TITLE 19.EDUCATION

Part 7. STATE BOARD FOR EDUCATOR CERTIFICATION

Chapter 227. PROVISIONS FOR EDUCATOR PREPARATION STUDENTS

Subchapter A. ADMISSION TO AN EDUCATOR PREPARATION PROGRAM

19 TAC §§227.1, 227.10, 227.20

(Editor's note: The text of the following sections proposed for repeal will not be published. The sections may be examined in the offices of the State Board for Educator Certification or in the Texas Register office, Room 245, James Earl Rudder Building, 1019 Brazos Street, Austin.)

On November 17, 2000, the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) proposed the repeal of §§227.1, 227.10, and 227.20, relating to Admission to an Educator Preparation Program.

The purpose of the proposed new rules, conforming amendments, and repeals is to establish the Transitional Permit, which collapses the various types of permits and nonstandard certificates into a single temporary permit. The proposed new rule and accompanying changes to existing rules include the following major provisions: The proposed Transitional Permit rules are results oriented. Permit holders must pass a test demonstrating proficiency in the subject they are assigned to teach within one year to continue teaching. They also must pass tests demonstrating teaching skills and knowledge of students by the end of the third year. The proposed measure enhances local control by allowing school superintendents more flexibility to target the district's specific needs in hiring people who need only to be trained to teach subjects they already know. This will attract a new group of people into teaching, particularly mid-career changers. The proposed rules and amendments also simply the permit structure by consolidating emergency permits, one-year and probationary certificates into one credential. This consolidation ensures that all permit holders meet the same standards.

The new Transitional Permit rules strengthen and expand the mentoring requirement for permit holders. The new rule requires that all teachers on transitional permits receive mentoring from an experienced teacher who has demonstrated excellence in teaching. Current rules require mentoring only for emergency permit holders. The proposed rule also requires school districts to provide time for mentoring. This provision ensures that all permit holders have a solid mentoring and support system. Transitional Permit holders would be required to enter an educator preparation program within 180 calendar days of the effective date of the permit (in most cases, the start of the school year).

The current statutory requirements relating to parental notification of uncertified or inappropriately certified teachers serving in the classroom would not be affected by the proposed new rules and amendments. The new permit will require parental notification in the same circumstances as now exist for current temporary credentials.

The first new Transitional Permit would be issued beginning June 1, 2001. The proposed rules include transition language that would phase out existing provisions regarding the issuance of emergency permits and other types of temporary credentials. Holders of previously issued emergency permits and other temporary credentials, however, would be allowed to continue under them until they expire in accordance with current rules, as if they had not been repealed.

The proposed conforming amendments would delete current emergency permit provisions for classroom teachers and amend rules governing the certification of educators from other states and countries to conform with the new Transitional Permit rules.

Barry Alaimo, Director of Accounting and Financial Operations, has determined that the for the first five-year period the sections are in effect the fee for the Transitional Permit would remain the same, $75, as it is for the emergency permit. The $75 fee would be a $25 increase for the other temporary credentials the Transitional Permit is intended to replace-the probationary certificate for persons in alternative certification programs and the one-year certificate for educators from out of state. Unlike the emergency permit, the Transitional Permit would not be renewable, but SBEC does not now charge a fee to renew an emergency permit. SBEC charges a renewal fee for the probationary certificate and the one-year certificate, but the $75 fee should cover any revenue lost as a result of not charging renewal fees on these temporary credentials. To the extent any related fiscal impact can be assessed at this time, implementation of the transitional permit should not significantly affect the revenues or expenditures of SBEC.

Dan Junell, General Counsel, State Board for Educator Certification, has determined that for the first five years the sections are in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the sections will be that the Transitional Permit would achieve the following goals: focusing teacher training on the immediate needs of public school students; ensuring that the transitional permit holder has a positive beginning teaching experience through a quality mentoring and support system, thereby increasing the likelihood the teacher will stay in the profession and provide public school students the benefit of having an experienced teacher; and providing school districts with the flexibility to hire quality individuals with subject matter knowledge and life experiences relevant to the needs of the students and the teaching assignment.

The public should incur no additional costs as a result of the implementation of the proposed rules. There will be no effect on small businesses.

Interested persons wishing to comment on the proposed rules must submit their comments in writing to Dan Junell, General Counsel, State Board for Educator Certification, 1001 Trinity, Austin, Texas 78701-2603, within the 30-day comment period, which begins on the date of publication of this issue of the Texas Register . The comments should contain the following title or reference: "Comments on Proposed New 19 TAC Chapter 233 and Conforming Amendments related to the new Transitional Permit."

The repeals are proposed under the Texas Education Code (TEC) §21.044, which requires the State Board for Educator Certification to propose rules that establish training requirements a person must accomplish to obtain a certificate, enter an internship, or enter an induction-year program. The Board shall specify the minimum academic qualifications required for a certificate.

No other statute, article, or code is affected by this proposal.

§227.1.General Provisions.

§227.10.Admission Criteria.

§227.20.Implementation Date.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on January 8, 2001.

TRD-200100090

Pamela B. Tackett

Executive Director

State Board for Educator Certification

Earliest possible date of adoption: February 18, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 469-3011


Chapter 228. REQUIREMENTS FOR EDUCATOR PREPARATION PROGRAMS

On November 17, 2000, the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) proposed amendments to §§228.1, 228.10, and 228.30, repeal of §§228.2, 228.20, 228.40, and 228.60 and new §228.2, relating to requirements for Educator Preparation Programs.

The purpose of the proposed new rules, conforming amendments, and repeals is to establish the Transitional Permit, which collapses the various types of permits and nonstandard certificates into a single temporary permit. The proposed new rule and accompanying changes to existing rules include the following major provisions: The proposed Transitional Permit rules are results oriented. Permit holders must pass a test demonstrating proficiency in the subject they are assigned to teach within one year to continue teaching. They also must pass tests demonstrating teaching skills and knowledge of students by the end of the third year. The proposed measure enhances local control by allowing school superintendents more flexibility to target the district's specific needs in hiring people who need only to be trained to teach subjects they already know. This will attract a new group of people into teaching, particularly mid-career changers. The proposed rules and amendments also simply the permit structure by consolidating emergency permits, one-year and probationary certificates into one credential. This consolidation ensures that all permit holders meet the same standards.

The new Transitional Permit rules strengthen and expand the mentoring requirement for permit holders. The new rule requires that all teachers on transitional permits receive mentoring from an experienced teacher who has demonstrated excellence in teaching. Current rules require mentoring only for emergency permit holders. The proposed rule also requires school districts to provide time for mentoring. This provision ensures that all permit holders have a solid mentoring and support system. Transitional Permit holders would be required to enter an educator preparation program within 180 calendar days of the effective date of the permit (in most cases, the start of the school year).

The current statutory requirements relating to parental notification of uncertified or inappropriately certified teachers serving in the classroom would not be affected by the proposed new rules and amendments. The new permit will require parental notification in the same circumstances as now exist for current temporary credentials.

The first new Transitional Permit would be issued beginning June 1, 2001. The proposed rules include transition language that would phase out existing provisions regarding the issuance of emergency permits and other types of temporary credentials. Holders of previously issued emergency permits and other temporary credentials, however, would be allowed to continue under them until they expire in accordance with current rules, as if they had not been repealed.

The proposed conforming amendments would delete current emergency permit provisions for classroom teachers and amend rules governing the certification of educators from other states and countries to conform with the new Transitional Permit rules.

Barry Alaimo, Director of Accounting and Financial Operations, has determined that the for the first five-year period the sections are in effect the fee for the Transitional Permit would remain the same, $75, as it is for the emergency permit. The $75 fee would be a $25 increase for the other temporary credentials the Transitional Permit is intended to replace-the probationary certificate for persons in alternative certification programs and the one-year certificate for educators from out of state. Unlike the emergency permit, the Transitional Permit would not be renewable, but SBEC does not now charge a fee to renew an emergency permit. SBEC charges a renewal fee for the probationary certificate and the one-year certificate, but the $75 fee should cover any revenue lost as a result of not charging renewal fees on these temporary credentials. To the extent any related fiscal impact can be assessed at this time, implementation of the transitional permit should not significantly affect the revenues or expenditures of SBEC.

Dan Junell, General Counsel, State Board for Educator Certification, has determined that for the first five years the sections are in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the sections will be that the Transitional Permit would achieve the following goals: focusing teacher training on the immediate needs of public school students; ensuring that the transitional permit holder has a positive beginning teaching experience through a quality mentoring and support system, thereby increasing the likelihood the teacher will stay in the profession and provide public school students the benefit of having an experienced teacher; and providing school districts with the flexibility to hire quality individuals with subject matter knowledge and life experiences relevant to the needs of the students and the teaching assignment.

The public should incur no additional costs as a result of the implementation of the proposed rules. There will be no effect on small businesses.

Interested persons wishing to comment on the proposed rules must submit their comments in writing to Dan Junell, General Counsel, State Board for Educator Certification, 1001 Trinity, Austin, Texas 78701-2603, within the 30-day comment period, which begins on the date of publication of this issue of the Texas Register . The comments should contain the following title or reference: "Comments on Proposed New 19 TAC Chapter 233 and Conforming Amendments related to the new Transitional Permit."

19 TAC §§228.1, 228.2, 228.10, 228.30

The amendments and new section are proposed under the Texas Education Code (TEC) §21.044, which requires the Board to establish training requirements a person must accomplish to obtain a certificate; TEC §21.045, which requires the Board to propose rules establishing standards to govern the approval and continuing accountability of all educator preparation programs; TEC §21.047, which requires the Board to provide Centers for the Professional Development of Teachers; and TEC §21.049, which directs the Board to provide alternative routes to certification.

No other statute, article, or code is affected by this proposal.

§228.1.General Provisions.

(a)

To ensure the highest level of educator preparation and practice, the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) recognizes that the preparation of educators must be the joint responsibility of both educator certification [ preparation ] programs and the Prekindergarten-Grade 12 public and private schools of Texas. [ Collaboration in the development, delivery, and evaluation of educator preparation will be required. ]

(b)

Consistent with the Texas Education Code (TEC) §21.047 and §21.049, the SBEC [ SBEC's rules governing educator preparation are designed to ] promotes [ promote ] flexibility and creativity in the design of programs, including [ Centers for the Professional Development of Teachers and ]alternative approaches [ routes ] to training and certification, in Pre-kindergarten-Grade 12 settings [ to accommodate the unique characteristics and needs of different regions of the State as well as the diverse population of potential educators ].

(c)

An educator certification program is defined as an entity approved by the executive director of SBEC to recommend candidates for certification in one or more certification fields.

(d)

An approved educator certification program shall publish and consistently apply academic criteria for entry into the program, including the requirement that each candidate possess or concurrently be working toward obtaining a baccalaureate degree with an academic major or interdisciplinary academic major, including reading, other than education that is related to the curriculum prescribed under Chapter 28, Subchapter A of the Texas Education Code.

(e)

An approved educator certification program is responsible for recommending to SBEC those persons meeting all requirements for certification.

(f)

[ (c) ] All educator certification entities [ preparation programs ] will be subject to the same standards of performance, as required under Chapter 229 of this title (relating to the Accountability System for Educator Preparation).

