DAR File No. 38866

Education, Administration

Rule R277-504

Early Childhood, Elementary, Secondary, Special Education (K-12), Communication Disorders, Speech-Language Pathologist and Speech-Language Technician, and Preschool Special Education (Birth-Age 5) Licensure

Notice of Proposed Rule

(Repeal and Reenact)

DAR File No.: 38866
Filed: 09/15/2014 05:50:02 PM

RULE ANALYSIS

Purpose of the rule or reason for the change:

This rule is repealed and reenacted to provide changes in the manner in which teacher preparation programs are approved, and to provide details of the requirements the Utah State Board of Education (Board) establishes for its approval of teacher preparation programs in specific license areas of concentration.

Summary of the rule or change:

The reenacted rule provides revised definitions; re-titles several areas of concentration; removes three specialist licensing areas; provides details of the requirements for approval of teacher preparation programs in specific license areas of concentration including student teaching and internships; and removes Communication Disorders, Speech-Language Pathologist and Speech-Language Technician license areas of concentration from Rule R277-504 and inserts into Rule R277-506. (DAR NOTE: The proposed amendment to Rule R277-506 is under DAR No. 38867 in this issue, October 1, 2014, of the Bulletin.)

State statutory or constitutional authorization for this rule:

• Subsection 53A-1-401(3)
• Subsection 53A-1-402(1)(a)

Anticipated cost or savings to:

the state budget:

The reenacted rule provides requirements for teacher preparation program approval and defines specific areas of focus within license areas of concentration. These changes will likely not result in costs or savings to the state budget.

local governments:

The reenacted rule provides requirements for teacher preparation program approval and defines specific areas of focus within license areas of concentration. These changes will likely not result in costs or savings to local government.

small businesses:

The reenacted rule provides requirements for teacher preparation program approval and defines specific areas of focus within license areas of concentration. These changes will likely not result in costs or savings to small businesses.

persons other than small businesses, businesses, or local governmental entities:

The reenacted rule provides requirements for teacher preparation program approval and defines specific areas of focus within license areas of concentration. These changes will likely not result in costs or savings to persons other than small businesses, businesses, or local government entities.

Compliance costs for affected persons:

The reenacted rule provides requirements for teacher preparation program approval and defines specific areas of focus within license areas of concentration. These changes will likely not result in compliance costs for affected persons.

Comments by the department head on the fiscal impact the rule may have on businesses:

I have reviewed this rule and I believe that there is likely no fiscal impact on businesses.

Joel Coleman, Interim State Superintendent

The full text of this rule may be inspected, during regular business hours, at the Division of Administrative Rules, or at:

Education
Administration
250 E 500 S
SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84111-3272

Direct questions regarding this rule to:

• Carol Lear at the above address, by phone at 801-538-7835, by FAX at 801-538-7768, or by Internet E-mail at [email protected]

Interested persons may present their views on this rule by submitting written comments to the address above no later than 5:00 p.m. on:

10/31/2014

This rule may become effective on:

11/07/2014

Authorized by:

Carol Lear, Director, School Law and Legislation

R277. Education, Administration.

[ R277-504. Early Childhood, Elementary, Secondary, Special Education (K-12), Communication Disorders, Speech-Language Pathologist and Speech-Language Technician, and Preschool Special Education (Birth-Age 5) Licensure.

R277-504-1. Definitions.

A. "Board" means the Utah State Board of Education.

B. "Communication Disorders license area of concentration" means the areas of content required for providing services to individuals from birth through age 22. Communication Disorders area of concentration carries an audiology endorsement.

C. "Early Childhood license area of concentration" means an Early Childhood Education teaching license required for teaching kindergarten and permitting assignment in kindergarten through grade three. It is recommended for those teaching in formal programs below kindergarten level.

D. "Early intervention credential" is the highest qualified personnel standard established by the Department of Health that persons must meet in able to provide services to infants and toddlers with disabilities age 0-3 in early intervention settings. Establishment of this standard was a collaborative initiative between the Department of Health and the State Office of Education. In order to provide services to infants and toddlers with disabilities age 0-3 in early intervention settings, a person must have an Early Intervention Credential or a Preschool Special Education (Birth-Age 5) license.

E. "Elementary (1-8) license area of concentration" means an Elementary teaching license required for teaching grades one through eight.

F. "Elementary (K-6) license area of concentration" means an Elementary teaching license required for teaching grades kindergarten through six.

G. "Endorsement" means a specialty field or area listed on the teaching license which indicates the specific qualification of the holder.

H. "Highest requirements in the State applicable to a specific profession or discipline" means the highest entry-level academic degree needed for any State-approved or State-recognized certification, licensing, registration, or other comparable requirements that apply to that profession or discipline.

