SENATE BILL REPORT

ESSB 5637

BYSenate Committee on Education (originally sponsored by Senators Anderson, Rasmussen, Metcalf and Craswell)

Changing powers and duties of the state board of education.

Senate Committee on Education

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 21, 1989; January 11, 1990; January 18, 1990

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5637 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Bailey, Chairman; Lee, Vice Chairman; Anderson, Benitz, Craswell, Metcalf.

Senate Staff:Susan Mosborg (786-7439)

                  February 8, 1990

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 7, 1990

BACKGROUND:

In 1987, as part of an omnibus education measure, the Legislature and Governor enacted new teacher certification requirements.  After August 31, 1992, all teachers seeking continuing level certification will be required to possess a masters degree in teaching or a masters degree in the arts, sciences, and/or humanities as a condition for receiving continuing level certification.

SUMMARY:

The masters degree requirement for continuing certification is repealed and internal statutory references are adjusted accordingly.

The initial certificate is valid for seven years and may be reinstated pursuant to State Board of Education rules.

Obsolete language relating to the testing of persons for teaching positions is repealed.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: FOR:  Senator Rasmussen, sponsor; Dwayne Slate, Washington State School Directors' Association; AGAINST:  Ronn Robinson, Governor's office; Steve Nielsen, Washington Roundtable; Kris Van Gorkom, Washington Association of School Administrators; Judy Hartmann, Washington Education Association; NEUTRAL:  Harry Petersen, Monica Schmidt, Board of Education