SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6650

BYSenators Saling, Bauer, von Reichbauer, Smitherman, Cantu, Stratton, Patterson and Patrick

Requiring accreditation of vocational-technical institutes in order for credits to be transferable to community colleges.

Senate Committee on Higher Education

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 25, 1990

Senate Staff:Shawn Newman (786-7443)

AS OF JANUARY 24, 1990

BACKGROUND:

The five state vocational-technical institutions are operated by local school districts under the governance of local school boards and under the supervision of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.  Two (Renton and Lake Washington) are solely accredited by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges; two (Bellingham and Clover Park) are solely accredited by the State Board of Education; and one (Bates) is accredited by both Northwest and the State Board of Education.  Vocational-technical institute (VTI) clock hours may be converted to credits and transferred to a community college.

SUMMARY:

In order for credit hours, or their equivalencies, earned at state vocational-technical institutes to be transferable to any community college, the vocational-technical institute must be accredited by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges or by an accrediting association recognized by the State Board for Community College Education.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:   none

Fiscal Note:    requested