SENATE BILL REPORT

ESB 5226

BYSenators Saling, Bauer, Patterson and Stratton

Creating a graduate teacher fellowship pilot program.

Senate Committee on Higher Education

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 2, 1989; February 9, 1989; January 29, 1990

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended and be referred to Committee on Ways & Means.

      Signed by Senators Saling, Chairman; Patterson, Vice Chairman; Bauer, Smitherman, Stratton, von Reichbauer.

Senate Staff:Scott Huntley (786-7421)

                  January 30, 1990

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON HIGHER EDUCATION, JANUARY 29, 1990

BACKGROUND:

In 1987 the Legislature directed the State Board of Education and the Higher Education Coordinating Board to develop, cooperatively, standards for a master's in teaching degree.  The boards were to develop recommended legislation for enhancements (such as scholarships and grants) designed to encourage individuals, particularly minorities, the disadvantaged, and the needy, to pursue master's degrees leading to both initial and professional (continuing) certification.

SUMMARY:

The Washington Graduate Teacher Fellowship Program is created.  The program is a pilot program administered by the Higher Education Coordinating Board.  The program provides fellowships to eligible graduate students pursuing a master's degree leading to initial or continuing professional teacher certification.

The Higher Education Coordinating Board may offer fellowships, allocated in an amount not to exceed $15,000 each, beginning in the 1990-91 academic year.

The maximum number of fellowships awarded in any academic year shall be 200.  One-half of the fellowships are awarded to students pursuing an initial teaching certificate and one-half to students pursuing a continuing teaching certificate.

The fellowship awards are for a one-year period of attendance at a public or independent institution of higher education in this state.  A fellowship recipient is not eligible to receive more than one award.

For students pursuing continuing certification, fellowship eligibility is limited to full time classroom teachers only and evidence of employment within the past three years in a Washington public or private P-12 school system must be provided.

The Higher Education Coordinating Board will establish an advisory committee to assist in developing guidelines for the administration of the program, eligibility criteria and a selection process.

The Higher Education Coordinating Board will review the pilot program and report to the Legislature by January 1, 1993.  The board will provide recommendations on continuing the program and on any necessary improvements.

SUMMARY OF PROPOSED COMMITTEE AMENDMENT:

An appropriation of $180,000 is made to the Higher Education Coordinating Board for the operation of the graduate fellowship program during the 1990-91 academic year.

Appropriation:    $180,000

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: No one