Washington 2023-2024 Regular Session

Washington Senate Bill SB6002

Introduced
1/8/24  

Caption

Transferring the professional educator standards board and the paraeducator board to the office of the superintendent of public instruction.

Impact

The impact of SB6002 will specifically alter the existing state structure governing educational standards. By placing the Professional Educator Standards Board and Paraeducator Board under the office of the Superintendent, the bill seeks to create a more unified approach to the oversight of education professionals. With these boards under direct oversight of a single executive office, there could be a more cohesive strategy for addressing issues such as educator qualifications, training programs, and standards for paraeducators, ensuring they align with state educational goals.

Summary

SB6002 proposes the transfer of the Professional Educator Standards Board and the Paraeducator Board to the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. This bill aims to consolidate oversight of educator standards and paraeducator practices under a singular body, thus streamlining governance and potentially enhancing accountability and consistency across educational standards in the state. Proponents believe that such a transfer will improve efficacy in the regulation of the standards and qualifications for educators and paraeducators alike.

Sentiment

The sentiment around SB6002 appears to be generally supportive among education policymakers and stakeholders who advocate for more streamlined governance in the educational sector. However, there are concerns from some educators and unions who fear that the consolidation of authority might lead to less local involvement in educational decision-making. They argue for the importance of maintaining separate boards to ensure that the voices and needs of diverse educational communities are adequately represented and addressed.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the potential loss of autonomy for the Professional Educator Standards Board and the Paraeducator Board, as critics express worries that centralizing these boards might limit their effectiveness in addressing specific educator needs. Additionally, there may be concerns regarding how this shift could impact the development and implementation of professional standards, potentially leading to a one-size-fits-all approach that does not account for localized educational challenges and diversity among teaching personnel.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

WA SB6003

Concerning the superintendent of public instruction chairing and administering the state board of education.

WA HB1475

Suspending the national board for professional standards certification bonuses for certificated instructional staff.

WA SB5737

Suspending the national board for professional standards certification bonuses for certificated instructional staff.

WA SB6159

Adding the superintendent's designee to task forces and boards.

WA SB5978

Authorizing the office of the superintendent of public instruction to act as a guarantor for a county when the county provides a loan to a school district.

WA LB951

Adopt the Public Officials on Private Boards Open Meetings Act

WA SB6082

Increasing compensation for Washington paraeducators.

WA HB2380

Increasing compensation for Washington paraeducators.

WA LB213

Require the State Board of Education to adopt academic content standards on human embryology under the science education standards

WA HB1662

Removing the requirement for certain education agencies to reside in the office of the superintendent of public instruction for administrative purposes and by making other necessary changes to support independent administration of each agency.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.