SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5703

BYSenators Gaspard, Murray, von Reichbauer and Rinehart

Revising provisions for the salary allocation schedule.

Senate Committee on Education

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 27, 1989

Senate Staff:Leslie Goldstein (786-7424)

AS OF FEBRUARY 27, 1989

BACKGROUND:

In 1987, action taken by the Legislature expanded the definition of the type of credits which may be used for placement on the salary allocation schedule.  The change allowed credit for placement on the salary schedule for in-service and continuing education classes on a ratio of ten hours for one credit hour. This change has raised questions about how the state can assure the quality of in-service and continuing education classes.

In 1988, the adoption of the salary allocation model as the actual salary schedule for some districts included the definition that additional credit hours must be taken after the last highest degree to be counted on the salary schedule.  This resulted in some districts refusing to count credits for placement on the salary schedule which may have been counted before.  One group of teachers who were affected were teachers who have taken courses toward completion of their fifth year requirement before the completion of their bachelors degree.  Many of these teachers had been advised to do this because they were waiting for a place to student teach.  Since these courses were taken before their bachelors degree was awarded, they could not be counted on the new salary allocation model.

SUMMARY:

Eligible credit or credits mean credits that may be applied to satisfy requirements for endorsements as defined by the State Board of Education or credits that satisfy general knowledge or pedagogy requirements as defined by the State Board of Education.

For purposes of placement on the salary allocation schedule, education credits earned while pursuing and in excess of the credits needed for a bachelor's and master's degree shall be determined by the Superintendent of Public Instruction by calculating the total eligible credits including:  (1) credits earned in excess of those required for the award of the employee's first bachelor's or master's degree; (2) credits earned after the awarding or conferring of the employee's first bachelor's or master's degree; (3) credits earned on or before October 1 of the year for which allocations are being calculated; and (4) credits earned from a locally approved in-service training program meeting standards adopted by the State Board of Education or a state-approved continuing education agency.

Certificated employees may submit a letter identifying credits which are not currently counted in the employee's placement on the salary allocation model, but which the employee believes qualify.  Procedures and timelines are established for review of previously earned credits.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested February 24, 1989