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May 5, 2021
On April 25, Washington’s legislative session came to an end. Despite historic challenges created from virtual landscapes and continuous covid-19 health concerns, lawmakers took extraordinary steps to affirm their commitment to strengthening the state’s education system.
Among the many funding decisions and focused priority areas that swept through both chambers, we were particularly excited to see legislation that advances equity, reduces barriers, and increases investments, opportunities, and support for our educator workforce.
Highlights and next steps
Paraeducator training receives continued funding
We are pleased to report that the Legislature has allocated funds to reimburse school districts for providing two days of training to their paraeducators during the 2020-21 and 2021-22 school years. This important investment affirms the critical role that paraeducators play in a student’s instructional support team. Learn more about the paraeducator certificate program.
The Legislature has also funded the development of an online training module for paraeducators, focused on student, family, and community engagement. Ensuring that paraeducators have training and skills in these areas is critical to addressing academic success and persistent educational inequities.
Diversity, equity, inclusion, anti-racism now required in educator training
Teaching practices that incorporate diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism help to support students holistically, and create meaningful connections between learning and their cultures, languages, and life experiences. The Legislature has signed SSB 5044 to require these critical topics be included in the preparation and professional learning of educators throughout every stage of the career continuum.
Additionally, this bill directs PESB, in collaboration with the EOGOAC and other key stakeholders, to update and develop cultural competency, diversity, equity, and inclusion standards of practice.
Educator performance assessment no longer a state requirement
While assessments are an essential step in the preparation of educators, they can also serve as a gatekeeper, especially for candidates from historically underserved populations. Recognizing that Washington cannot afford to lose potential teachers to inequitable testing barriers, the Legislature has eliminated the performance assessment as a state requirement for teacher certification. With the approval of 2SHB 1028, preparation programs can now begin recommending candidates who have met all program completion requirements, with the exception of the edTPA, for a residency teacher certificate.
PESB has long supported flexible assessment policy and removing candidate barriers into the educator profession. Our Board looks forward to working closely and collaboratively with preparation programs to navigate these new changes and will provide additional guidance and clarity in the coming months.
New equity-based certificate renewal requirements
Governor Inslee has signed SHB 1426, now requiring teachers and administrators, who are renewing their certificates on or after July 1, 2023, to complete professional learning focused on equity-based school practices. Administrators must also complete professional learning on government-to-government relations with federally recognized tribes and national standards for education leaders. These new courses must be completed through one of the providers specified in the legislation. An FAQ and other resources will be available on our website in late July.
New computer science specialty endorsements
Teachers of STEM disciplines, including computer science, consistently rank among the state’s greatest content area shortages. This legislative session, Washington took steps to strengthen the STEM educator workforce by approving PESB to develop two new specialty endorsements in computer science: one at the elementary level and one at the secondary level. Specialty endorsements enable in-service teachers to demonstrate evidence of focused professional learning in a specific content area, while expanding opportunities to meet the learning needs of their students.
Contact information
We look forward to working with our stakeholders in the months ahead to ensure timely and smooth implementation of these legislative policy priorities. If you have questions, please contact Laurie Weidner, legislative and policy liaison, at laurie.weidner@k12.wa.us.
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