The bill amends RCW 28A.410.200 to increase the membership of the Washington professional educator standards board from twelve to thirteen members, with the governor appointing members to four-year terms, except for a student member who will serve a two-year term. The previous requirement to reduce the board to twelve members by August 1, 2009, has been deleted. The bill also specifies that a majority of the board members must be active practitioners, with a focus on classroom-based experience, and introduces new categories of experience required for board members, including experience in education roles, leading educator preparation programs, mentoring, and community involvement. Additionally, it mandates that one member must be a student enrolled in a board-approved preparation program.

The bill emphasizes the governor's responsibility to consider candidates' commitment to quality education, their experiences in public or private schools, and the diversity of the state's population when making appointments. All appointments are subject to Senate confirmation, and members will receive compensation and reimbursement for travel expenses. The governor retains the authority to remove board members for various forms of misconduct, and the board is empowered to hire an executive director and an administrative assistant for administrative purposes. Members may also form informal advisory groups to support the board's work.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 28A.410.200