I. "Level 1 license" means a Utah professional educator license issued upon completion of an approved preparation program or an alternative preparation program, or pursuant to an agreement under the NASDTEC Interstate agreement, to candidates who have also met all ancillary requirements established by law or rule.

J. "Level 2 license" means a Utah professional educator license issued after satisfaction of all requirements for a Level 1 license as well as any additional requirements established by law or rule relating to professional preparation or experience.

K. "National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)" is a nationally recognized organization which accredits the education units providing baccalaureate and graduate degree programs for the preparation of teachers and other professional personnel for elementary and secondary schools.

L. "Preschool Special Education (Birth-Age 5) license area of concentration" means a teaching license required for teaching preschool students with disabilities.

M. "Secondary license area of concentration" means a Secondary teaching license required for teaching grades six through twelve. Secondary Certificates carry endorsements for the areas in which the holder is qualified.

N. "Special Education license area of concentration (K-12)" means Special Education teaching license required for teaching students with disabilities in kindergarten through grade twelve. Special Education areas of concentration carry endorsements in at least one of the following areas:

(1) Mild/Moderate Endorsement which permits the holder to teach students with mild/moderate learning and behavior problems;

(2) Severe Endorsement which permits the holder to teach students with severe learning and behavior problems;

(3) Hearing Impaired Endorsement which permits the holder to teach students who are deaf or other hearing impaired;

(4) Visually Impaired Endorsement which permits the holder to teach students who are blind or other visually impaired.

O. Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) license" means a speech-language pathologist area of concentration required for teaching students with communication disorders, birth through age 21. A speech-language pathologist license carries a Speech-Language Pathologist endorsement.

P. "Speech-language technician (SLT) license area of concentration" means an area of concentration in which an individual has completed a Board-approved bachelor's degree in communication disorders at an accredited higher education institution and additional training as required by the USOE.

Q. "Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC)" is a nationally recognized organization which provides accreditation of professional teacher education programs in institutions offering baccalaureate and graduate degrees for the preparation of K-12 teachers.

R. "USOE" means Utah State Office of Education.

 

R277-504-2. Authority and Purpose.

A. This rule is authorized by Utah Constitution Article X, Section 3 which vests the general control and supervision of the public schools in the State Board of Education and by Section 53A-1-402(1)(a) which directs the Board to make rules regarding the licensing of educators, and Section 53A-1-401(3) which allows the Board to adopt rules in accordance with its responsibilities.

B. The purpose of this rule is to:

(1) specify the requirements for Early Childhood (K-3), Elementary (K-6), Elementary (1-8), Secondary (6-12), Special Education (K-12), Communication Disorders (K-12), Speech-Language Pathologist and Speech-Language Technician, and Preschool Special Education (Birth-Age 5) licensing; and

(2) specify the standards which must be met for each of these areas by a teacher preparation institution in order to receive Board approval of its program for teachers.

 

R277-504-3. Level 1 License.

A. The Level 1 license is issued for three years.

B. During the Level 1 provisional period, the employing school district shall supervise the candidate closely and make special assistance available.

C. An applicant for the Level 1 Early Childhood (K-3), Elementary (K-6), Elementary (1-8), Secondary (6-12), Special Education (K-12), Communication Disorders (K-12), Speech-Language Pathologist, Speech-Language Technician, and Preschool Special Education (Birth-Age 5) license area of concentration shall have done all of the following:

(1) graduated with a bachelor's degree, or in the case of Communication Disorders and Speech-Language Pathologist applicants, a masters degree or equivalent, from a nationally or regionally accredited institution consistent with R277-503;

(2) completed a Board-approved program for the preparation of Early Childhood (K-3), Elementary (K-6), Elementary (1-8), Secondary (6-12), Preschool Special Education (K-12), Communication Disorders (K-12), Speech-Language Pathologist and Speech-Language Technician, and Preschool Special Education (Birth-Age 5) specialists;

(3) been recommended by an institution whose program of preparation is Board-approved and accredited consistent with R277-503.

D. If a teacher has taught for three years in Utah, a Level 1 license can only be renewed consistent with the following:

(1) the employing LEA has requested a one year extension consistent with Entry Years Enhancement (EYE); or

(2) an individual has continuous experience as a SLP in a clinical setting.

E. The Level 1 Secondary License

(1) A Level 1 secondary license with subject endorsement(s) is valid in grades six through twelve.

(2) The 6-12 license requires a major or major equivalent, but the teacher cannot teach in a self-contained class.

(3) An applicant for the Level 1 Secondary license shall have completed an approved teaching major consistent with subjects taught in Utah secondary schools. The license is endorsed for all subjects in which the applicant has at least a minor or has completed equivalent training.

