Bill > HB1352

This bill amends an existing law to expand the Beginning Educator Support Team (BEST) program by specifically requiring school districts that receive funding for the program to prioritize and provide a trained and qualified mentor to novice school nurses. A "novice school nurse" is defined as a registered nurse or advanced registered nurse practitioner in their first, second, or third year of a school-based role. The bill builds upon an existing program that provides professional development and mentoring for beginning educators, including principals, educational staff associates, and teachers. The program will continue to allocate funds competitively to school districts, with priority given to schools needing comprehensive support, districts with many new educators, and districts demonstrating understanding of research-based induction standards. The program maintains its existing comprehensive support components, such as paid orientation, mentorship for up to three years, professional development, release time for mentors and participants, and program evaluation, now explicitly extending these supports to include novice school nurses alongside other educational professionals.

Education

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1352&Year=2025&Initiative=false