HOUSE BILL REPORT
HB 1755
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. |
As Passed Legislature
Title: An act relating to allowing regional universities to offer doctorate level degrees in education.
Brief Description: Allowing regional universities to offer doctorate level degrees in education.
Sponsors: Representatives Leavitt, Van Werven, Bergquist, Corry, Ybarra, Volz, Pollet, Dent, Lovick, Doglio, Ormsby and Santos.
Brief History:
Committee Activity:
College & Workforce Development: 2/12/19, 2/15/19 [DP].
Floor Activity:
Passed House: 3/4/19, 95-2.
Passed House: 1/22/20, 95-1.
Passed Senate: 3/3/20, 47-0.
Passed Legislature.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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HOUSE COMMITTEE ON COLLEGE & WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT |
Majority Report: Do pass. Signed by 16 members: Representatives Hansen, Chair; Entenman, Vice Chair; Leavitt, Vice Chair; Van Werven, Ranking Minority Member; Gildon, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Graham, Assistant Ranking Minority Member; Bergquist, Kraft, Mead, Paul, Pollet, Ramos, Rude, Sells, Slatter and Sutherland.
Minority Report: Do not pass. Signed by 1 member: Representative Young.
Staff: Megan Mulvihill (786-7304).
Background:
Central Washington University, Eastern Washington University, and Western Washington University each offer master's degrees in education. Eastern Washington University offers applied, but not research, doctorate degrees in physical therapy. Western Washington University offers applied, but not research, doctorate degrees in audiology. The University of Washington and Washington State University offer both applied and research doctorate degrees in education.
Generally, an applied doctorate degree in education (Ed.D) is designed for advanced professional practice focusing on the application of existing research and knowledge applied in the field, rather than on the creation of new research for the field. A typical Ed.D program includes classroom study, field placements, and administrative practice.
Summary of Bill:
The boards of trustees of the regional universities may offer applied, but not research, doctorate level degrees in education.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:
(In support) This bill gives folks all across the state opportunities for advanced degrees at affordable tuition rates. Students at Western Washington University have to travel out of their region to earn a doctorate. The doctorate programs will be tuition-based and no state funds would be needed. Producing additional doctorate students will serve the entire state.
(Opposed) None.
Persons Testifying: Representative Leavitt, prime sponsor; Becca Kenna-Schenk, Tim Bruce, and Don Larson, Western Washington University; and Antonio Sanchez, Central Washington University.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.