SB 5413-S - DIGEST

(AS OF SENATE 2ND READING 3/10/99)

     Finds and declares:  (1) Washington has a strong and continually improving system of teacher preparation and certification;

     (2) incorporating teacher assessment for certification into the system will contribute both to public confidence and to maintaining an already high quality system of teacher preparation and certification in Washington;

     (3) teacher assessment for certification can guard against admission to the teaching profession of persons who have not demonstrated that they are competent in the basic skills of reading, writing, communications, and math; knowledgeable about the skills required to teach; and knowledgeable in the subjects they will be assigned to teach;

     (4) teacher assessment for certification should be implemented as a complementary element to the existing system of teacher preparation and certification and add value to the candidate's professional growth journey; and

     (5) incorporating teacher assessment for certification should be done in a manner that is aligned with the direction of the improvement of student achievement act of 1993, chapter 336, Laws, of 1993.

     Repeals RCW 28A.410.020.