(g)

Executives at the entities' highest levels shall support the educator certification programs and shall be accountable for the quality of the programs and the candidates recommended for certification.

(h)

Preparation for the certification of educators may be delivered by institutions of higher education, regional education service centers, public school districts, or other entities approved by the executive director under §228.10 of this chapter (relating to Approval Process).

§228.2.Entry Requirements.

(a)

Before allowing a person to enter its certification program, the entity shall:

(1)

screen the candidate's appropriateness for the certification sought; and

(2)

for the candidate seeking certification that requires a college degree, determine that the candidate possesses college level skills in reading, appropriate communication modes, critical thinking, and mathematics.

(b)

Certification programs may adopt requirements in addition to those explicitly required in this section.

(c)

Each certification program must develop and implement specific criteria and procedures that allow individuals who enter the program to substitute experience and/or professional training directly related to the certificate being sought for part of the preparation requirements.

§228.10.Approval Process.

(a)

Entities seeking approval to deliver educator certification programs shall address the following areas: [ New Entity Approval. Entities seeking initial approval to deliver educator preparation shall submit a proposal in accordance with guidelines established by the Executive Director, with evidence indicating the ability to comply with the provisions of this chapter and Chapter 227 of this title (relating to Admission to an Educator Preparation Program). The proposal must also identify the certificates proposed to be offered by the entity. The proposal will be reviewed under procedures approved by the executive director, and the executive director shall recommend to the Board whether the entity should be approved or denied accreditation pursuant to Chapter 229, §229.3(c) of this title (relating to the Accreditation Process). ]

(1)

commitment to providing a quality certification program;

(2)

criteria for entry into the program; and

(3)

training and instruction aligned with the certificate standards.

(b)

Approval is necessary for each specific class of certificate for which preparation will be delivered. For classroom teacher, the level(s) of certificate(s) must be identified.

[(b)

Continuing Entity Approval. Entities approved by the State Board for Educator Certification under this chapter shall be reviewed at least once every five years under procedures approved by the executive director; however, a review may be conducted at any time at the discretion of the executive director. Entities accredited under a Texas State Partnership Agreement with a national accrediting body shall be considered to have met the cyclical review requirements, unless the executive director determines that a review conducted by the SBEC is appropriate.]

[(c)

Addition of Certificate Fields. ]

[(1)

Preparation programs which are fully accredited may request by "letter of intent" additional certificate fields within the classes of certificates for which they have been previously approved by the Board. The Executive Director must approve the request.]

[(2)

Preparation programs which are fully accredited may request the addition of certificate fields in a class of certificates that has not been previously approved by the Board. Under guidelines established by the Executive Director, the entity must present a full proposal for consideration and approval by the Board.]

(c)

[ (d) ] Approval of all educator [ education ] certification [ preparation ] programs is in addition to requirements imposed by other governing bodies [ by the Board or by the Executive Director, including each specific certificate field, is contingent upon approval by other lawfully established governing bodies ], such as the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, the Texas Education Agency, boards of regents, or school district boards of trustees.

(d)

[ (e) Denial of Approval. ] Entities that fail to meet the requirements of this chapter[ ; Chapter 227 of this title (relating to Admission to an Educator Preparation Program); ] or Chapter 229 of this title (relating to Accountability System for Educator Preparation), will not be approved to deliver educator preparation.

(e)

Under guidelines established by the executive director, entities that are denied approval under the provisions of this section may appeal the executive director's decision directly to the Board.

(f)

In addition to the grounds set out in Chapter 229 of this title (relating to Accountability System for Educator Preparation), the Board may revoke the program approval of an entity to deliver educator preparation for reasons including the following:

(1)

falsification of data reported to SBEC;

(2)

a rating of unaccredited or low-performing as a public school district by the Texas Education Agency; or

(3)

noncompliance with other applicable rules or laws.

§228.30.Educator Certification Program Design and [ Preparation ] Curriculum.

(a)

The educator knowledge and skills [ proficiencies and ] standards for certification adopted by the board shall be the curricular basis for all educator preparation and, for each certificate, address the relevant knowledge and skills adopted by the State Board for Educator Certification. [ State Board of Education pursuant to the Texas Education Code (TEC) §28.002(c)-(d). In addition, the preparation of all candidates for certification must include the specified requirements for reading instruction adopted by the Board for each certificate. ] Entities shall ensure that all preparation[ , including field-based experiences, ] complies [ comply ] with this subsection.

[(b)

Educator preparation entities shall provide evidence of on-going and relevant field-based experiences, as determined by the collaborative, in a variety of educational settings with diverse student populations, including observation, modeling, and demonstration of promising practices to improve student learning.]

(b)

[ (c) ] Prior to issuance of the Standard Certificate under Chapter 232, Subchapter M of this title (relating to the Types and Classes of Certificates Issued),[ the preparation program ] undergraduate certification programs shall require all candidates for certification to complete a minimum of 12 weeks of full-day teaching practicum. Candidates for certification must have experiences in a variety of educational settings with diverse student populations, including observation, modeling, and demonstration of promising practices to improve student learning.

(c)

The preparation of educators shall be linked to the state-required curriculum of Texas Pre-kindergarten-Grade 12 public school students and the standards for certificates issued by SBEC.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on January 8, 2001.

TRD-200100091

Pamela B. Tackett

Executive Director

State Board for Educator Certification

Earliest possible date of adoption: February 18, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 469-3011


19 TAC §§228.2, 228.20, 228.40, 228.60

(Editor's note: The text of the following sections proposed for repeal will not be published. The sections may be examined in the offices of the State Board for Educator Certification or in the Texas Register office, Room 245, James Earl Rudder Building, 1019 Brazos Street, Austin.)

The repeals are proposed under the Texas Education Code (TEC) §21.044, which requires the Board to establish training requirements a person must accomplish to obtain a certificate; TEC §21.045, which requires the Board to propose rules establishing standards to govern the approval and continuing accountability of all educator preparation programs; TEC §21.047, which requires the Board to provide Centers for the Professional Development of Teachers; and TEC §21.049, which directs the Board to provide alternative routes to certification.

No other statute, article, or code is affected by this proposal.

§228.2.Definitions.

§228.20.Governance, Design, and Delivery of Educator Preparation Programs.

§228.40.Assessment and Evaluation of Candidates for Certification and Program Improvement.

§228.60.Implementation Date.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on January 8, 2001.

TRD-200100092

Pamela B. Tackett

Executive Director

State Board for Educator Certification

Earliest possible date of adoption: February 18, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 469-3011


Chapter 230. PROFESSIONAL EDUCATOR PREPARATION AND CERTIFICATION

On November 17, 2000, the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) proposed amendments to §§230.5, 230.413, 230.461-230.463, 230.501-230.507 and repeal of §§230.509-230.511, relating to Professional Educator Preparation and Certification. Section 230.601 is also being amended but due to a recent adoption to this section being filed with the Secretary of State's office, the current amendment will be filed after the previous adoption takes effect on January 23, 2001.

The purpose of the proposed new rules, conforming amendments, and repeals is to establish the Transitional Permit, which collapses the various types of permits and nonstandard certificates into a single temporary permit. The proposed new rule and accompanying changes to existing rules include the following major provisions: The proposed Transitional Permit rules are results oriented. Permit holders must pass a test demonstrating proficiency in the subject they are assigned to teach within one year to continue teaching. They also must pass tests demonstrating teaching skills and knowledge of students by the end of the third year. The proposed measure enhances local control by allowing school superintendents more flexibility to target the district's specific needs in hiring people who need only to be trained to teach subjects they already know. This will attract a new group of people into teaching, particularly mid-career changers. The proposed rules and amendments also simply the permit structure by consolidating emergency permits, one-year and probationary certificates into one credential. This consolidation ensures that all permit holders meet the same standards.

The new Transitional Permit rules strengthen and expand the mentoring requirement for permit holders. The new rule requires that all teachers on transitional permits receive mentoring from an experienced teacher who has demonstrated excellence in teaching. Current rules require mentoring only for emergency permit holders. The proposed rule also requires school districts to provide time for mentoring. This provision ensures that all permit holders have a solid mentoring and support system. Transitional Permit holders would be required to enter an educator preparation program within 180 calendar days of the effective date of the permit (in most cases, the start of the school year).

The current statutory requirements relating to parental notification of uncertified or inappropriately certified teachers serving in the classroom would not be affected by the proposed new rules and amendments. The new permit will require parental notification in the same circumstances as now exist for current temporary credentials.

The first new Transitional Permit would be issued beginning June 1, 2001. The proposed rules include transition language that would phase out existing provisions regarding the issuance of emergency permits and other types of temporary credentials. Holders of previously issued emergency permits and other temporary credentials, however, would be allowed to continue under them until they expire in accordance with current rules, as if they had not been repealed.

The proposed conforming amendments would delete current emergency permit provisions for classroom teachers and amend rules governing the certification of educators from other states and countries to conform with the new Transitional Permit rules.

Barry Alaimo, Director of Accounting and Financial Operations, has determined that the for the first five-year period the sections are in effect the fee for the Transitional Permit would remain the same, $75, as it is for the emergency permit. The $75 fee would be a $25 increase for the other temporary credentials the Transitional Permit is intended to replace-the probationary certificate for persons in alternative certification programs and the one-year certificate for educators from out of state. Unlike the emergency permit, the Transitional Permit would not be renewable, but SBEC does not now charge a fee to renew an emergency permit. SBEC charges a renewal fee for the probationary certificate and the one-year certificate, but the $75 fee should cover any revenue lost as a result of not charging renewal fees on these temporary credentials. To the extent any related fiscal impact can be assessed at this time, implementation of the transitional permit should not significantly affect the revenues or expenditures of SBEC.

Dan Junell, General Counsel, State Board for Educator Certification, has determined that for the first five years the sections are in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the sections will be that the Transitional Permit would achieve the following goals: focusing teacher training on the immediate needs of public school students; ensuring that the transitional permit holder has a positive beginning teaching experience through a quality mentoring and support system, thereby increasing the likelihood the teacher will stay in the profession and provide public school students the benefit of having an experienced teacher; and providing school districts with the flexibility to hire quality individuals with subject matter knowledge and life experiences relevant to the needs of the students and the teaching assignment.

The public should incur no additional costs as a result of the implementation of the proposed rules. There will be no effect on small businesses.

Interested persons wishing to comment on the proposed rules must submit their comments in writing to Dan Junell, General Counsel, State Board for Educator Certification, 1001 Trinity, Austin, Texas 78701-2603, within the 30-day comment period, which begins on the date of publication of this issue of the Texas Register . The comments should contain the following title or reference: "Comments on Proposed New 19 TAC Chapter 233 and Conforming Amendments related to the new Transitional Permit."

Subchapter A. ASSESSMENT OF EDUCATORS

19 TAC §230.5

The amendment is proposed under the Texas Education Code (TEC), §21.045, which requires the State Board for Educator Certification to propose rules establishing standards to govern the continuing accountability of all educator preparation programs.

No other statute, article, or code is affected by this proposal.

§230.5.Educator Assessment.

(a)

Anyone seeking admittance to an approved educator certification [ teacher preparation ] program must be assessed for college level skills in reading, oral and written communication, and mathematics.

