FINAL BILL REPORT

SHB 1813

C 3 L 15 E1

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Expanding computer science education.

Sponsors: House Committee on Appropriations (originally sponsored by Representatives Hansen, Magendanz, Reykdal, Muri, Tarleton, Zeiger, Lytton, Haler, Senn, Harmsworth, Tharinger, Young, Walkinshaw, Stanford, S. Hunt and Pollet).

House Committee on Education

House Committee on Appropriations

Senate Committee on Early Learning & K-12 Education

Background:

Endorsements.

There are several pathways to endorsement and different types of endorsements. For example, academic endorsements and Career and Technical Education (CTE) endorsements differ—a CTE endorsed teacher may only teach CTE courses, and these courses often will not apply toward core education requirements. There is no academic endorsement for computer science, only a CTE endorsement, which teachers may obtain by demonstrating to a teacher preparation program that they have experience in the field and have met the program's requirements.

Conditional Scholarship for Educators.

A conditional scholarship is a loan that is forgiven in whole or in part in exchange for service as a certificated teacher at a K-12 public school. The state forgives one year of loan obligation for every two years a recipient teaches in a Washington K-12 public school. When a recipient fails to continue with the required course of study or teaching obligation, the recipient must repay the remaining loan principal with interest.

The Retooling Mathematics and Sciences Conditional Scholarship Program requires a K-12 teacher, or certificated elementary educator who is not employed in a position requiring an elementary education certificate, to pursue an endorsement in math or science to be eligible for the program. The conditional scholarship amount is determined by the Student Achievement Council, may not exceed $3,000 per year, and is applied to the cost of tuition, fees, and educational expenses.

Summary:

Endorsements and Standards.

The OSPI and the Professional Educator Standard Board (PESB) must adopt computer science learning standards developed by a nationally recognized computer science education organization. The PESB must also develop standards for a K-12 computer science endorsement, which must facilitate dual endorsement in computer science and mathematics, science, or another related high-demand endorsement.

Conditional Scholarship for Educators.

The Retooling to Teach Mathematics and Sciences Conditional Scholarship Program is renamed the Educator Retooling Conditional Scholarship Program. A K-12 teacher, or certificated elementary educator who is not employed in a position requiring an elementary education certificate, may qualify for the conditional scholarship program by pursuing an endorsement in a subject or geographic endorsement shortage area, as defined by the Professional Educator Standards Board.

Votes on Final Passage:

First Special Session