HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

                 HB  1714

Title:  An act relating to teacher assessment for certification.

Brief Description:  Incorporating teacher assessment into the certification system.

Sponsors:  Representatives Quall, Talcott, Schindler, Keiser, Rockefeller, Regala, Ruderman, D. Schmidt, Stensen, Kenney, Lantz, Lovick, Wensman, Dickerson, Santos and McIntire; by request of Board of Education, Superintendent of Public Instruction and Governor Locke.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Meeting Date:  February 17, 1999 and January 26, 2000

Bill Analysis Prepared by:  Susan Morrissey (786-7111).

Background:  By law, as part of its duties, the State Board of Education sets requirements for teachers, administrators, and educational staff associates in four major areas:  preparation; assessment; certification; and standards of practice.  Since the early 1990's, the board has been moving toward a performance based system for the preparation and certification of teachers. One foundation of the performance based certification system envisioned by the board is the establishment of a series of assessments that will permit potential teachers to demonstrate their competency in three areas: basic skills, knowledge in the subjects they plan to teach, and pedagogy or teaching skills.   The 1995 legislature directed the board to study and report on some of the implementation issues associated with the creation of assessments for persons seeking initial or residency teaching certificates.  The legislation required the board to report to the legislature on the results of the study by January 1,1997.  The legislation also required the board to obtain legislative approval before implementation of any certification assessments.

Since 1987, potential teachers have been required to demonstrate competency in certain basic skills before they are admitted to teacher preparation programs.   These potential teachers must demonstrate competency in the basic skills of oral and written communication, reading, and computation.  They may demonstrate that  competency in a variety of ways including successful completion of an examination of basic skills, completion of a baccalaureate or graduate degree program, completion of two years of college and a demonstration of competency in basic skills and an essay, or by earning a combined score of more than the statewide median score of all persons taking the test in the prior school year.

Summary of Bill:  Beginning  August, 1, 2001, new teachers entering Washington=s public and approved private schools will be required to pass one or more assessments before they will receive state certification.  The SBE will determine minimum passing scores on all assessments.  The SBE will develop and implement the assessments in collaboration with the SPI, and in consultation with teachers, administrators, and representatives of colleges and universities.  The SBE will also adopt rules implementing their assessment authority.  The rules may permit exceptions to the assessment requirements, on a case-by-case basis.  Beginning in December, 2001, the SBE will prepare an annual report on the number and percentage of prospective teachers who pass the assessments.

Basic Skills Assessment

By September 1, 2000, the SBE will select an assessment that evaluates a person=s knowledge in reading, writing, mathematics, and communications.  Beginning August 1, 2001,  passing the test will be required of two types of prospective teachers.   Out-of-state teachers applying for certification must pass the basic skills assessment before they may teach in Washington.   In addition, most students applying for admission to teacher preparation programs must pass the assessment before they can be admitted to the program.   Teacher preparation programs may admit, on occasion,  students who have not passed the assessment.  However, these students must pass the basic skills assessment before they will receive initial (residency) teaching certificates.

Knowledge of Teaching (Pedagogy) Assessment

By September 1, 2001, the SBE will make available one or more methods to assess a prospective teacher=s knowledge of teaching skills and theory.  The assessment will include issues such as classroom management, discipline, organization and delivery of lessons, assessment strategies, and communication with parents.  Beginning May 1, 2002, candidates for residency teaching certificates must pass the assessment before they can teach in Washington.

Subject Matter Assessment

By September 1, 2001,  the SBE will make available one or more methods to assess a prospective teacher=s subject matter knowledge.  Beginning May 1, 2002,  before they may teach in Washington, candidates for residency teaching certificates must pass the assessments in any subjects in which they have received an endorsement.   (An endorsement is required in subject matter that a person plans to teach.)

Development of the Assessments

The SBE and OSPI may contract with organizations for the development, purchase, administration, and scoring of the assessments.  The SBE will establish, and prospective teachers will pay fees for the assessments, unless costs associated with the assessments are funded through a state appropriation.  Any fees will be deposited in the teacher assessment account in the state treasury.

Current Law Repealed

The existing requirement is repealed that students demonstrate competency in basic skills before admittance to a teacher preparation programs.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on February 10, 1999.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.