(b)

Anyone seeking certification as an educator must pass [ take ] examinations required by the Texas Education Code (TEC), §21.048, and the State Board for Educator Certification.

(c)

An educator certification program may not deny a person the opportunity to take certification examinations required by subsection (b) of this section if the person:

(1)

has completed requirements for a bachelor's degree; and

(2)

has completed a preparation program, except for passing all certification examinations for the certificate sought.

[(c)

Entities delivering educator preparation programs shall determine the readiness of their candidates to take the appropriate certification examinations required by subsection (b) of this section.]

(d)-(g)

(No change.)

(h)

The following provisions concern test security and confidential integrity.

(1)-(4)

(No change.)

(5)

Any educator who violates this subsection [ (h) of this section ] is subject to:

(A)

(No change.)

(B)

voiding of any score from an examination in which violations in this subsection [ (h) of this section ] occurred; and

(C)

(No change.)

(i)

(No change.)

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on January 8, 2001.

TRD-200100093

Pamela B. Tackett

Executive Director

State Board for Educator Certification

Earliest possible date of adoption: February 18, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 469-3011


Subchapter M. CERTIFICATION OF EDUCATORS IN GENERAL

19 TAC §230.413

The amendment is proposed under the Texas Education Code (TEC), §§21.041(b)(2) and (4), 21.044, 21.048, 21.050, and 22.082 which require the State Board for Educator Certification to propose rules that establish the academic, internship, and examination requirements for all candidates for certification; specify the classes of certificates offered; and to obtain all criminal history information that relates to an applicant for certification.

No other statute, article, or code is affected by this proposal.

§230.413.General Requirements.

(a)

(No change.)

(b)

An applicant for a Texas educator certificate must:

(1)

(No change.)

(2)

not be disqualified or the subject of a pending proceeding under Chapter 249 of this title[ , ] (relating to Disciplinary Proceedings, Sanctions, and Contested Cases ) , Including Enforcement of the Educator's Code of Ethics;

(3)-(7)

(No change.)

(c)-(d)

(No change.)

[(e)

A person who satisfies all requirements for initial teacher certification except successful completion of examination requirements prescribed by the SBEC and stipulated in §230.5 of this title (relating to Educator Assessment) may be assigned on a nonrenewable permit valid for no more than one year.]

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on January 8, 2001.

TRD-200100094

Pamela B. Tackett

Executive Director

State Board for Educator Certification

Earliest possible date of adoption: February 18, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 469-3011


Subchapter O. TEXAS EDUCATOR CERTIFICATES BASED ON CERTIFICATION AND COLLEGE CREDENTIALS FROM OTHER STATES OR TERRITORIES OF THE UNITED STATES

19 TAC §§230.461 - 230.463

The amendments are proposed under the Texas Education Code (TEC), §21.041(b)(5) and §21.052 which require the State Board for Educator Certification to propose rules that provide for the issuance of an educator certificate to a person holding a similar certificate issued by another state.

No other statute, article, or code is affected by this proposal.

§230.461.General Provisions.

(a)

A Texas educator certificate may be issued to an individual who holds a college degree and an appropriate certificate or credential issued by the authorized licensing agency in another state or territory of the United States and who meets appropriate requirements specified in §230.413 of this title (relating to General Requirements) , §230.5 of this title (relating to Educator Assessment,) and elsewhere in this subchapter.

(b)-(d)

(No change.)

(e)

The certificate and areas of certification issued by the authorized licensing agency in another state or territory of the United States must be equivalent to a certificate and certification areas approved by the State Board for Educator Certification. The executive director of SBEC [ board ] shall identify the certification areas for which the applicant qualifies in Texas.

§230.462.Requirements for Texas Certificates Based on Certification from Other States or Territories of the United States.

(a)

(No change.)

(b)

If all certification requirements are met except the appropriate examination requirements, the applicant may be issued a transitional permit in accordance with Chapter 233 of this title (relating to Transitional Permit), upon recommendation by an employing school district [ request issuance of a one-year certificate in one or more certification areas authorized on the out-of-state certificate ]. The transitional permit may be issued in one or more certification areas identified on the out-of-state certificate.

[(1)

An applicant who holds a special subject certificate issued in accordance with §230.461 of this title (relating to General Provisions) may be issued the equivalent Texas certificate in that special subject area.]

[(2)

An applicant who holds a professional service certificate issued in accordance with §230.461 of this subchapter may be issued the equivalent Texas certificate in that professional service area. The applicant must verify three creditable years of public or private school experience, as defined in Subchapter Y of this chapter (relating to Definitions), in the professional service area.]

(c)

An applicant who holds a class of certificate other than classroom teacher issued in accordance with §230.461 of this title (relating to General Provisions) may be issued the equivalent class of certificate in Texas. The applicant must verify three creditable years of public or private school experience, as defined in Subchapter Y of this chapter (relating to Definitions), specific to the class of certificate sought, unless they have completed requirements for a classroom teaching certificate.

(d)

[ (c) ] After satisfying all requirements, including the examination requirements, the applicant is eligible to receive the Standard Certificate issued under Chapter 232, Subchapter M of this title (relating to the Types and Classes of Certificates Issued).

(e)

[ (d) ] An applicant issued a transitional permit [ one-year certificate ] under Chapter 233 of this title (relating to Transitional Permits) [ this section ] who does not complete the appropriate examination requirements to establish eligibility for a Standard Certificate during the validity of the transitional permit [ one-year certificate ], is not eligible for any type of certificate or permit authorizing employment for the same certified level or areas until he or she has satisfied the appropriate examination requirements.

[(e)

An employing superintendent may apply for a nonrenewable permit for a teacher who does not pass the professional development portion of the Examination for the Certification of Educators in Texas (ExCET) but does pass the appropriate content specialization portions of the exam during the validity of the one-year certificate. The nonrenewable permit shall be valid for no more than 12 months from the date the individual first attempts the professional development portion of the ExCET.]

(f)

An applicant shall not be required to complete the content specialization portion of the certification examination [ ExCET ] in a certification area for which he or she does not seek standard certification.

[(g)

An applicant issued a one-year certificate under this section who, during or subsequent to the validity of the certificate, establishes eligibility for a Standard Certificate may apply for: ]

[(1)

a new one-year certificate in another certification area based on an acceptable certificate from another state or territory of the United States; or]

[(2)

a second one-year certificate in an area previously authorized on a one-year certificate, provided the applicant was not assigned to the area and has not attempted the appropriate examination requirements for that area.]

§230.463.Requests for Review [ Evaluation ] of [ College ] Credentials.

(a)

An applicant for a Texas certificate based on a certificate issued in accordance with §230.461 of this title (relating to General Provisions) may apply for a review of credentials by submitting the following items to the State Board for Educator Certification:

(1)

a completed application;

(2)

copies (front and back) of all appropriate out-of-state certificates;

(3)

official transcripts of all college credits showing the appropriate degree(s) conferred; and

(4)

a nonrefundable review fee as specified in §230.436 of this title (relating to Schedule of Fees for Certification Services).

(b)

[ (a) ] Requests to evaluate an applicant's credentials for areas of certification that are not identified on the certificate issued in accordance with §230.461 of this title (relating to General Provisions) must be directed to an approved Texas educator preparation program. The appropriate Texas certificate will be issued upon recommendation by the program.

(c)

[ (b) ] An individual who does not hold a certificate issued in accordance with §230.461 of this title (relating to General Provisions) must have his or her credentials evaluated through an approved Texas educator preparation program and be recommended by the program for certification.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on January 8, 2001.

TRD-200100095

Pamela B. Tackett

Executive Director

State Board for Educator Certification

Earliest possible date of adoption: February 18, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 469-3011


Subchapter Q. PERMITS

19 TAC §§230.501 - 230.507

The amendments are proposed under the Texas Education Code (TEC), §21.041(b)(2), which requires the State Board for Educator Certification to propose rules that specify the classes of certificates offered.

No other statute, article, or code is affected by this proposal.

§230.501.General Provisions.

(a)

(No change.)

(b)

Under this subchapter, a superintendent or designee who cannot secure an appropriately certified and qualified individual to fill a vacant position specified in §230.504 of this subchapter (relating to Specific Requirements for Initial Emergency Permits for Positions Other Than Classroom Teacher), including school counselor, school librarian, and educational diagnostician, may activate an emergency permit for an individual who does not have one of the appropriate credentials required for the assignment as specified in Subchapter U of this chapter (relating to Assignment of Public School Personnel). The superintendent or designee must:

(1)

(No change.)

(2)

apply for an emergency permit by submitting the required documentation to the appropriate education service center (ESC) when a vacant position is filled with an uncertified or inappropriately certified individual who will serve [ as the teacher of record or serve ] in the assignment for more than 30 consecutive instructional days. The application must be submitted within 45 instructional days of the date of assignment.

(3)

verify that the district maintains a support system, has assigned a mentor, and will provide release time as needed to assist the individual serving on an emergency permit[ . (A district shall not be required to provide a mentor for a degreed, certified teacher assigned on permit status if the teacher has one or more creditable years experience within the district, as defined in Subchapter Y of this Chapter (relating to Definitions)). ]; and

(4)

verify that the individual [ teacher ] for whom the permit is activated has been advised of State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) rules regarding permits and permit renewal requirements in this subchapter.

[(c)

The provisions of this subsection apply to a degreed, certified teacher who was employed by a district in the previous year or semester in an assignment for which he or she was fully certified.]

[(1)

The teacher may not be assigned to a position that requires activating a permit unless:]

[(A)

the teacher has given written consent to the activation of the permit; or]

[(B)

because of fluctuations in enrollment or changes in course offerings, the teacher's previous assignment no longer exists and no alternative assignment for which the teacher is fully certified is available on that campus. If a permit is activated for a teacher under these circumstances, the teacher shall be offered the opportunity to return to his or her previous assignment or an alternative assignment for which the teacher is fully certified on that campus as soon as such an assignment is available. If a teacher accepts the assignment, the actual transfer of duties shall occur not later than the beginning of the next academic year.]

[(2)

If a permit under this subsection is activated for a temporary staffing condition within 30 days of the opening of the school year or later during the contract year, the teacher is exempt from the requirement to complete additional coursework or examination requirements for certification for the remainder of the contract year for which the permit is activated. This exemption is not renewable, and a teacher continuing on an emergency permit for a second year must meet the full requirements of an emergency permit. A teacher who refuses to consent to activation of a permit under this subsection may not be terminated or nonrenewed or otherwise retaliated against because of the teacher's refusal to consent to the activation of the permit. However, a teacher's refusal to consent shall not impair a district's right to implement a necessary reduction in force or other personnel actions in accordance with local district policy.]

(c)

[ (d) ] A permit is authorized for the school district for a specific assignment and is not the property of the individual for whom the permit was activated.

(d)

[ (e) ] If a permit authorized by the SBEC is not used, the school district shall notify the appropriate education service center (ESC) in writing.

(e)

[ (f) ] A permit may be authorized on a hardship basis for an individual who does not meet all permit requirements as listed in §230.503(1), §230.504, and §230.506 of this title (relating to General Eligibility Requirements for Emergency Permits, Specific Requirements for Initial Emergency Permits and Renewal Requirements) only if approval has been granted and written notification received from the SBEC or a designated representative. The district must:

(1)

document local conditions requiring the assignment of an individual who does not meet permit requirements;

(2)

verify that the deficiencies for the certificate sought do not exceed 36 semester hours; and

(3)

verify that the individual will be enrolled in the first available course listed on the deficiency plan.

