The Professional Educator Standards Board (materials) and Paraeducator Board (materials) met last week, in SeaTac, WA. Below is a summary of the discussion and action items the Boards considered at the March 2026 Board meeting.
AGENCY UPDATES
Executive Director Search Advisory Committee Update (TAB A)
The Boards jointly passed motion language approving the Executive Director job description. The job posting is now published and closes on April 23. Screening and committee interviews will follow, with the Board conducting the finalist interviews and making the selection. The new Executive Director will likely be in place by September.
Legislative Update (TAB B)
Staff provided updates on the 2026 Legislative session, highlighting next steps needed for bill implementation. Discussion of the next biennium and the 2027 session will come at the next Board meeting.
RWT & BEI Update (TAB C)
Recruiting Washington Teachers and the Bilingual Educator Initiative updates were tabled and will be presented at a later date.
PARAEDUCATOR BOARD
DISCUSSION ITEMS
Overview of Chapter 28A.413 RCW: Paraeducators (TAB 02)
Staff provided an overview of this RCW chapter, highlighting elements that are nearing a decade old and tightly tied to workgroup recommendations from 2014. Paraeducator Board members indicated interest in moving forward with agency request legislation to amend sections of RCW 28A.413 as well as designating a seat on the PESB Board for a Paraeducator Board member.
Paraeducator Project Update (TAB 03)
The Paraeducator Board heard an update on major initiatives for paraeducators. Collectively, these projects aim to reduce cost and barriers, improve learning quality and relevance, and strengthen career pathways. Project leads will provide further updates at the next meeting.
Grow Your Own (GYO) Paraeducator Pilot Project (TAB 04)
The Educator Workforce team has partnered with ESD 105 to explore teacher academies and paraeducator pathways. ESD staff and participating students provided an update on the project’s status and key learnings thus far.
General Paraeducator Standards of Practice: Domain 1 (TAB 05)
This agenda item was tabled to be presented at a future board meeting.
PROFESSIONAL EDUCATOR STANDARDS BOARD
ACTION ITEMS
Initial Consideration of WAC 181-78A-105: Procedures for Initial Approval of an Educator Preparation Program (TAB 03)
The Board approved the initial WAC language. PESB staff will bring final WAC language in their final consideration tab scheduled for May.
Initial Consideration of Data Collection Manual (TAB 07)
PESB and ERDC staff presented the proposed changes for the 2026 data manual for educator preparation program (EPP) data collection. Staff will finalize the data manual, preparing it for final distribution to EPPs after the final votes in May.
Initial Consideration HB 1296: Superintendent Willful Noncompliance (TAB 10)
The Board initially approved amendments to WAC 181-87 and to establish WAC 181-90, regarding superintendent willful noncompliance and acts of unprofessional conduct.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
Proposed Teacher Preparation Pathways WAC 181-101, 102, and 103 (TAB 02)
An update on the rulemaking work in response to ESHB 1651, which is the bill that defines residency and apprenticeship teacher preparation programs. PESB staff will respond to the board’s questions and concerns around proposed mentor teacher WAC through another discussion/presentation tab in May.
Updating Endorsement Names (TAB 04)
Presented the need to update endorsement names in WAC 181-82A-202. Initial consideration of WAC changes will be brought forward at the May meeting.
Endorsement Review Options (TAB 05)
Staff engaged the Board in a discussion surrounding possible options for endorsement review. Staff will bring back detailed options in the fall.
Models of Limited Approval (TAB 06)
A continued discussion from November, review staff will begin orienting EPPs around the new self-study/action plans and updated Board guidance resources. Staff will consider Board members’ feedback regarding metrics, and adjust future tab materials as necessary.
Key Performance Indicators for Teacher and Principal Preparation Programs (TAB 08)
PESB and ERDC staff provided an update on the key performance indicators, which are used for teacher and principal preparation program review. PESB staff will conduct some follow-up research and prepare options for final voting by the Board in May.
Educational Interpreter Certification (TAB 09)
Staff presented the work done toward establishing certification for educational interpreters for the Deaf and Deaf-Blind. Initial consideration for WAC language will be presented in May.
Update: Case-by-Case Exception Process for Content Knowledge Assessment (TAB 11)
Presented the case-by-case exception process for content knowledge assessment, including findings from recent surveys and meetings with past teacher candidates, faculty, and educator preparation programs. PESB staff will continue to gather information from outside partners and outline possible CBC guidance 2.0 for Board discussion and consideration.
