SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6532

BYSenators Wojahn, Bailey and Rinehart

Requiring a program of in-service training for classroom management and methods of responding to students with learning disabilities.

Senate Committee on Education

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 29, 1990; January 30, 1990

Majority Report:     Do pass and refer to Committee on Ways & Means.

     Signed by Senators Bailey, Chairman; Lee, Vice Chairman; Anderson, Bender, Benitz, Gaspard, Metcalf, Murray, Rinehart.

Senate Staff:Leslie Goldstein (786-7424)

                January 31, 1990

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION, JANUARY 30, 1990

BACKGROUND:

Suggestions for improving the profession of teaching and the performance of students have included providing teachers with training in effectively and efficiently managing the classroom and the academic instruction of students.  It has also been suggested that with appropriate training teachers will be better prepared to recognize learning disabilities and provide appropriate instruction within the regular classroom and improve the learning experience of all students. 

SUMMARY:

The Superintendent of Public Instruction, in consultation with local districts, shall develop and conduct an in-service training program for up to three days.  The program shall be designed to provide training on techniques of effective classroom management and academic efficiency and on methods of identifying students with specific learning disabilities and responding to the needs while maintaining effective classroom management and academic efficiency for all students in the classroom.  Two individuals per school building shall be selected.

Teachers, administrators, and aides are eligible to participate.  Participants are selected cooperatively.  The participants are encouraged to conduct programs for the staff of their schools. 

The program expires on June 30, 1991.

Appropriation:  $600,000 to Superintendent of Public Instruction

Revenue:   none

Fiscal Note:    requested

Senate Committee - Testified:   PRO:  Senator Wojahn, prime sponsor; Bonita Colony, Slingerland Institute; Judy Schwarz, Another Door to Learning, Tacoma; Beverley Wolf, Hamlin Robinson School; Susan George, Renton School District #403