[(g)

The district is not required to comply with the requirements of this subchapter if an uncertified individual is assigned for a certified teacher that will be absent for more than 30 consecutive instructional days due to documented health-related reasons and has expressed the intention to return to the assignment. The district must comply with §230.532(c) of this title (relating to Required Parent Notification of Noncertified Teachers.]

§230.502.Validity of Emergency Permits.

(a)-(c)

(No change.)

(d)

The employment of an individual on the basis of an emergency permit may not exceed three years in the same assignment. An individual may serve in a specific assignment no more than two additional school years beyond the initial emergency permit. To continue beyond the initial permit year, the individual must comply with the renewal provisions specified in §230.506 of this title (relating to Renewal Requirements). To continue employment in the assignment beyond the validity of the emergency permit, the individual must hold the appropriate certificate. An individual may not serve in an assignment on the basis of an emergency permit [ as a classroom teacher of record in the Texas public schools ] for more than three school years, without obtaining initial, standard certification.

§230.503.General Eligibility Requirements for Emergency Permits for Positions Other Than Classroom Teacher .

An individual for whom an emergency permit is activated must meet the following criteria.

(1)

The individual must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education.

[(A)

For a career and technology assignment requiring certification based on both a bachelor's degree and experience in the occupational area to be taught, the individual must have completed the degree requirement and have specified work experience.]

[(B)

For certain career and technology assignments requiring certification based on skill and experience, the individual must have specified work experience in lieu of a degree.]

(2)

The individual must meet the requirements specified in §230.413 (b) (1)-(5) of this title (relating to General Requirements).

[(2)

The individual must be at least 18.]

[(3)

The individual must be able to speak and understand the English language sufficiently to use it easily and readily in conversation and teaching. The individual must be of good moral character.]

[(4)

The SBEC may refuse to authorize an emergency permit for a person who has been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor crime that directly relates to the duties and responsibilities of the teaching profession. ]

§230.504.Specific Requirements for Initial Emergency Permits for Positions Other Than Classroom Teacher .

(a)

General Provisions. An individual for whom an emergency permit is activated must:

(1)

have completed the appropriate semester hours [ or equivalent contact hours ] required for the permit sought as specified in this section; [ or, for degreed, certified teachers, have passed the appropriate content specialization portions of the Examination for the Certification of Educators in Texas (ExCET) required for the target certificate; ] and

(2)

have satisfied the appropriate experience requirement specified in this section for the permit sought.

[(b)

Assignments to elementary grades (regular students).]

[(1)

Self-contained classroom, Grades 1-6. The individual must have completed 12 semester hours in a combination of subjects directly related to the elementary curriculum, or 12 semester hours in elementary education, or any combination of these areas of study.]

[(2)

Self-contained classroom, prekindergarten-kindergarten.]

[(A)

An individual who is not certified must have completed 12 semester hours emphasizing instructional areas for early childhood education.]

[(B)

An individual who is certified must hold an elementary, special education, or vocational home economics certificate (degree required).]

[(3)

Foreign language in the elementary grades.]

[(A)

An individual must have current secondary certification with a teaching field in the language to be taught.]

[(B)

An individual must have completed six semester hours of elementary education before the assignment is continued.]

[(C)

Continued assignment must be documented on the individual's teacher service record.]

[(D)

Requirements specified in §230.506 of this subchapter (relating to Renewal Requirements) do not apply to this assignment.]

[(c)

Assignments to secondary grades (regular students).]

[(1)

An emergency permit may be activated for an individual not certified at the secondary level provided the individual has completed:]

[(A)

24 semester hours in the subject to be taught; or]

[(B)

24 semester hours toward a composite teaching field appropriate for the assignment, including at least six semester hours in the subject to be taught.]

[(2)

A temporary classroom assignment permit (TCAP) may be activated for a teacher certified at the secondary level assigned to a subject area not covered by the certificate. The district is not required to file the TCAP with the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) or appropriate education service center (ESC). The TCAP must be maintained in the district personnel records.]

[(A)

A TCAP must be activated for an individual who is assigned to one or more class periods in an area not covered by the certificate. The individual must have completed six semester hours in the specific subject area(s) to be taught. A TCAP may be activated for no more than four class periods. ]

[(B)

The TCAP is valid for one school year and is not renewable except in the event that the TCAP was issued for fewer that 90 days before the last day of student instruction in the prior school year.]

[(d)

Technology Applications in Grades 7 and 8.]

[(1)

If an individual is not certified, he or she must have completed 24 semester hours in computer science.]

[(2)

If an individual is currently certified based on a bachelor's degree, he or she must:]

[(A)

have completed three semester hours directly related to information processing technologies; or]

[(B)

have achieved computing competency by having completed any combination of vendor-provided training, ESC workshops, or higher education course work.]

[(e)

Assignments to all grade levels (regular students).]

[(1)

An individual must have completed 24 semester hours in the subject area, including six semester hours directly related to elementary grades and six semester hours directly related to secondary grades.]

[(2)

Assignments in this category are limited to the areas of art, music, physical education, and speech communication-theater arts.]

[(f)

Assignments to career and technology programs.]

[(1)

Agricultural science and technology assignments. The following provisions apply to assignments to agricultural vocational education for the handicapped (VEH), agricultural preemployment laboratory (PELE), and agricultural cooperative training (CO-OP).]

[(A)

An individual must be currently certified in agricultural science.]

[(B)

No previous work experience is required.]

[(C)

One permit may be authorized to allow the teacher to attend a summer workshop or to complete six semester hours of upper-level specified technical agriculture courses in the area of specialization approved by the SBEC.]

[(2)

Health science technology assignments. An individual must:]

[(A)

hold one of the following:]

[(i)

a bachelor's degree, preferably in allied health, from an accredited institution; or]

[(ii)

an associate's degree in allied health from an accredited institution;]

[(B)

be currently licensed, certified, or registered (requiring two years of formal education) by a state-authorized or nationally recognized accrediting agency as a professional practitioner in one or more health occupations for which instruction is offered; and]

[(C)

have an approved statement of qualifications verifying two years of full-time employment in a licensed hospital or other health services agency beyond that required to become registered or certified.]

[(3)

Home economics assignments.]

[(A)

Home economics.]

[(i)

An individual must hold a bachelor's degree in home economics from an accredited institution.]

[(ii)

No previous work experience is required.]

[(B)

Occupational home economics. An individual must satisfy one of the following requirements.]

[(i)

An individual must:]

[(I)

be certified in home economics; and]

[(II)

have completed six semester hours of home economics education, emphasizing an all industry approach, designed to build instructional competencies in occupational home economics; or]

[(ii)

an individual must:]

[(I)

be certified in home economics with eligibility to teach specialized areas through CO-OP, PELE, coordinated vocational-academic education (CVAE), or VEH instructional settings; and]

[(II)

have completed three semester hours of home economics education, emphasizing an all industry approach, designed to build instructional competencies in occupational home economics.]

[(4)

Marketing education assignments. An individual must:]

[(A)

hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution; and]

[(B)

have an approved statement of qualifications verifying two years of full-time wage-earning experience in marketing occupations for which training is offered at the secondary level. ]

[(5)

Career orientation assignments. An individual must:]

[(A)

hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution; and]

[(B)

have an approved statement of qualifications verifying two years of full-time wage-earning experience in occupations other than teaching for which career and technology education may be taught.]

[(6)

Business education assignments (for any instructional arrangement). An individual must:]

[(A)

hold a bachelor's degree in business/business education or have completed the equivalent of a minor in the course area to be taught; and]

[(B)

have one of the following:]

[(i)

an approved statement of qualifications verifying two years of full-time wage-earning experience in office occupations; or]

[(ii)

verification of approval to complete a business internship approved by the certification officer of a college approved to prepare teachers for office education.]

[(7)

Trades and industry assignments.]

[(A)

Cooperative training. An individual must:]

[(i)

hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution; and]

[(ii)

have an approved statement of qualifications verifying three years of full-time wage-earning experience in one or more approved occupations for which instruction is offered. The individual must be continuously employed for one of the three years in a single occupation or trade area.]

[(B)

Preemployment laboratory.]

[(i)

Option I. An individual must:]

[(I)

hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution; and]

[(II)

have an approved statement of qualifications verifying three years of full-time wage-earning experience in the occupation or skilled trade to be taught, two years of which must be in the predominant subject area.]

[(ii)

Option II. An individual must:]

[(I)

hold a high school diploma or the equivalent; and]

[(II)

have an approved statement of qualifications verifying five years of full-time wage-earning experience in the occupation or skilled trade to be taught, three years of which must be in the predominant subject area.]

[(iii)

Additional requirements. Cosmetology teachers approved under Options I or II must:]

[(I)

have three years of full-time wage-earning experience as a licensed cosmetologist; and]

[(II)

be currently licensed as a cosmetology instructor by the Texas Cosmetology Commission.]

[(g)

Assignments for special populations.]

[(1)

Students with limited English proficiency (LEP).]

[(A)

Bilingual education.]

[(i)

An individual who holds a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and is certified at the appropriate level must:]

[(I)

have completed six semester hours in an approved bilingual education program; and]

[(II)

have completed six semester hours in the language of the target population; or have demonstrated proficiency in oral communication skills in the language of the target population by achieving a score of "intermediate mid" (level 2) or higher on the Texas Oral Proficiency Test (TOPT).]

[(ii)

An individual who holds a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution but is not certified must:]

[(I)

meet the requirements for the level of assignment;]

[(II)

be currently enrolled in an approved college program for bilingual education; and]

[(III)

have satisfied one of the following requirements:]

[(-a-)

have completed 12 semester hours in the language of the target population, bilingual education, or a combination of the two subject areas; or]

[(-b-)

have demonstrated proficiency in oral communication skills in the language of the target population by achieving a score of "intermediate mid" (level 2) or higher on the TOPT.]

[(B)

English as a second language (ESL). An individual must:]

[(i)

be currently certified for the grade level based on a bachelor's degree; and]

[(ii)

have satisfied one of the following requirements:]

[(I)

have completed six semester hours in an approved ESL program; or]

[(II)

have one creditable year of classroom teaching experience, as defined in Subchapter Y of this title (relating to Definitions).]

[(2)

Students with special learning needs.]

[(A)

Hearing impaired. An individual must:]

[(i)

hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution;]

[(ii)

have completed six semester hours directly related to teaching the hearing impaired;]

[(iii)

have demonstrated competence in the specific communication method used in the classroom setting with students who are deaf; and]

[(iv)

have verified that the employing district, cooperative, or ESC has one or more fully certified teachers for the hearing impaired serving in this instructional program.]

[(B)

Visually handicapped. An individual must:]

[(i)

be currently certified in elementary, secondary, or special education;]

[(ii)

have satisfied one of the following requirements:]

[(I)

have completed six semester hours directly related to teaching the visually handicapped; or]

[(II)

have one creditable year of classroom teaching experience, as defined in Subchapter Y of this Chapter;]

[(iii)

have demonstrated competency in literary braille and/or other special braille notations; and]

[(iv)

have verified that the employing district, cooperative, or ESC has one or more fully certified teachers for the visually handicapped serving in this instructional program.]

