FINAL BILL REPORT

SHB 1568

                                  C 251 L 88

BYHouse Committee on Education (originally sponsored by Representatives Todd, Leonard, Crane, Pruitt and Ebersole)

Including school administrators in the excellence in education program.

House Committe on Education

Senate Committee on Education

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

In 1986, the Legislature created the Washington Awards for Excellence in Education Program to recognize teachers, principals, superintendents and school boards across the state for their contribution, leadership, and commitment to education. The selected teachers and principals could elect to receive a grant of $1,000 or a tuition waiver and stipend of $1,000.  There was no provision allowing the award to be given to school administrators who are not principals or superintendents.

In 1987, the Legislature mandated that a student must demonstrate competency in basic skills by taking and achieving a minimum score on the Washington Precollege Test as a condition of admission to a teacher preparation program.  The Washington Precollege Test is usually given to juniors in high school.  No provisions for waiving this requirement were created.  Consequently, admissions officers were forced to require persons seeking admission to a teacher preparation program to take the Washington Precollege Test even though the applicant had successfully completed college coursework and had received a baccalaureate degree or a graduate degree.

SUMMARY:

In addition to teachers and principals, educational staff associates and administrators may be given the Washington Awards for Excellence in Education.

The requirement that an applicant, for admissions to a teacher preparation program, must demonstrate competency in the basic skills of reading, writing and speaking, is waived if the individual holds a baccalaureate degree; holds a graduate degree; or has completed two years of college level coursework, has demonstrated competency through coursework and a written essay, and is over the age of 21.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      House 98   0

      Senate    48     0(Senate amended)

      House             (House concurred in part)

      Senate    49     0(Senate receded)

      House 96   0

EFFECTIVE:June 9, 1988