Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
Education Committee

HB 1890

Brief Description:  Changing the authority of the professional educator standards board.

Sponsors:  Representatives Keiser, Quall and Rockefeller; by request of Governor Locke.

Brief Summary of Bill

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Hearing Date:  2/21/01

Staff:  Susan Morrissey (786‑7111).

Background: 

Under current law, the State Board of Education (SBE) establishes the standards for educator preparation programs offered by public and private colleges and universities in Washington State.  The SBE is also required to establish standards for educator certification.  The board has established two levels of certification for teachers.  The first level is called initial or residency certification.  After some experience and additional education, a teacher is eligible to receive continuing or professional certification.

The Washington Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) currently serves as an advisory body to the Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) and as the sole advisory body to the SBE on matters relating to professional educators.  The PESB is also required to develop a prospective teacher assessment system.  The system will include both a basic skills test and subject matter test for all individuals seeking residency teacher certification.

Summary of Bill: 

The powers, duties, and functions of the SBE for educator preparation and certification are transferred to the PESB.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not Requested.

Effective Date:  The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect on June 1, 2001.