[(C)

Homebound or hospitalized. An individual must:]

[(i)

be currently certified based on a bachelor's degree; and]

[(ii)

have one creditable year of teaching experience, as defined in Subchapter Y of this Chapter.]

[(D)

Other special learning needs (resource room/categorically defined).]

[(i)

An individual who holds a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and is certified at the appropriate level must:]

[(I)

have completed six semester hours directly related to teaching children with special learning needs; or]

[(II)

have one creditable year of classroom teaching experience, as defined in Subchapter Y of this Chapter.]

[(ii)

An individual who holds a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, but is not certified must:]

[(I)

for elementary assignments, meet requirements for the level of assignment as stated in subsection (b) of this section and have completed 18 semester hours directly related to teaching children with special learning needs; or]

[(II)

for secondary assignments, have completed 24 semester hours directly related to teaching children with special learning needs.]

(b)

[ (h) ] Assignments to positions other than classroom teacher [ for other instructional and support personnel ].

(1)

School Counselors.

(A)

Regular programs. An individual must:

(i)

be currently certified at the level of assignment based on a bachelor's degree;

(ii)

have 24 semester hours of graduate-level credit, including 12 semester hours in guidance and counseling; and

(iii)

have three creditable years of classroom teaching experience, as defined in Subchapter Y of this Chapter.

(B)

Special education programs. An individual must:

(i)

be currently certified at the level of assignment based on a bachelor's degree;

(ii)

have 24 semester hours of graduate-level credit, including 12 semester hours in guidance and counseling and three semester hours in special education; and

(iii)

have three creditable year of classroom teaching experience, as defined in Subchapter Y of this Chapter.

(C)

Career and technology programs. An individual must:

(i)

be currently certified based on a bachelor's degree;

(ii)

have 12 semester hours of graduate-level credit in guidance and counseling; and

(iii)

have satisfied one of the following requirements:

(I)

have two creditable years of acceptable teaching experience, as defined in Subchapter Y of this Chapter, in an approved career and technology program that prepares students for gainful employment; or

(II)

have a combination of three years of experience that may include creditable teaching experience but must include at least one year of experience in an occupation or trade area for which career and technology education is offered. To establish acceptability of work experience other than teaching, a statement of qualifications must be approved by the certification officer of an institution approved to prepare career and technology counselors.

(2)

Educational diagnosticians. An individual must:

(A)

be currently certified based on a bachelor's degree;

(B)

have 30 semester hours of graduate-level credit in the field of education or a related field, including six semester hours in tests and measurements, at least three of which emphasized individualized testing;

(C)

have completed six semester hours directly related to teaching individuals with special learning needs; and

(D)

have three creditable years of teaching experience, as defined in Subchapter Y of this Chapter.

(3)

School Librarians [ Learning resources personnel ]. An individual must:

(A)

be currently certified based on a bachelor's degree;

(B)

have completed six semester hours directly related to the basic competencies required of school librarians [ learning resources personnel ]; and

(C)

have one creditable year of teaching experience, as defined in Subchapter Y of this Chapter.

[(4)

Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) instructors.]

[(A)

An individual must verify that he or she has satisfied the requirements and been approved to serve by the ROTC.]

[(B)

Requirements specified in §230.506 of this subchapter (relating to Renewal Requirements) do not apply to this assignment.]

[(C)

Continued assignment must be documented on the individual's teacher service record.]

[(5)

Supervisors.]

[(A)

Regular programs. An individual must:]

[(i)

be currently certified based on a bachelor's degree;]

[(ii)

have 24 semester hours of graduate-level credit, including six semester hours of educational leadership and supervision; and]

[(iii)

have three creditable years of classroom teaching experience, as defined in Subchapter Y of this Chapter.]

[(B)

Special education programs. An individual must:]

[(i)

be currently certified based on a bachelor's degree;]

[(ii)

have satisfied one of the following requirements:]

[(I)

be currently certified in a special education area and have completed six semester hours in educational leadership or supervision; or]

[(II)

be currently certified in supervision or administration and have completed six semester hours in special education, including a survey of individual exceptionalities;]

[(iii)

have 24 semester hours of graduate-level credit in education or a related field; and]

[(iv)

have three creditable years of classroom teaching experience, as defined in Subchapter Y of this Chapter, including at least one year in a special education setting

[(C)

Career and technology programs. An individual must:]

[(i)

hold a bachelor's degree and be currently certified, consistent with the supervisory assignment, for the grade level or programs; and]

[(ii)

have satisfied one or a combination of the following requirements:]

[(I)

have three creditable years of teaching experience, as defined in Subchapter Y of this Chapter, in an approved career and technology education program adopted by the State Board of Education under the Texas Education Code (TEC), §28.002(b); or]

[(II)

have three creditable years of public school experience, as defined in Subchapter Y of this Chapter, as a certified career and technology counselor. Permit applicants for career and technology supervisor assignments are not required to submit a statement of qualifications.]

[(6)

Visiting teachers.]

[(A)

Regular programs. An individual must:]

[(i)

be currently certified based on a bachelor's degree;]

[(ii)

have 15 semester hours of graduate-level credit in the social or behavioral sciences, including six semester hours of specific preparation in studies of the emotional and cultural development of individuals; and]

[(iii)

have satisfied one or a combination of the following requirements:]

[(I)

have three creditable years of teaching experience, as defined in Subchapter Y of this Chapter; or]

[(II)

have three years of experience in a social welfare agency approved by the State Board for Educator Certification.]

[(B)

Special education programs. An individual must:]

[(i)

be currently certified based on a bachelor's degree;]

[(ii)

have 30 semester hours of graduate-level credit in social or behavioral sciences, including specific preparation to serve individuals with special learning needs; and]

[(iii)

have three creditable years of teaching experience, as defined in Subchapter Y of this Chapter.]

§230.505.Procedures for Activation of Initial Emergency Permits for Positions Other Than Classroom Teacher .

[ (a)

For all assignments (except career and technology assignments based on skill and experience). ] The employing superintendent or designee or authorized representative must verify the individual's eligibility for the permit as described in §230.503 (relating to General Eligibility Requirements for Emergency Permits) and §230.504 (relating to Specific Requirements for Initial Emergency Permits) of this subchapter and submit the following items to the appropriate education service center (ESC) within 45 instructional days of assignment:

(1)

an emergency permit application;

(2)

a certification plan from an approved Texas educator preparation program listing the preparation and/or assessment activities required to obtain certification in the assignment for which the emergency permit application has been submitted; and

[(2)

one of the following:]

[(A)

a deficiency plan from an approved Texas educator preparation program verifying that the individual meets the grade point average required for admission to the teacher education program and listing the preparation, student teaching/internship, and/or assessment activities required to obtain certification in the assignment for which the emergency permit application has been submitted; or]

[(B)

for an individual who holds a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, is certified, and is placed in an assignment requiring a classroom teaching certificate or endorsement, verification of registration for either the October or February administration of the appropriate content specialization portion of the Examination for the Certification of Educators in Texas (ExCET); and]

(3)

the appropriate fee (payable by the school district).

[(b)

For career and technology assignments based on skill and experience. The employing superintendent or designee or authorized representative must verify the individual's eligibility for the permit as described in §230.503 and §230.504 of this title and submit the following items to the appropriate ESC within 45 instructional days of assignment:]

[(1)

an emergency permit application;]

[(2)

a copy of the individual's statement of qualifications, approved by the employing superintendent or designee or certification officer of an institution approved to prepare career and technology teachers, verifying appropriate work experience in the occupation or trade area to be taught. For the purpose of approving work experience, 12 months of wage-earning experience consisting of at least 40 hours per week shall equal one year of full-time experience. Wage-earning experience consisting of less than 40, but at least 20, hours per week, shall be calculated at a 50% rate in determining years of full-time equivalent experience. Wage-earning experience consisting of less than 20 hours per week shall not be considered acceptable in determining full-time equivalent experience;]

[(3)

a deficiency plan from an approved Texas educator preparation program for the career and technology certificate appropriate for the assignment; and]

[(4)

the appropriate fee (payable by the school district).]

§230.506.Renewal of Emergency Permits for Positions Other Than Classroom Teacher [ Requirements ].

(a)

General provisions.

(1)-(2)

(No change.)

(3)

The total of semester hours or the equivalent contact hours required to obtain certification appropriate for the assignment shall determine the number of permit renewals for which the individual may be eligible. The following schedule shall determine eligibility for permit renewal.

(A)

(No change.)

[(B)

For six semester hours or less, appropriate examination requirements, and teaching two years on an emergency permit in lieu of student teaching, one renewal, provided the individual completes all coursework during the first year. ]

(B)

[ (C) ] For 7-12 semester hours plus appropriate examination requirements, an individual is eligible for one renewal.

(C)

[ (D) ] For more than 12 semester hours plus appropriate examination requirements, an individual is eligible for two renewals.

(4)

(No change.)

(b)

Renewal procedures.

[(1)

Before an emergency permit for a noncertified individual is renewed for the first time, the superintendent or designee or authorized representative must verify that a noncertified teacher has satisfied the admission requirements of an educator preparation program in the areas of reading, oral and written communication, and mathematics.]

[(2)

No permit renewal will be authorized for a teacher who does not satisfy the admission requirements of an educator preparation program specified in paragraph (1) of this subsection.]

(1)

[ (3) ] The superintendent or designee or authorized representative may renew an emergency permit provided the following requirements and procedures are met.

(A)

The permit must be renewed for the same assignment in the same school district.

(B)

Official transcripts verifying completion of a minimum of six semester hours or documentation of completion of equivalent contact hours toward the appropriate target certificate must be placed in the individual's personnel file.

(C)

The appropriate renewal section of the original permit application must be completed prior to the beginning date of duties for the current school year.

(2)

[ (4) ] Requests for emergency permit renewal must be submitted to the appropriate education service center (ESC) for authorization when:

(A)

an individual has failed to demonstrate progress toward correcting a deficiency by completing the appropriate renewal requirements specified in subsection (a) of this section;

(B)

the renewal is for a change of assignment or school district; or

(C)

the renewal is for nonconsecutive years.

(3)

[ (5) ] The following materials must be submitted when requesting authorization for permit renewal from the appropriate ESC:

(A)

an emergency permit application, indicating the appropriate renewal, completed before the continued assignment;

(B)

official transcripts of all course work or documentation of equivalent contact hours completed since authorization of the initial permit; and

(C)

the appropriate fee (payable by the school district).

§230.507.Nonrenewable Permits for Positions Other Than Classroom Teacher .

(a)

The superintendent or designee of a public school district may activate a nonrenewable permit for an individual who has not completed the appropriate examination requirements specified in §230.5 of this title (relating to Educator Assessment) for a class of certificate other than classroom teacher .

