SENATE 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

Senate Committee on Education

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 20, 1990; February 21, 1990

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Bailey, Chairman; Lee, Vice Chairman; Bender, Benitz, Craswell, Fleming, Gaspard, Metcalf, Murray, Rinehart.

Senate Staff:Leslie Goldstein (786-7424)

                  February 27, 1990

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION, FEBRUARY 21, 1990

BACKGROUND:

The State Board of Education, as directed by the Legislature in RCW 28A.04.165, directs teacher preparation programs to include information on the recognition of child abuse.  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.

Current law requires professional school personnel with reasonable cause to believe that a child has suffered abuse or neglect to report the incident or cause a report to be made to the proper law enforcement agency within 48 hours.

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 the effects of these substances on the abuser, as well as 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.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: PRO:  Representative Myers; Ann Simmons, Washington Child Abuse Councils