Bill > SB6278

This bill aims to improve the quality and responsiveness of teacher and principal preparation programs in Washington by establishing a more robust and collaborative review process. The Washington professional educator standards board (PESB), an organization that oversees educator certification, will now be required to conduct ongoing reviews of these programs, assessing their standards, educator roles, submitted evidence, and importantly, incorporating feedback from the community, including current teachers and school administrators who work directly with the graduates of these programs. The PESB will also regularly update the review components to reflect the evolving needs of modern classrooms and the education system, ensuring programs can adapt quickly. Furthermore, the bill modifies existing requirements for teacher preparation programs to partner with school districts for student teacher placements, emphasizing placements in high-need subject areas and geographic locations, and ensuring mentors are highly effective and trained in mentoring skills. These partnership plans will now be updated on a schedule determined by the PESB, at least every three years, and posted online for transparency.