(b)

A nonrenewable permit may be activated for an individual in one or more of the following categories:

(1)

an individual who has completed all course and degree requirements specified in Subchapter J of this chapter (relating to Certification Requirements for Educators Other Than Classroom Teachers and Educational Aides), except for successful completion of all appropriate examination requirements. Nonrenewable permits activated for individuals in this category expire 12 months from the date of activation;

(2)

an individual who holds a Texas educator [ teacher ] certificate other than classroom teacher with an effective date before February 1, 1986, but has not revalidated the certificate for employment purposes by passing an examination specified in this chapter. The individual must not have been employed in a Texas public school during the 1985-1986 school year or since. A nonrenewable permit activated for an individual in this category expires six months from the date of activation or at the end of the school year, whichever is less . [ ; or ]

[(3)

an individual who has served on a temporary certificate under Subchapter O of this chapter (relating to Texas Certificates Based on Certification and College Credentials from Other States) and passed the appropriate content specialization portions of the Examination for the Certification of Educators in Texas (ExCET) but did not pass the professional development portion of the examination while the temporary certificate was valid. A nonrenewable permit activated for an individual in this category expires 12 months from the date the individual first attempted the professional development portion of the ExCET.]

(c)

A nonrenewable permit may not be activated for an individual in the same assignment area for which another permit or nonstandard certificate had previously been authorized.

(d)

(No change.)

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on January 8, 2001.

TRD-200100096

Pamela B. Tackett

Executive Director

State Board for Educator Certification

Earliest possible date of adoption: February 18, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 469-3011


19 TAC §§230.509 - 230.511

(Editor's note: The text of the following sections proposed for repeal will not be published. The sections may be examined in the offices of the State Board for Educator Certification or in the Texas Register office, Room 245, James Earl Rudder Building, 1019 Brazos Street, Austin.)

The repeals are proposed under the Texas Education Code (TEC), §21.041(b)(2), which requires the State Board for Educator Certification to propose rules that specify the classes of certificates offered.

No other statute, article, or code is affected by this proposal.

§230.509.Policy.

§230.510.Exchange Teachers.

§230.511.Teachers for Bilingual Education Programs.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on January 8, 2001.

TRD-200100097

Pamela B. Tackett

Executive Director

State Board for Educator Certification

Earliest possible date of adoption: February 18, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 469-3011


Chapter 233. TRANSITIONAL PERMITS

On November 17, 2000, the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) proposed new 19 Texas Administrative Code Chapter 233, §§233.1-233.10 and 233.21, relating to the Transitional Permit.

The purpose of the proposed new rules, conforming amendments, and repeals is to establish the Transitional Permit, which collapses the various types of permits and nonstandard certificates into a single temporary permit. The proposed new rule and accompanying changes to existing rules include the following major provisions: The proposed Transitional Permit rules are results oriented. Permit holders must pass a test demonstrating proficiency in the subject they are assigned to teach within one year to continue teaching. They also must pass tests demonstrating teaching skills and knowledge of students by the end of the third year. The proposed measure enhances local control by allowing school superintendents more flexibility to target the district's specific needs in hiring people who need only to be trained to teach subjects they already know. This will attract a new group of people into teaching, particularly mid-career changers. The proposed rules and amendments also simply the permit structure by consolidating emergency permits, one-year and probationary certificates into one credential. This consolidation ensures that all permit holders meet the same standards.

The new Transitional Permit rules strengthen and expand the mentoring requirement for permit holders. The new rule requires that all teachers on transitional permits receive mentoring from an experienced teacher who has demonstrated excellence in teaching. Current rules require mentoring only for emergency permit holders. The proposed rule also requires school districts to provide time for mentoring. This provision ensures that all permit holders have a solid mentoring and support system. Transitional Permit holders would be required to enter an educator preparation program within 180 calendar days of the effective date of the permit (in most cases, the start of the school year).

The current statutory requirements relating to parental notification of uncertified or inappropriately certified teachers serving in the classroom would not be affected by the proposed new rules and amendments. The new permit will require parental notification in the same circumstances as now exist for current temporary credentials.

The first new Transitional Permit would be issued beginning June 1, 2001. The proposed rules include transition language that would phase out existing provisions regarding the issuance of emergency permits and other types of temporary credentials. Holders of previously issued emergency permits and other temporary credentials, however, would be allowed to continue under them until they expire in accordance with current rules, as if they had not been repealed.

The proposed conforming amendments would delete current emergency permit provisions for classroom teachers and amend rules governing the certification of educators from other states and countries to conform with the new Transitional Permit rules.

Barry Alaimo, Director of Accounting and Financial Operations, has determined that the for the first five-year period the sections are in effect the fee for the Transitional Permit would remain the same, $75, as it is for the emergency permit. The $75 fee would be a $25 increase for the other temporary credentials the Transitional Permit is intended to replace-the probationary certificate for persons in alternative certification programs and the one-year certificate for educators from out of state. Unlike the emergency permit, the Transitional Permit would not be renewable, but SBEC does not now charge a fee to renew an emergency permit. SBEC charges a renewal fee for the probationary certificate and the one-year certificate, but the $75 fee should cover any revenue lost as a result of not charging renewal fees on these temporary credentials. To the extent any related fiscal impact can be assessed at this time, implementation of the transitional permit should not significantly affect the revenues or expenditures of SBEC.

Dan Junell, General Counsel, State Board for Educator Certification, has determined that for the first five years the sections are in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the sections will be that the Transitional Permit would achieve the following goals: focusing teacher training on the immediate needs of public school students; ensuring that the transitional permit holder has a positive beginning teaching experience through a quality mentoring and support system, thereby increasing the likelihood the teacher will stay in the profession and provide public school students the benefit of having an experienced teacher; and providing school districts with the flexibility to hire quality individuals with subject matter knowledge and life experiences relevant to the needs of the students and the teaching assignment.

The public should incur no additional costs as a result of the implementation of the proposed rules. There will be no effect on small businesses.

Interested persons wishing to comment on the proposed rules must submit their comments in writing to Dan Junell, General Counsel, State Board for Educator Certification, 1001 Trinity, Austin, Texas 78701-2603, within the 30-day comment period, which begins on the date of publication of this issue of the Texas Register . The comments should contain the following title or reference: "Comments on Proposed New 19 TAC Chapter 233 and Conforming Amendments related to the new Transitional Permit."

Subchapter A. TRANSITIONAL PERMITS FOR CLASSROOM TEACHERS

19 TAC §§233.1 - 233.10

The new sections are proposed under the authority of the following provisions of the Texas Education Code: §4.001(b), which states that one of the objectives of public education in the State of Texas is to recruit, develop, and retain qualified and highly effective personnel; §21.003, which prohibits a person from being employed as a teacher by a school district unless the person holds an appropriate certificate or permit issued as provided by Texas Education Code Chapter 21, Subchapter B; §21.031, which authorizes the board to regulate and oversee all aspects of the certification of public school educators and to ensure that all candidates for certification demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to improve the performance of the diverse student population of this state; §21.039(3), which authorizes the executive director of the board to issue the transitional certificate under this chapter; §21.041(b)(2), which requires the board to specify the classes of educator certificates to be issued, including emergency certificates; §21.044, which requires the board to establish the training requirements a person must accomplish to obtain a certificate and to specify the minimum academic qualifications required for a certificate; §21.049, which requires the board provide for educator certification programs as an alternative to traditional educator certification programs, without requiring a demonstrated shortage of educators in a school district or subject area to obtain such certification; and §21.041(b)(5) and §21.052, which require the board to propose rules that provide for the issuance of an educator certificate to a person holding a similar certificate issued by another state or country.

No other statute, article, or code is affected by this proposal.

§233.1.Purpose, Scope, and Authority.

(a)

A superintendent must obtain a transitional permit for a person who -

(1)

will serve as a classroom teacher for more than 30 consecutive instructional days in the same assignment; and

(2)

does not hold the appropriate standard certificate or its equivalent for the assignment or is not otherwise authorized to be employed in Texas public schools under this title or the Texas Education Code, including persons who hold a Texas teacher certificate with an effective date prior to February 1, 1986, but have not revalidated the certificate for employment purposes by passing the examination(s) prescribed by §230.5(d) of this title (relating to General Eligibility Requirements).

(b)

A transitional permit is not required to employ a person to replace a full-time, certified classroom teacher who has been given a leave of absence in accordance with federal or state law or local district policy, not to exceed 100 instructional days.

(1)

During the entire period of employment, a school district shall provide a trained mentor for the person employed under this subsection to help the person perform effectively in the assignment.

(2)

This subsection no longer applies on the date the superintendent determines the teacher on leave will not resume his or her regular duties, either by notice from the teacher or by operation of law, contract, or school district policy.

(c)

Subject to the provisions of this subsection, a transitional permit is required for a classroom teacher who holds a standard certificate or its equivalent but who is assigned outside of his or her certified area for more than two school years.

(1)

A school district may assign a certified classroom teacher outside of his or her certified area, as needed, for no more than a total of two school years without obtaining a transitional permit for the teacher. The two-year limit applies during the whole period of the teacher's employment with the district and regardless of whether the two years assigned out of the certificate area are served consecutively or intermittently.

(2)

The school district must determine that the teacher has the necessary subject matter knowledge for the assignment. Factors that may be considered include, but are not limited to, academic coursework or work experiences related to the assignment.

(3)

The school district must provide the certified teacher with a trained mentor as specified in §233.6 of this subchapter (relating to Mentoring and Training of Teachers) from the beginning of the period during which the teacher is assigned outside of his or her certified area, or until the certified teacher evidences content knowledge by performing successfully on the appropriate certification examination specified in §230.5 of this title (relating to Educator Assessment), whichever comes first.

(d)

The State Board for Educator Certification authorizes the executive director to exercise reasonable discretion in achieving substantial compliance with these rules in issuing transitional permits. The executive director may authorize one or more designees to aid him or her in the general administration of this chapter.

(e)

Not later than November 1 of each year, the executive director shall provide to the board data and other information regarding the implementation of this subchapter, including the number and nature of any exceptions granted under subsection (d) of this section.

(f)

This chapter is adopted under the authority of the following provisions of the Texas Education Code:

(1)

Section 4.001(b), which states that one of the objectives of public education in the State of Texas is to recruit, develop, and retain qualified and highly effective personnel;

(2)

Section 21.003, which prohibits a person from being employed as a teacher by a school district unless the person holds an appropriate certificate or permit issued as provided by Texas Education Code, Chapter 21, Subchapter B;

(3)

Section 21.031, which authorizes the board to regulate and oversee all aspects of the certification of public school educators and to ensure that all candidates for certification demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to improve the performance of the diverse student population of this state;

(4)

Section 21.039(3), which authorizes the executive director of the board to issue the transitional certificate under this chapter;

(5)

Section 21.041(b)(2), which requires the board to specify the classes of educator certificates to be issued, including emergency certificates;

(6)

Section 21.044, which requires the board to establish the training requirements a person must accomplish to obtain a certificate and to specify the minimum academic qualifications required for a certificate;

(7)

Section 21.049, which requires the board provide for educator certification programs as an alternative to traditional educator certification programs, without requiring a demonstrated shortage of educators in a school district or subject area to obtain such certification; and

(8)

Sections 21.041(b)(5) and 21.052, which require the board to propose rules that provide for the issuance of an educator certificate to a person holding a similar certificate issued by another state or country.

(g)

Individuals serving on a transitional permit are deemed to be 'inappropriately certified' under Texas Education Code (TEC), §21. 057, relating to Parental Notification, unless the statute specifically provides otherwise.

