HOUSE BILL REPORT

ESSB 6160

As Amended by the House

BYSenate Committee on Education (originally sponsored by Senator Bailey)

Providing baccalaureate and masters degree equivalencies for certification of vocational instructors.

House Committe on Education

Majority Report:  Do pass with amendments.  (21)

      Signed by Representatives Peery, Chair; Spanel, Vice Chair; Appelwick, Betrozoff, Butterfield, Cole, Cooper, Ebersole, Fuhrman, Holland, Holm, P. King, Pruitt, Rasmussen, Rayburn, Rust, Schoon, Taylor, Todd, Valle and Walker.

House Staff:Susan Patrick (786-7111)

AS PASSED HOUSE MARCH 4, 1988

BACKGROUND:

Significant enhancements of teacher certification standards were included in SSB 5479, Chapter 525, Laws of 1987.  After August 31, 1992, all individuals qualifying for initial certification must possess a baccalaureate degree in the arts, sciences, and/or humanities.  The only exceptions recognized are specific educational qualifications applicable to applicants for preschool through grade six certificates.

After August 31, 1992, all applicants for professional level certification must possess a masters degree in teaching, or a masters degree in the arts, sciences, and/or humanities.

Current standards for certification of vocational instructors are provided by State Board of Education regulations. Individuals who enter vocational education as instructors after a number of years in business or industry are able to attain certification based on that experience provided additional requirements are also met.

SUMMARY:

The State Board of Education shall develop baccalaureate degree equivalency standards for certification of vocational instructors.

The State Board of Education shall establish masters degree equivalency standards for vocational instructors acquiring professional level certification after August 31, 1992.

Fiscal Note:      Not Requested.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Tim Strege, Council of Voc-Tech Institutes; Kathleen Preston, Washington Vocational Association; Monica Schmidt, State Board of Education; and James Taylor, Washington Association of Vocational Administrators.

House Committee - Testified Against:      None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    It is important that it is clear that vocational certification will continue to be based on an equivalency procedure.  Also flexibility in certification is necessary because many of the staff are hired for a short period of time.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None Presented.