PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARDS (PEAB)

Colleges and universities seeking approval by the State Board of Education as an approved preparation program are required to establish a Professional Education Advisory Board (PEAB). The program areas for which a college or university may seek approval and maintain an approved preparation program are:

1. Teacher.
2. Administrator.
3. Educational staff associate (ESA), school counselor.
4. Educational staff associate, school psychologist.
5. Educational staff associate, school social worker.

In March, 2000, the State Board of Education approved an amendment to WAC 180-78A-209 (Professional education advisory boards [PEAB] – membership) addressing the number of members on these advisory bodies for teacher and administrator education programs in Washington's colleges and universities and how they are to be selected.

In the past, private school representation on these boards had been arbitrary and complicated. In most cases, it was up to the college itself whether to invite private school participation or not, and few did. After some months of work and discussion with the Board, WFIS received their support and encouragement to help simplify the process.

As the Code now reads, any college or university in this state seeking approval for its program from the State Board, must include a teacher from an approved private school on its teacher PEAB and an administrator from an approved private school on its administrator PEAB. At the time of these changes, we opted not to be included in the three other preparation areas.

As important certification changes take effect this has been a vital step in assuring our perspective will be represented. In addition, the historic portion of the change—specifically naming WFIS as the appointing body for these positions—is monumental. Never before in our thirty years has the organization been so named in the Code.

Typically, appointees serve three or four year terms and meet four times a year. The input from these bodies goes a long way toward defining the scope and application of the preparation process at the university. It is also an important connection to linking these programs to our state private school employment base.

Currently, service on professional education advisory boards by certificated employees is deemed by the State Board as service on a committee formed for the purpose of furthering education within the state. Accordingly, the Superintendent of Public Instruction makes payments to school districts for needed substitutes. Unfortunately, an interpretation by state advisors prevents this same aid for representatives from the private school community. We are under discussions to rectify this inequity.

For more information, contact the college or university in question, or our office at 425-228-9347.