(h)

The rules in this chapter prevail in the event of a conflict with any other board rule under this title.

§233.2.Definitions.

When used in this chapter, the following words, terms, phrases, and their variations shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

(1)

Board - The State Board for Educator Certification.

(2)

Classroom teacher - A person employed by a school district and who, not less than an average of four hours each day, teaches in an academic instructional setting or a career and technology instructional setting.

(3)

Class of certificate or permit - Has the same meaning as defined in Chapter 232, Subchapter M, of this title (relating to Types and Classes of Certificates).

(4)

Educator - A person who is required to hold a certificate issued under Chapter 21, Subchapter B, of the Texas Education Code.

(5)

Executive director - The executive director employed by the board. The term includes a designee of the executive director.

(6)

Superintendent - The superintendent of the employing school district requesting the transitional certificate. The term includes a designee of the superintendent.

(7)

Trained mentor - An experienced teacher who holds a valid master, standard, or provisional certificate issued under Texas Education Code Chapter 21, Subchapter B, or its predecessor, and who:

(A)

is provided sufficient time, in addition to classroom planning time, to plan, observe, and collaborate with each transitional permit holder;

(B)

has demonstrated the necessary skills to guide the development of a beginning teacher; and

(C)

has demonstrated excellence in teaching.

§233. 3. Validity of the Transitional Permit.

(a)

A transitional permit issued under this chapter is valid for a period of three consecutive calendar years from the date of issuance and may not be renewed or reissued for the same class of certificate.

(b)

The effective date of a transitional permit shall be the beginning date of the classroom teacher's assignment in the employing school district. The effective date of a transitional permit shall not precede the date eligibility requirements were completed.

(c)

Once issued, a transitional permit is in effect and expires three calendar years from the effective date of its issuance regardless of whether or not the educator is employed continuously during the validity of the permit.

(d)

Not withstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, a transitional permit expires one calendar year from its effective date unless the permit holder has passed the appropriate subject matter examination(s) for the assignment(s) and the certificate(s) sought by that time.

(e)

The transitional permit is issued to the person who is employed under it. During the period of permit validity, the holder may be employed under the transitional permit at a school district other than the one whose superintendent initially requested its issuance.

§233. 4.Conditions for Issuance.

The executive director shall issue a transitional permit for a person if the following conditions are satisfied:

(1)

the superintendent of the employing school district has requested a transitional permit for the person;

(2)

in applying for the transitional permit, the superintendent has affirmed compliance with §233.6 of this subchapter (relating to Mentoring and Training of Teachers);

(3)

the superintendent has shown the executive director that the person meets the eligibility requirements specified in §233.5 of this subchapter (relating to General Eligibility Requirements), except subsection (a)(4) of that section, and has complied with all other applicable provisions of this chapter;

(4)

the executive director has determined the person is not disqualified under subsection (a)(4) of §233.5 of this subchapter (relating to General Eligibility Requirements); and

(5)

the requested transitional permit is not of the same class as a nonstandard certificate or permit previously issued to the person.

§233.5.General Eligibility Requirements.

(a)

To be eligible for a transitional permit, a person must meet the following requirements:

(1)

The individual must hold at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education, except for certain internship programs approved under Chapter 228 of this title (relating to Requirements for Educator Preparation Programs), or non-degreed career and technology assignments allowing skill and experience in lieu of a bachelor's degree. For non-degreed career and technology assignments, the teacher is required to hold the appropriate industry certificate or have at least three years of related work experience if no industry certificate exists for the assignment.

(2)

The school district must determine that the teacher has the necessary subject matter knowledge for the assignment. Factors that may be considered include, but are not limited to, academic coursework or work experiences related to the assignment.

(3)

The person must meet the following requirements specified in §230.413 of this title (relating to General Requirements):

(A)

be at least 18 years of age;

(B)

be willing to support and defend the constitutions of the United States and Texas; and

(C)

be able to speak and understand the English language sufficiently to use it easily and readily in conversation and teaching or to otherwise communicate effectively with the students being taught.

(4)

The individual must not be disqualified or be the subject of a pending proceeding that could result in disqualification under provisions of any of the following:

(A)

federal or state law, including disqualification to hold a certificate related to guaranteed student loan default, child support arrears, or unqualified alien status; or

(B)

Chapter 249 of this title (relating to Disciplinary Proceedings, Sanctions, and Contested Cases), Including Enforcement of the Educator's Code of Ethics.

(b)

To be eligible for a transitional permit as a special education or bilingual classroom teacher, a person must meet the applicable requirements specified in §233.7 of this title (relating to Special Education Teachers), or §233.8 of this title (relating to Bilingual Education Teachers), in addition to meeting the requirements of this section.

§233. 6.Mentoring and Training of Teachers.

The executive director may not issue a transitional permit under this subchapter until the superintendent verifies the following:

(1)

that each transitional permit holder in the school district is provided with a trained mentor and appropriate professional development during the entire period of employment to help the person perform effectively in the assignment; and

(2)

that each transitional permit holder who has not completed an educator certification program will enter a board-approved certification program within 180 calendar days of issuance of the transitional permit.

§233.7.Special Education Teachers.

(a)

The executive director may not issue a transitional permit for a special education classroom teacher until the superintendent verifies the following:

(1)

the district's efforts to recruit certified and qualified special education teachers exists in the geographical area where the employing school district is located; and

(2)

the transitional permit candidate is the most qualified person available.

(b)

In addition to meeting other applicable provisions in this chapter, persons assigned to teach designated categories of students with special learning needs may satisfy either the specific requirements of this subsection before a transitional permit can be issued or be screened by the superintendent to determine their appropriateness for the assignment and certificate sought. Candidates for the auditory or visually impaired certificate, however, must meet the requirements of paragraphs (1) and (2) of this subsection before they may be issued a transitional permit.

(1)

Auditory Impaired. A person must:

(A)

have completed six semester hours or the equivalent directly related to teaching the auditory impaired;

(B)

have demonstrated competence in the specific communication method used in the classroom setting with students with auditory impairments; and

(C)

in accordance with §233.6 (1) of this subchapter (relating to Mentoring and Training of Teachers) have a trained mentor certified to teach students with auditory impairments.

(2)

Visually Impaired. A person must:

(A)

hold a valid classroom teaching certificate;

(B)

have completed six semester hours or the equivalent directly related to teaching the visually impaired;

(C)

have demonstrated competency in literary Braille; and

(D)

in accordance with §233.6 (1) of this subchapter, have a trained mentor certified to teach students with visual impairments.

(3)

For other special education instruction in the elementary grades, the individual must:

(A)

Have completed nine semester hours directly related to teaching children with special education needs or the equivalent directly related to teaching children with disabilities, including:

(i)

three semester hours in reading instruction;

(ii)

three semester hours in behavior intervention; and

(iii)

three semester hours in a basic foundational course for teaching elementary students with disabilities, and

(B)

In accordance with §233.6 (1) of this subchapter, have a trained mentor certified to teach students with special education needs.

(4)

For other special education instruction in the secondary grades, the individual must:

(A)

Have completed nine semester hours directly related to teaching secondary level students with special education needs or the equivalent directly related to teaching students with disabilities, including:

(i)

three semester hours in reading instruction;

(ii)

three semester hours in behavior intervention; and

(iii)

three semester hours in a basic foundational course for teaching secondary students with disabilities, and

(B)

In accordance with §233.6 (1) of this subchapter, have a trained mentor certified to teacher students with special education needs.

§233.8.Bilingual Education Teachers.

The executive director may not issue a transitional permit for a bilingual education classroom teacher until the superintendent verifies that the person is proficient in oral and written communication skills for the language of the target student population.

§233. 9. Application Procedures.

In addition to other submittals required under this subchapter, the superintendent must submit the following items to the executive director within 60 calendar days of assignment:

(1)

a completed application; and

(2)

the appropriate fee as specified in §230.436 of this title (relating to Schedule of Fees for Certification Services).

§233. 10.Implementation of the Transitional Permit.

(a)

This chapter becomes effective June 1, 2001.

(b)

An individual who was issued an emergency permit or certificate, one-year certificate or probationary certificate under this title prior to the effective date of this rule, may have that permit or certificate renewed, extended or reissued under the provisions of Chapter 230, Subchapters Q and O of this title (relating to Permits, and Texas Educator Certificates Based on Certification and College Credentials from Other States and Territories of the United States); Chapter 232 Subchapter M of this title (relating to Types and Classes of Certificates); and Chapter 245 of this title (relating to Certification of Educators from Other Countries), as those rules existed on September 1, 2000. This subsection expires July 1, 2003.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on January 8, 2001.

TRD-200100098

Pamela B. Tackett

Executive Director

State Board for Educator Certification

Earliest possible date of adoption: February 18, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 469-3011


Subchapter B. TRANSITIONAL PERMITS FOR EDUCATORS CERTIFIED OUTSIDE TEXAS

19 TAC §233.21

The new section is proposed under the authority of the following provisions of the Texas Education Code: §4.001(b), which states that one of the objectives of public education in the State of Texas is to recruit, develop, and retain qualified and highly effective personnel; §21.003, which prohibits a person from being employed as a teacher by a school district unless the person holds an appropriate certificate or permit issued as provided by Texas Education Code Chapter 21, Subchapter B; §21.031, which authorizes the board to regulate and oversee all aspects of the certification of public school educators and to ensure that all candidates for certification demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to improve the performance of the diverse student population of this state; §21.039(3), which authorizes the executive director of the board to issue the transitional certificate under this chapter; §21.041(b)(2), which requires the board to specify the classes of educator certificates to be issued, including emergency certificates; §21.044, which requires the board to establish the training requirements a person must accomplish to obtain a certificate and to specify the minimum academic qualifications required for a certificate; §21.049, which requires the board provide for educator certification programs as an alternative to traditional educator certification programs, without requiring a demonstrated shortage of educators in a school district or subject area to obtain such certification; and §21.041(b)(5) and §21.052, which require the board to propose rules that provide for the issuance of an educator certificate to a person holding a similar certificate issued by another state or country.

No other statute, article, or code is affected by this proposal.

§233.21.Transitional Permits Based on Credentials from Other Jurisdictions.

(a)

This subchapter applies to a transitional permit for a person holding a standard educator's credential issued by a jurisdiction other than the State of Texas. The provisions of this subchapter are in addition to those in Subchapter A of this chapter (relating to Transitional Permits for Classroom Teachers) and prevail in the event of a conflict with them.

(1)

Applicable standard certification requirements for credential holders from other jurisdictions are located in this title under Chapter 230, Subchapter O of this title (relating to Texas Certificates Based on Certification and College Credentials from Other States or Territories of the United States), and Chapter 245 of this title (relating to Certification of Educators from Other Countries).

(2)

In addition to the authorities cited in Subchapter A of this chapter, this subchapter is adopted under the authority of §21.041(b)(5) and §21.052 of the Texas Education Code, which require the State Board for Educator Certification to propose rules that provide for the issuance of an educator certificate to a person holding a similar certificate issued by another state or country.

