HB 2708 - DIGEST

(SUBSTITUTED FOR - SEE 1ST SUB)

Provides that the higher education coordinating board shall offer conditional scholarships for full or part-time studies that may be forgiven in exchange for teaching service in Washington's public K-12 schools.

Requires applicants to have a declared intention to complete an approved preparation program leading to teacher certification with an endorsement in math, science, technology, special education, or bilingual education or be a teacher who is seeking an additional endorsement in math, science, technology, special education, or bilingual education.

Provides that loans shall be forgiven at the rate of one year of loan for two years of teaching service. Recipients who teach in geographic or subject-matter shortage areas, as specified by the office of the superintendent of public instruction, may have their loans forgiven at the rate of one year of loan for one year of teaching service.

Provides that recipients who fail to fulfill the required teaching service shall be required to repay the conditional loan with interest.