(a) A teaching major requires not fewer than 30 semester hours (45 quarter hours) of credit in one subject.

(b) A teaching minor requires not fewer than 16 semester hours (24 quarter hours) of credit in one subject.

F. A Preschool Special Education (Birth-Age 5) Level 1 License:

(1) Applicants for the Preschool Special Education (Birth-Age 5) license shall have completed a Board-approved program, consistent with R277-503, for teaching infants, toddlers, and preschool-age children with disabilities.

(2) Hearing Impaired/Vision Impaired (HI/VI) Endorsements required under this rule shall be issued to meet "the highest requirements in the State applicable to a specific profession or discipline" required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 (IDEA), Pub. L. No. 108-446, hereby incorporated by reference.

(a) Preschool Special Education (Birth-Age 5) license holders who teach children who are hearing impaired (birth-age 5) or vision impaired (birth-age 5) or both, in self-contained, categorical classrooms shall hold an endorsement for Hearing Impaired (Birth-Age 5) or Vision Impaired (Birth-Age 5) or both.

(b) All professional personnel teaching children with HI/VI in self-contained, categorical settings shall meet the standards in R277-504-3I(1).

(c) Teachers who hold an equivalent license from a state other than Utah shall be required to meet the standards referred to in R277-504-3I(2)(d) upon receipt of an initial Utah license.

(d) All professional personnel teaching preschool-aged children who are HI/VI in self-contained, categorical classrooms as of January 1998, shall be required to complete a Board-approved training program, consistent with R277-503, making them eligible for the Birth-Age 5 HI/VI endorsements under this rule.

(e) This training shall be developed based on an analysis of presently-held licenses and endorsements, teaching experiences, and training activities as compared to the requirements of the new standards.

G. Applicants for Special Education (K-12) licenses shall have completed a Board-approved program for teaching students with mild/moderate, severe, hearing, or visual impairments. The Special Education license (K-12) is endorsed for any area in which the program has been completed. Educators who hold Special Education licenses may also be issued endorsements.

H. Applicants for Communication Disorders license areas of concentration (audiologist) shall have completed a Board-approved program for teaching pupils with communication disorders which includes the master's degree or 30 semester hours earned after meeting requirements for a bachelor's degree.

I. Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) License Area of Concentration

(1) Qualifications: To qualify for the SLP area of concentration, an individual shall have completed a Board-approved program for teaching students with speech/language impairments. Such programs include:

(a) a master's degree and Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC); or

(b) a master's degree; or

(c) an international equivalent of a master's degree, earned in a communication disorders program, or equivalent after receiving a bachelor's degree at an accredited higher education institution.

(2) An individual who has completed a Board-approved bachelor's degree program in communication disorders at an accredited higher education institution, and acquired the competencies necessary for assignment as a graduate student intern, as determined by the higher education institution, may receive a one-year letter of authorization from the USOE.

(a) This letter of authorization shall be issued under R277-504-3I(2)(d), and may be renewed annually for up to three years if:

(i) the applicant has been admitted to an accredited graduate program at the time the license is issued; and

(ii) the applicant files with the USOE evidence of completion of at least nine quarter hours (six semester hours) of credit applicable to the acquisition of a master's degree or the equivalent in communication disorders each year that the license is to remain in effect.

(b) A graduate student intern shall have been recommended by a higher education institution whose program of preparation is Board-approved. The graduate student intern shall be appropriately supervised by a speech-language pathologist.

(3) An individual with a letter of authorization may perform fully licensed speech-language functions, as directed, solely within the confines of the public school.

(4) This area of concentration does not qualify the individual to provide services outside of the educational setting.

J. Speech-Language Technician (SLT) License Area of Concentration

(1) To qualify for the SLT area of concentration, an individual shall have completed a Board-approved bachelor's degree in communication disorders at an accredited higher education institution and additional training as required by the USOE. Additional professional development shall be completed prior to or within the first year of receiving this area of concentration, in order to meet defined competencies.

(2) A speech-language technician shall work under the supervision of a speech-language pathologist who accepts full responsibility for the work of the speech-language technician.

(3) The supervising SLP maintains full responsibility for the caseload of the SLP and any SLTs supervised by the SLP.

(4) An individual may perform speech-language technician functions and duties solely within the confines of the public school.

(5) This area of concentration does not qualify the individual to provide services outside of the educational setting.

(6) The speech-language technician's function and duties shall conform to Utah's SLP/SLT Handbook, developed by the USOE, 2007.

(7) The performance of SLP and SLT duties shall be strictly consistent with Utah's SLP/SLT Handbook.

(8) Documented clinical employment may be substituted at a school district's discretion for employment in education.

 

R277-504-4. Level 2 License.

