The Professional Educator Standards Board (materials) and Paraeducator Board (materials) met last week in Tacoma, WA. Below is a summary of the discussion and action items the Boards considered at the November Board meeting.
AGENCY UPDATES
25th Anniversary
The Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) celebrated 25 years of service to Washington State. This dual board-led agency has had a significant mission: to enhance educator quality. Over the past 25 years, the Board has obtained rulemaking authority, provided oversight for professional education, managed workforce development initiatives, and approved and regulated all preparation programs. Our vision remains steadfast as we continue this vital work: to strengthen the educator workforce by implementing initiatives that address shortages, reduce barriers in the profession, and increase workforce diversity.
Thank you to all who celebrated with us! A special thanks to Senator Wellman and Representative Santos for your presence and your thoughtful and inspiring remarks. An additional thank you to Larry Delaney (President, WEA) for sending in video remarks on PESB’s and WEA’s historical and ongoing collaboration.
Paraeducator Board and PESB legislative agenda update
Both Boards received an update on the plans for the upcoming 2026 legislative session, as well as an overview of the Hill Climb scheduled for January.
PROFESSIONAL EDUCATOR STANDARDS BOARD
ACTION ITEMS
Clark College teacher program initial review report (TAB 02)
The Board voted to give full approval to Clark College’s Teacher Program, after a presentation from staff on the initial review report. Congratulations to Clark College.
Literacy endorsement (TAB 04)
The Board gave final approval to the new Literacy endorsement competencies. A new assessment will be developed in 2026. Agency staff will present a webinar to the field at that time on the new aspects of the endorsement.
Assessment update and FLEX standard setting (TAB 09)
The Board reviewed requirements for the FLEX as a multiple-measure option and set the Standard Error of Measurement at -1. FLEX will be available in January 2026.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
Developing a model of limited approval (TAB 03)
PESB staff provided a second, further-developed presentation of potential models for limited approval for EPPs undergoing ongoing site visit reviews. Staff will take feedback from the Board to develop future tabs on models of limited approval and review results metrics.
PESB review staff: five-year plan (TAB 05)
PESB staff presented the work of the review staff that is slated for the next five years. More details are available in the Board materials.
Clock hour system data review (TAB 06)
The Board appreciated seeing the history and evolution of the clock hour system and data.
Indicator-based program review (IBPR) program results 2021-2024 (TAB 07)
Staff provided an update on the results of the Indicator-based Program Review for the last three years. Board members requested a stronger data system flag, recalculation of the assessment and hiring indicators, and further research and a report back on a PEAB compliance indicator.
Update: Alternative Routes Block Grant (TAB 08)
Staff presented an update on the 2025-26 implementation of the Alternative Routes Block Grant (ARBG), the findings from the 2024-25 annual ARBG program survey, and introduced the Developing Educator Workforce Grant.
Update on SB 5025: educational interpreter certification (TAB 10)
PESB staff provided an update on Senate Bill 5025, which directs the creation of certification for educational interpreters for the deaf and deaf-blind. The Board learned about the educational interpreter role, the EIPA performances assessment, a review of previous workgroup work, and discussed next steps for staff moving forward.
PARAEDUCATOR BOARD
DISCUSSION ITEMS
Update: Form Package 918 paraeducator training reimbursement (TAB 02)
Staff provided an update regarding preliminary data showing which Districts were reimbursed for the Paraeducator Training Program. Final data and survey results analysis will be provided at the January meeting.
Eligibility for reimbursement – Paraeducator Training Program (TAB 03)
The Board and staff discussed the definition of paraeducator, and specifically which paraeducator-labeled roles are eligible for reimbursement. Clarification to the nuances and clarifications raised will be provided to the Board, and then the field, in the coming months.
Update: Paraeducator Assessment (TAB 04)
The Board received a summary of the progress on staff efforts in developing a paraeducator assessment, including beginning on technology tools for administering and hosting, question review, and pilot development. Regular updates will be scheduled at future Board meetings.
Paraeducator Training Program (PTP): General Certificate overview (TAB 05)
Board and staff reviewed the standards of practice and discussed creating a draft ‘career pathways for paraeducators’ communications effort for the field.
