SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5342

BYSenators Bailey and Bender; by request of Governor

Establishing the governor's graduate teacher and principal fellowship program.

Senate Committee on Higher Education

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 2, 1989

Senate Staff:Scott Huntley (786-7421)

AS OF JANUARY 30, 1989

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 Governor's graduate teacher and principal fellowship program is created.  The Higher Education Coordinating Board will develop and administer the program.

The program provides fellowship awards to eligible graduate students pursuing a master's degree leading to initial or professional (continuing) certification or to eligible graduate students participating in a principal preparation program.

The maximum number of scholarships available shall be 100 beginning with the 1990-91 school year to students enrolled in a master's in teaching degree program.

Up to 150 fellowships will be available, beginning with the 1990-91 school year to students enrolled in an approved master's degree program, and up to 50 fellowships will be available to eligible students enrolled in a principal preparation program.

The fellowship award shall specify the amount of the award and apply to one year of attendance as defined by the institution of higher education the student is attending.  A fellowship recipient is not eligible to receive more than one award.

Graduate fellowship students must agree to serve on a Governor's Fellow Advisory Council for at least three years following graduation.  The council is to provide the Governor, the Superintendent of Public Instruction, the State Board of Education, the Higher Education Coordinating Board, higher education institutions, and other members of the education community with expert advice on the teaching and school administration professions.  The council will meet at least once a year.

The Higher Education Coordinating Board will appoint an advisory committee to assist in the duties of establishing guidelines for the administration of the program, setting eligibility criteria and selecting fellowship recipients. 

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested January 23, 1989