Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Ways & Means Committee |
HB 2804
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
Brief Description: Setting the bonus amount for certificated instructional staff who have attained certification from the national board for professional teaching standards at four thousand dollars per bonus.
Sponsors: Representative Haigh; by request of Office of Financial Management.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 3/1/12
Staff: Jessica Harrell (786-7349).
Background:
The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) is a national, nonprofit organization that has developed standards for highly accomplished teaching and a voluntary system to certify teachers who meet those standards. The NBPTS program was created in 1987 after several research reports documented emerging needs for outcomes-based professional development in the teaching profession.
Once earned, NBPTS certification is valid for 10 years. The application process requires candidates to complete 10 assessments that are reviewed by trained educators. The assessments include four portfolio entries that feature teaching practice and six constructed response exercises that assess subject knowledge.
Washington is in its 11th year of participation in the bonus program. In 2000 Washington had 71 NBPTS-certified teachers. Currently, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) projects 4,722 currently certified teachers and approximately 926 new recipients in the 2011-12 school year. The OSPI offers a conditional loan that funds $2,000 of the $2,500 fee for beginning the process of the NBPTS certification. The loan is competitive, and must be repaid once a candidate achieves certification and receives a bonus.
The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification bonus is currently $5,090. In addition, teachers who teach in a challenging school district who have the NBPTS certification are eligible to receive an additional $5,000 bonus.
Summary of Bill:
Beginning in fiscal year 2013, both NBPTS bonuses are reduced to $4,000. Additionally, the certification bonus is no longer subject to appropriation.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on February 28, 2012.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.