FINAL BILL REPORT
HB 1178
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. |
C 193 L 13
Synopsis as Enacted
Brief Description: Authorizing alternative assessments of basic skills for teacher certification.
Sponsors: Representatives Lytton, Maxwell, Santos, Seaquist, Reykdal, Sullivan, Fitzgibbon, Ryu, Pollet, Stanford, Tharinger and Jinkins.
House Committee on Education
Senate Committee on Early Learning & K-12 Education
Background:
The Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) is a 13-member board responsible for establishing requirements for state certification of educators and approving educator preparation and certification programs.
Passage of a basic skills test is required for admission to approved teacher preparation programs and for persons from out-of-state applying for a Washington teaching certificate. The basic skills that are assessed in this test must include at least reading, writing, and mathematics.
The PESB established the Washington Educator Skills Test Basic (WEST-B) as the requirement for admission to PESB-approved teacher preparation programs in August 2002. This test is also required for persons from out-of-state seeking a Washington State residency teaching certificate. The WEST-B contains three sub-tests that measure basic skills in reading, mathematics, and writing. Passage of all three sub-tests is required to meet the WEST-B requirement.
Summary:
The PESB may identify and accept other tests and test scores for admission to approved teacher preparation programs and for out-of-state Washington teaching certificate applicants.
These alternative tests must be comparable in rigor to the basic skills assessment and candidates must meet or exceed the basic skills requirements established by the board.
The PESB must set the acceptable score for admission to teacher certification programs no lower than the average national scores for the SAT or ACT.
Votes on Final Passage:
House | 57 | 40 | |
Senate | 48 | 0 | (Senate amended) |
House | 85 | 10 | (House concurred) |
Effective: | July 28, 2013 |