Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 97-22-104.

Title of Rule: WAC 180-79A-433 Academic requirements for certification--School nurse, school occupational therapist, school physical therapist, and school speech pathologist or audiologist.

Purpose: The amendments would align the thirty clock hour course required for certain educational staff associate roles with the state goals and essential academic learning requirements.

Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 28A.410.010.

Summary: See Purpose above.

Reasons Supporting Proposal: See Purpose above.

Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting, Implementation and Enforcement: Larry Davis, State Board of Education, Olympia, (360) 753-6715.

Name of Proponent: State Board of Education, governmental.

Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.

Explanation of Rule, its Purpose, and Anticipated Effects: See Purpose above.

Proposal Changes the Following Existing Rules: See Purpose above.

No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW.

RCW 34.05.328 does not apply to this rule adoption. Not applicable.

Hearing Location: Puget Sound Educational Service District, 400 S.W. 152nd, Burien, WA 98166-2209, on June 17, 1998, at 8:00 a.m.

Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Patty Martin by June 1, 1998, TDD (360) 664-3631, or (360) 753-6715.

Submit Written Comments to: Rules Coordinator, State Board of Education, P.O. Box 47206, Olympia, WA 98504-7206, FAX (360) 586-2357, by June 1, 1998.

Date of Intended Adoption: June 17, 1998.

May 6, 1998

Larry Davis

Executive Director

AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 98-01-027, filed 12/8/97, effective 1/8/98)

WAC 180-79A-433  Academic requirements for certification--School nurse, school occupational therapist, school physical therapist and school speech-language pathologist or audiologist. Candidates for school nurse, school occupational therapist, school physical therapist and school speech-language pathologist or audiologist certification shall apply directly to the professional education and certification office. Such candidates shall complete the following requirements, in addition to those set forth in WAC 180-79A-150, except state approved college/university professional preparation program:

(1) School nurse.

(a) Initial.

(i) The candidate shall hold a valid license as a registered nurse (RN) in Washington state.

(ii) The candidate shall hold a baccalaureate degree in nursing from a National League of Nursing accredited program.

(iii) The candidate shall successfully complete thirty clock hours or three quarter hours (two semester hours) of course work approved by the state board of education which will include schools and society; human growth, development, and learning; American school law; legal responsibilities of the ESA; and the responsibilities of the specific ESA role in a school setting including the state learning goals and essential academic learning requirements: Provided, That an individual who meets all other requirements but who has not completed the required course work shall be issued a temporary permit valid for one hundred eighty calendar days which will allow the individual to practice in the role. The candidate shall verify to OSPI the completion of the required course work during the one hundred eighty-day period.

(b) Continuing. The candidate shall have completed the requirements for the initial certificate as a school nurse and have completed forty-five quarter hours (thirty semester hours) of post-baccalaureate course work in education, nursing, or other health sciences.

(2) School occupational therapist.

(a) Initial.

(i) The candidate shall hold a valid license as an occupational therapist in Washington state.

(ii) The candidate shall hold a baccalaureate (or higher) degree from an American Occupational Therapy Association approved program in occupational therapy.

(iii) The candidate shall successfully complete thirty clock hours or three quarter hours (two semester hours) of course work approved by the state board of education which will include schools and society; human growth, development, and learning; American school law; legal responsibilities of the ESA; and the responsibilities of the specific ESA role in a school setting including the state learning goals and essential academic learning requirements: Provided, That an individual who meets all other requirements but who has not completed the required course work shall be issued a temporary permit valid for one hundred eighty calendar days which will allow the individual to practice in the role. The candidate shall verify to OSPI the completion of the required course work during the one hundred eighty-day period.

(b) Continuing. The candidate shall have completed the requirements for the initial certificate as a school occupational therapist and have completed at least fifteen quarter hours (ten semester hours) of course work beyond the baccalaureate degree in occupational therapy, other health sciences or education.

(3) School physical therapist.

(a) Initial.

(i) The candidate shall hold a valid license as a physical therapist in Washington state.

(ii) The candidate shall hold a baccalaureate (or higher) degree from an American Physical Therapy Association accredited program in physical therapy.

(iii) The candidate shall successfully complete thirty clock hours or three quarter hours (two semester hours) of course work approved by the state board of education which will include schools and society; human growth, development, and learning; American school law; legal responsibilities of the ESA; and the responsibilities of the specific ESA role in a school setting including the state learning goals and essential academic learning requirements: Provided, That an individual who meets all other requirements but who has not completed the required course work shall be issued a temporary permit valid for one hundred eighty calendar days which will allow the individual to practice in the role. The candidate shall verify to OSPI the completion of the required course work during the one hundred eighty-day period.

(b) Continuing. The candidate shall have completed the requirements for the initial certificate as a school physical therapist and have completed fifteen quarter hours (ten semester hours) of course work beyond the baccalaureate degree in physical therapy, other health sciences or education.

(4) School speech-language pathologist or audiologist.

(a) Initial.

(i) The candidate shall have completed all course work (except special project or thesis) for a master's degree from a college or university program accredited by the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA) with a major in speech pathology or audiology. Such program shall include satisfactory completion of a written comprehensive examination: Provided, That if any candidate has not completed a written comprehensive examination, the candidate may present verification from ASHA of a passing score on the National Teacher's Examination in speech pathology or audiology as a condition for certification.

(ii) The candidate shall successfully complete thirty clock hours or three quarter hours (two semester hours) of course work approved by the state board of education which will include schools and society; human growth, development, and learning; American school law; legal responsibilities of the ESA; and the responsibilities of the specific ESA role in a school setting including the state learning goals and essential academic learning requirements: Provided, That an individual who meets all other requirements but who has not completed the required course work shall be issued a temporary permit valid for one hundred eighty calendar days which will allow the individual to practice in the role. The candidate shall verify to OSPI the completion of the required course work during the one hundred eighty-day period.

(b) Continuing. The candidate shall hold a master's degree with a major in speech pathology or audiology.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.410.010. 98-01-027, § 180-79A-433, filed 12/8/97, effective 1/8/98; 97-04-088, § 180-79A-433, filed 2/5/97, effective 3/8/97.]