SENATE BILL REPORT
ESHB 1377
As of March 9, 2023
Title: An act relating to posting of approved courses and providers of continuing education on equity-based school practices, the national professional standards for education leaders, and government-to-government relationships, which is currently required for administrators and teachers.
Brief Description: Posting of approved courses and providers of continuing education.
Sponsors: House Committee on Education (originally sponsored by Representatives Santos, Reed and Ortiz-Self).
Brief History: Passed House: 2/28/23, 97-0.
Committee Activity: Early Learning & K-12 Education: 3/09/23.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Removes the limitation that certain required continuing education for administrators and teachers be provided only by identified clock hour providers and instead directs the Professional Educator Standards Board to approve the continuing education providers as specified.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON EARLY LEARNING & K-12 EDUCATION
Staff: Benjamin Omdal (786-7442)
Background:

Continuing Education for Educators.  The Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) adopts rules and creates policies for the preparation and certification of educators.  PESB's statutory duties include specifying the types and kinds of educator certificates to be issued and the conditions for certification.
 
Every five years, teachers and administrators must renew their certificate by meeting one of the following continuing education requirements: 

  • complete 100 clock hours or the equivalent in college credit;
  • complete four professional growth plans (PGPs); or
  • complete a combination of PGPs and clock hours.

 
PESB approves clock hour providers, who are required to convene a committee to review and approve courses to be offered. PESB also approves certain courses that some certificated staff are required to complete.
 
Specific Continuing Education Requirements.  For administrators renewing a certificate on or after July 1, 2023, the continuing education must meet the following requirements:  

  • 10 percent must focus on equity-based school practices;
  • 10 percent must focus on the National Professional Standards for Education Leaders (NPSEL); and
  • 5 percent must focus on government-to-government relationships with federally recognized tribes.

 
For teachers renewing a certificate on or after July 1, 2023, 15 percent of continuing education must focus on equity-based school practices.  
 
Required continuing education for administrators and teachers related to equity-based school practice and the PSEL must be provided by one or more of the following entities, if they are an approved clock hour provider: 

  • the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI);
  • school districts;
  • educational service districts;
  • PESB-approved administrator or teacher preparation programs;
  • the Association of Washington School Principals; or
  • the Washington Education Association.

 
Required continuing education for administrators and teachers related to government-to-government relationships with federally recognized tribes must be provided by one or more subject matter experts approved by the Governor's Office on Indian Affairs in collaboration with the Tribal Leaders Congress on Education and the Office of Native Education in OSPI.
Summary of Bill:

Required continuing education related to equity-based school practices and to the NPSEL must be approved by PESB, rather than provided by one of the listed entities.  The rules of PESB must ensure the quality and effectiveness of providers of continuing education on these topics.  Except as described below, the rules must require providers to apply to PESB for approval to offer continuing education on these topics. The rules may also require the providers to periodically apply for reapproval.
 
Approval of PESB is not necessary for certain providers to offer continuing education related to equity-based school practices and to the NPSEL through June 30, 2028, or a date established by the PESB, whichever is later.  These providers include:

  • OSPI;
  • school districts;
  • educational service districts;
  • PESB-approved administrator and teacher preparation programs; and
  • the Washington Education Association.  

 
After June 30, 2028, the listed providers must receive PESB approval to continue offering continuing education on these topics.
 
PESB must maintain on its website a list of approved or otherwise permitted continuing education providers, courses, or both.
 
OSPI and PESB must maintain on their websites a list of approved subject matter experts on government-to-government relationships with federally recognized tribes.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

PRO: This bill allows PESB to designate providers as opposed to listing specific entities that can offer clock hours, omitting certain clock hour providers.  The bill grandfathers in the providers currently listed in statute.  This bill is a great example of opportunities for cultural competency.  Deadlines could be moved a year to provide more time to complete the government-to-government professional trainings.  The bill corrects prior mistakes but could also bring in youth-focused groups as well.  The standards align well with various private schools' educational philosophies.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Sharon Tomiko Santos, Prime Sponsor; Oliver Miska; Roz Thompson, Association of Washington School Principals; Doug Rich, Catholic Diocese of Yakima; Zackary Turner, Professional Educator Standards Board.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.