HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 156

(By Delegates M. Poling, Stowers, Barill, Campbell, Fragale, Lawrence, Perry, Pethtel, Tomblin, Walker, Westfall, Williams, Young, Pasdon, Ambler, Butler, Cooper, Espinosa, Evans, Hamrick, Rowan and Sumner)

[Originating in the Committee on Education]

(April 11, 2013)

Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to conduct a study on establishing a comprehensive educator career development continuum.

    Whereas, West Virginia has a very experienced teaching force, a large percentage of whom are eligible for retirement but still working, and the State should be concerned about methods for attracting and preparing the next generation of educators and supporting their development through the first years of their careers; and

    Whereas, The profession of teaching, like other professions, should provide for a routine progression continuing education for license maintenance and opportunities for salary progression as additional knowledge is acquired that directly affects their teaching ability; and

    Whereas, The time and resources available for professional development are precious and must be carefully allocated among competing state and local level identified needs and routine annual requirements; and

    Whereas, Like other professionals, teachers should be afforded an opportunity to progress in their teaching careers, take on more responsibility and share their expertise with other less experienced teachers without leaving classroom teaching completely; therefore, be it

    Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

    That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby requested to conduct a study on establishing a comprehensive educator career development continuum; and be it

    Further Resolved, That the study should consider as part of the continuum elements such as:

    (A) Encouraging and supporting an interest in the teaching profession among middle and high school students and increasing their preparation for success in college;

    (B) Increasing the academic and professional practice preparation of graduates from colleges of teacher education;

    (C) Improving the efficiency and focus of professional development including, but not limited to:

    (i) Support for improving the professional practice of new and emerging teachers and principals;

    (ii) Efficient and least time consuming methods for providing routine information and annually required professional development requirements of statute and policy; and

    (iii) Uniform, effective professional development necessary to implement state initiatives, including changes in standards, assessments, instructional strategies and other major policies affecting teachers and building level administrators;

    (D) Establishing a progression of required continuing education for periodic certificate renewal;

    (E) Aligning course work and professional development allowed for salary progression with the knowledge and skills directly related to the profession of teaching in the public schools; and

    (F) Establishing a pathway for master teachers to progress in teacher leadership positions without leaving the classroom completely; and be it

    Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is requested to report to the regular session of the Legislature, 2014, on its findings, conclusions and recommendations, together with drafts of any legislation necessary to effectuate its recommendations; and be it

    Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct this study, to prepare a report and draft necessary legislation are requested to be paid from legislative appropriations to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.