(b)

A superintendent must obtain a transitional permit for a person who:

(1)

will serve as an educator for more than 30 consecutive instructional days in the same assignment or role;

(2)

holds a standard educator's credential issued by a jurisdiction other than the State of Texas; and

(3)

does not hold the appropriate standard or equivalent Texas certification required for the role or is not otherwise authorized to be employed in the role under this title or the Texas Education Code.

(c)

If the holder of an educator's credential from another jurisdiction meets all applicable Texas certification requirements under this title except the appropriate examination requirements, the superintendent shall request issuance of a transitional permit under this subchapter. The transitional permit shall be issued for the class of certificate identified on the out-of-state credential.

(d)

An educator issued a transitional permit under this subchapter does not have to enter an educator certification program under §233.6 of this chapter (relating to Mentoring and Training of Teachers).

(e)

Temporary foreign teachers/residents. Pursuant to a lawful foreign exchange or other agreement between the appropriate Texas educational authorities and those of another country, a transitional permit shall be issued for a qualified classroom teacher from another country who is not seeking standard Texas certification.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on January 8, 2001.

TRD-200100099

Pamela B. Tackett

Executive Director

State Board for Educator Certification

Earliest possible date of adoption: February 18, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 469-3011


Chapter 245. CERTIFICATION OF EDUCATORS FROM OTHER COUNTRIES

19 TAC §245.5, §245.10

On November 17, 2000, the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) proposed amendments to §245.5 and §245.10, relating to Certification of Educators from other Countries.

The purpose of the proposed new rules, conforming amendments, and repeals is to establish the Transitional Permit, which collapses the various types of permits and nonstandard certificates into a single temporary permit. The proposed new rule and accompanying changes to existing rules include the following major provisions: The proposed Transitional Permit rules are results oriented. Permit holders must pass a test demonstrating proficiency in the subject they are assigned to teach within one year to continue teaching. They also must pass tests demonstrating teaching skills and knowledge of students by the end of the third year. The proposed measure enhances local control by allowing school superintendents more flexibility to target the district's specific needs in hiring people who need only to be trained to teach subjects they already know. This will attract a new group of people into teaching, particularly mid-career changers. The proposed rules and amendments also simply the permit structure by consolidating emergency permits, one-year and probationary certificates into one credential. This consolidation ensures that all permit holders meet the same standards.

The new Transitional Permit rules strengthen and expand the mentoring requirement for permit holders. The new rule requires that all teachers on transitional permits receive mentoring from an experienced teacher who has demonstrated excellence in teaching. Current rules require mentoring only for emergency permit holders. The proposed rule also requires school districts to provide time for mentoring. This provision ensures that all permit holders have a solid mentoring and support system. Transitional Permit holders would be required to enter an educator preparation program within 180 calendar days of the effective date of the permit (in most cases, the start of the school year).

The current statutory requirements relating to parental notification of uncertified or inappropriately certified teachers serving in the classroom would not be affected by the proposed new rules and amendments. The new permit will require parental notification in the same circumstances as now exist for current temporary credentials.

The first new Transitional Permit would be issued beginning June 1, 2001. The proposed rules include transition language that would phase out existing provisions regarding the issuance of emergency permits and other types of temporary credentials. Holders of previously issued emergency permits and other temporary credentials, however, would be allowed to continue under them until they expire in accordance with current rules, as if they had not been repealed.

The proposed conforming amendments would delete current emergency permit provisions for classroom teachers and amend rules governing the certification of educators from other states and countries to conform with the new Transitional Permit rules.

Barry Alaimo, Director of Accounting and Financial Operations, has determined that the for the first five-year period the sections are in effect the fee for the Transitional Permit would remain the same, $75, as it is for the emergency permit. The $75 fee would be a $25 increase for the other temporary credentials the Transitional Permit is intended to replace-the probationary certificate for persons in alternative certification programs and the one-year certificate for educators from out of state. Unlike the emergency permit, the Transitional Permit would not be renewable, but SBEC does not now charge a fee to renew an emergency permit. SBEC charges a renewal fee for the probationary certificate and the one-year certificate, but the $75 fee should cover any revenue lost as a result of not charging renewal fees on these temporary credentials. To the extent any related fiscal impact can be assessed at this time, implementation of the transitional permit should not significantly affect the revenues or expenditures of SBEC.

Dan Junell, General Counsel, State Board for Educator Certification, has determined that for the first five years the sections are in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing the sections will be that the Transitional Permit would achieve the following goals: focusing teacher training on the immediate needs of public school students; ensuring that the transitional permit holder has a positive beginning teaching experience through a quality mentoring and support system, thereby increasing the likelihood the teacher will stay in the profession and provide public school students the benefit of having an experienced teacher; and providing school districts with the flexibility to hire quality individuals with subject matter knowledge and life experiences relevant to the needs of the students and the teaching assignment.

The public should incur no additional costs as a result of the implementation of the proposed rules. There will be no effect on small businesses.

Interested persons wishing to comment on the proposed rules must submit their comments in writing to Dan Junell, General Counsel, State Board for Educator Certification, 1001 Trinity, Austin, Texas 78701-2603, within the 30-day comment period, which begins on the date of publication of this issue of the Texas Register . The comments should contain the following title or reference: "Comments on Proposed New 19 TAC Chapter 233 and Conforming Amendments related to the new Transitional Permit."

The amendments are proposed under the Texas Education Code (TEC), §21.041(b)(5) and §21.052, which require the State Board for Educator Certification to propose rules that provide for the issuance of an educator certificate to a person holding a degree and a similar certificate or other credential issued by another country.

No other statute, article, or code is affected by this proposal.

§245.5.Requirements for Issuance of a Texas Certificate Based on Certification from Another Country.

(a)

The Standard Certificate issued under Chapter 232, Subchapter M of this title (relating to the Types and Classes of Certificates Issued), may be issued to an applicant holding a certificate or other credential and college degree as specified in §245.1 of this chapter (relating to General Provisions).

[ (1)

An applicant who holds a certificate or other credential that is equivalent to a certification area listed in Chapter 230, Subchapter G of this title (relating to Certification Requirements for Classroom Teachers) and that was issued in accordance with §245.1 of this chapter may be issued the equivalent Texas certificate.]

[ (2)

An applicant who holds a certificate or other credential that is equivalent to a certification area listed in Chapter 230, Subchapter J of this title (relating to Certification Requirements for Educators Other Than Classroom Teachers and Educational Aides) and that was issued in accordance with §245.1 of this chapter may be issued the equivalent Texas certificate, provided the applicant:]

[ (A)

has completed requirements for a classroom teacher certificate; or]

[ (B)

can verify three creditable years of public or private school experience, as defined in Chapter 230, Subchapter Y of this title (relating to Definitions), in the certification area.]

(b)

An applicant who holds a certificate or other credential that is equivalent to a class of certificate other than classroom teacher and that was issued in accordance with §245.1 of this chapter may be issued the equivalent class of Texas certificate, provided the applicant:

(1)

has completed requirements for a classroom teacher certificate; or

(2)

can verify three creditable years of public or private school experience, as defined in Chapter 230, Subchapter Y of this title (relating to Definitions), specific to the class of certificate sought.

(c)

An applicant for a Texas standard educator certificate based on a certificate issued in accordance with §245.1 of this chapter, must pass the appropriate examination requirements specified in §230.5 of this title (relating to Educator Assessment).

(d)

[ (b) ] If all certification requirements are met except successful completion of the appropriate certification examination(s), the applicant may be issued a transitional permit in accordance with Chapter 233 of this title (relating to Transitional Permits), upon recommendation of an employing school district. The temporary certificate will be issued in one or more certification areas identified on the certificate from another country. [ request issuance of a one-year certificate in one or more of the certification areas authorized by the certificate from another country. ]

[ (1)

An applicant issued a one-year certificate under this section who does not satisfy the appropriate examination requirements during the validity of the one-year certificate is not eligible for any type of certificate or permit authorizing employment for the same certification level or area until he or she has satisfied the examination requirements.]

[ (2)

An applicant issued a one-year certificate under this section who, during or subsequent to the validity of the certificate, satisfies the appropriate examination requirements and establishes eligibility for a standard certificate may apply for: ]

[ (A)

a new one-year certificate in another certification area based on a certificate issued by a another country; or]

[ (B)

a second one-year certificate in an area previously authorized on a one-year certificate, provided the applicant was not assigned to the area and has not attempted the appropriate examination requirements for that area.]

(e)

An applicant issued a transitional permit under Chapter 233 of this title who does not satisfy the appropriate examination requirements during the validity of the transitional permit is not eligible for any type of certificate or permit authorizing employment for the same certification level or area until he or she has satisfied the examination requirements.

§245.10.Application Procedures.

(a)

Individuals who have been issued an appropriate certificate or other credential by the authorized licensing agency in another country as specified in §245.1 of this chapter (relating to General Provisions) may apply for a review of credentials by submitting the following items to the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC):

(1)

a completed application [ form ];

(2)

the original detailed report or course-by-course evaluation for professional licensing of all college-level credits prepared by a credential evaluation service recognized by the executive director of SBEC. The evaluation must verify that the individual:

(A)

holds the equivalent of a bachelor's degree granted by an accredited institution of higher education in the United States, including the month, day, and year that the degree was conferred;

(B)

has completed an educator preparation program, including a teaching practicum;

(C)

holds an appropriate certificate or credential issued by another country as specified in §245.1 of this chapter, including the effective date and validity period of the certificate, certification area(s) and grade level(s);

(3)

evidence in a form approved by the executive director that the educator certificate or credential specified in §245.1 of this chapter is currently in good standing and has not been revoked, suspended, or sanctioned for misconduct and is not pending disciplinary or adverse action;

(4)

official transcripts of any additional college credits earned in the United States: and

(5)

a nonrefundable review fee as specified in Chapter 230, Subchapter N of this title (relating to Certificate Issuance Procedures).

(b)

Applicants holding certificates or other credentials issued by a country that is a party to the Interstate Certification Compact for reciprocity through the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC), may submit the following in lieu of a credential evaluation report from a recognized credential evaluation service:

(1)

official transcripts in English of all college credits showing the appropriate degree(s) and dates(s) conferred: and

(2)

copies (front and back) of all certificates or credentials issued in accordance with §245.1 of this chapter, to include the effective date and validity period of the certificate, certification area(s) and grade level(s).

(c)

Pursuant to §245.5 (d) [ (b) ] of this chapter (relating to Requirements of Issuance of a Texas Certificate Based on a Certification from Another Country) applicants may be recommended [ apply ] for a transitional permit [ one-year certificate ] by an employing school district under the procedures specified in Chapter 233 of this title. [ submitting the following items to the board: ]

[ (1)

a completed application form; and]

[ (2)

appropriate fee as specified in Chapter 230, Subchapter N of this title (relating to Certificate Issuance Procedures).]

(d)

Pursuant to §245.5(a) of this chapter, applicants may apply for a Standard Certificate by submitting the following items to the board:

(1)

a completed application [ form ]; and

(2)

appropriate fee as specified in Chapter 230, Subchapter N of this title, relating to Certificate Issuance Procedures.

This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.

Filed with the Office of the Secretary of State, on January 8, 2001.

TRD-200100100

Pamela B. Tackett

Executive Director

State Board for Educator Certification

Earliest possible date of adoption: February 18, 2001

For further information, please call: (512) 469-3011