law to report physical abuse or neglect.  Over 20 percent or 10,000 of the reports to Child Protection Services come from teachers.  It is important that teachers have the information necessary to recognize abuse.  There are also an estimated 60,000 adolescents between the ages of 13 and 18 who have serious drug problems that have affected their health or have called the student to the attention of school officials or law enforcement.  It is essential that teachers also understand the impact not only on the student, but also on the family.  There is some concern that another course is being mandated and that it would also apply to individuals getting a continuing certificate.  Perhaps it is best to make it a requirement for an initial certificate only.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None.