The bill aims to enhance the review processes of teacher and principal preparation programs in Washington State to ensure they effectively prepare educators for modern classrooms. It emphasizes the importance of integrating relevant knowledge and skills, responding to community needs, and facilitating continuous improvement within the teacher preparation system. The Washington Professional Educator Standards Board is tasked with periodically reviewing these programs, publishing results for public comparison, and incorporating input from educators and community constituents to inform the review process.

Key amendments include the establishment of specific components for ongoing reviews, such as program standards, educator role standards, and evidence submitted by programs. The bill also mandates that the Washington Professional Educator Standards Board regularly update these components to reflect the evolving needs of the education system. Additionally, it requires teacher preparation programs to develop partnership plans with local school districts for student teacher placements, with updates to these plans occurring at least every three years. The new provisions are set to take effect on January 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 28A.410.275, 28B.10.033
Bill as passed Legislature: 28A.410.275, 28B.10.033
Session law: 28A.410.275, 28B.10.033