SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5054

BYSenators Rinehart, Bailey and Niemi

Establishing the Washington state minority teacher recruitment program.

Senate Committee on Education

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 21, 1989; February 23, 1989

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)

                  March 8, 1989

AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 7, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Both national and state studies indicate that the number of students from minority groups is increasing.  Positive role- modeling has been suggested as an important factor in ensuring students' commitment to education. 

The American Association of Colleges for Teacher Educators in a 1988 survey concluded that there is an impending serious national shortage of minority teachers.  The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction reports that in 1986-87, approximately 6.6 percent of the persons completing teacher certification programs were from minority groups. 

SUMMARY:

The Washington State Minority Recruitment Program is established.  The State Board of Education administers the program.  The State Board is directed to work with other specified agencies and higher education institutions and collaboration is encouraged.

The purpose of the program is to recruit future teachers from targeted groups of students in the ninth through twelfth grades and targeted groups of adults who have entered other occupations.  The program includes encouraging development of academic skills and promoting teaching opportunities.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested February 21, 1989

Senate Committee - Testified: FOR:  Steve Lilly, Washington State University; Jack Beal, University of Washington; Willie Stewart and Sherrie Jensen, Washington Association of School Personnel Administrators