HOUSE BILL REPORT

ESSB 5450

BYSenate Committee on Education (originally sponsored by Senators Talmadge, Moore, Murray and Bauer)

Providing for education in Pacific Rim languages.

House Committe on Higher Education

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.  (10)

      Signed by Representatives Jacobsen, Chair; Spanel, Vice Chair; Van Luven, Ranking Republican Member; Basich, Bennett, Doty, Fraser, Heavey, Miller and Rector.

House Staff:Susan Hosch (786-7120)

Rereferred House Committee on Appropriations

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended by Committee on Higher Education as such amendment is amended by Committee on Appropriations.  (18)

      Signed by Representatives Locke, Chair; Grant, Vice Chair; H. Sommers, Vice Chair; Belcher, Brekke, Brough, Dorn, Ebersole, Hine, Inslee, May, Rust, Sayan, Spanel, Sprenkle, Valle, Wang and Wineberry.

Minority Report:  Do not pass.  (6)

      Signed by Representatives Silver, Ranking Republican Member; Youngsman, Assistant Ranking Republican Member; Bowman, Ferguson, McLean and Nealey.

House Staff:      Susan Hosch (786-7120)

AS PASSED HOUSE MARCH 2, 1990

BACKGROUND:

Recent studies indicate that students in the United States are not being taught the skills or knowledge needed to understand people and cultures in countries abroad.  For example, in a United Nations study of 30,000 10 to 14 year-olds in nine countries, students from the United States ranked next to last in their understanding of foreign cultures.  In addition, only 1 percent of the elementary school students in the United States are taught a foreign language.

A study by Jim Henson of Washington State University discovered that many education and business leaders believe that the United States can no longer afford to look on geography, languages, and area studies as mere luxuries.  The leaders believe that, if the citizens of this country are to survive in an ever shrinking world, educators must begin to teach these subjects as basics.  They recommend that the curriculum for present and future teachers be strengthened in subject areas related to international studies.  These areas include international topics, languages, economics, and geography.

Three of every five university graduates in this country will work either directly in international trade, or for a company that is involved in some aspect of international trade.  For this reason, business leaders recommend that new graduates entering the workforce have some expertise in a foreign language and have an understanding and appreciation of international differences in geography, cultures, economics, and politics. Some of those leaders also expressed a preference for hiring graduates who have had some experience in traveling and living abroad.

SUMMARY:

The temporary permit issued by the superintendent of public instruction to qualified nonimmigrant aliens for teaching as an exchange teacher in the public schools is renewable more than once for more than one year.

Fiscal Note:      Requested February 16, 1990.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    (Higher Education) Senator Phil Talmadge, prime sponsor; and Perry Keithley, Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.

(Appropriations) No one.

House Committee - Testified Against:      (Higher Education) No one.

(Appropriations) No one.

House Committee - Testimony For:    (Higher Education) The legislation will make it possible for more students to learn a foreign language. It will also help create a pool of teachers who can help students understand the people and cultures of Pacific Rim nations.  It may assist state efforts to increase our trade with foreign trade.

(Appropriations) None.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      (Higher Education) None.

(Appropriations) None.

VOTE ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      Yeas 97 - 3/2