A Level 2 license is issued after:

(1) a candidate completes three years of successful professional teaching;

(2) a candidate completes all other Entry Years Enhancements (EYE) requirements consistent with R277-522; and

(3) the employing public school district or accredited private school recommends the candidate to receive the Level 2 license, based on information from peers and supervisors.

 

R277-504-5. Special Validations.

A. An individual holding a Level 2 Elementary license and for whom the employing district has requested a letter of authorization assigning the individual to a kindergarten position may qualify for an Early Childhood license by completing an approved program of early childhood education at an accredited institution of higher education or the Alternative Routes to Licensure Program (ARL). The program may also include district professional development. Practicum experiences should be in the regularly assigned kindergarten classroom of the applicant for the license.

B. An Elementary teacher may be licensed in grades K-3, K-6, or 1-8.

(1) The 1-8 license permits the teacher to teach in any academic area in self-contained classes in grades 1-8.

(2) A teacher shall be endorsed in a subject by the USOE to teach assigned subjects at the 7-8 grade level.

(3) The Middle Level license (5-9) continues to be valid; however, a middle level license (5-9) has not been issued since April 1, 1989 and is no longer required of teachers or issued to teachers assigned to the middle school.

 

R277-504-6. General Standards for Approval of Programs for the Preparation of Early Childhood, Elementary, Secondary, Special Education (K-12), Communication Disorders, Speech-Language Pathologist and Speech-Language Technician, and Preschool Special Education Teachers.

A. The teacher preparation program of an institution may be approved by the Board if it:

(1) meets the standards prescribed in the NCATE Professional Speciality Association or 90 percent of the completers pass the Board-approved content assessments; and

(2) requires the study of:

(a) state laws and policies which specify content, values, and other expectations of teachers and other professionals in the school system;

(b) techniques for evaluating student progress, including the use and interpretation of both standardized and teacher-made tests; and

(c) knowledge and skills designed to meet the needs of students with disabilities in the regular classroom. These shall include the following domains:

(i) knowledge of disabilities;

(ii) knowledge of the role of nonspecial education teachers in the education of students with disabilities;

(iii) skills in assessing the educational needs and progress of students with disabilities in the regular education classroom;

(iv) skills in the implementation of an educational program for students with disabilities in the regular classroom; and

(v) skills in monitoring student progress.

B. The standard requiring the application of methods and techniques in a clinical setting is met by student teaching carried out under the direction of the institution. The following may be accepted as totally or partially fulfilling this requirement:

(1) two years of full-time contract teaching experience in a regular classroom situation in kindergarten through grade twelve in a public or accredited private or parochial school may totally fulfill the requirement;

(2) teaching in an alternative school or similar school may be accepted for up to one-half of the student teaching requirement;

(3) teaching in a community college, trade-technical college, or other post-secondary teaching experiences may be accepted for up to one-half of the student teaching requirement;

(4) teaching in a preschool or headstart program may be accepted for up to one-half of the student teaching requirement;

(5) teaching experience in business or industry may be accepted for up to one-half of the student teaching requirement; and

(6) other experience accepted by the Board and designated as totally or partially fulfilling the requirement.

 

R277-504-7. Standards for Approval of Programs for Early Childhood and Elementary Teachers.

The standards shall be applied to the specific age group or grade level for which the program of preparation is designed. The teacher preparation program of an institution may be approved by the Board if it:

A. meets the standards prescribed in the NCATE Professional Speciality Association, including a student teaching experience; and

B. requires study and experiences needed in disciplines which provide content knowledge needed to teach:

(1) language development and listening, speaking, writing, and reading, with emphasis on language development;

(2) mathematics;

(3) biological and physical science and health;

(4) social studies; and

(5) fine arts.

 

R277-504-8. Standards for Approval of Program for Preparing Teachers in Major and Minor Fields.

The teacher preparation program of an institution may be approved by the Board if it meets the general and specific standards prescribed in the NCATE Professional Speciality Association, including a student teaching experience.

 

R277-504-9. Standards for Approval of Programs for Special Education (K-12) and Preschool Special Education (Birth-Age 5) Teachers.

The teacher preparation program of an institution may be approved by the Board if it meets the following standards:

A. Mild/Moderate Endorsement: The teacher preparation program of an institution for mild/moderate endorsement may be approved by the Board if it meets the standards prescribed in the Council for Exceptional Children (NCATE Professional Speciality Association) or if 90 percent of the program completers passes the Board-approved content tests for special education teachers.

B. Severe Disabilities Endorsement: The teacher preparation program of a higher education institution for severe disabilities endorsement may be approved by the Board if it meets the standards prescribed in the Council for Exceptional Children (NCATE Professional Specialty Association) or if 90 percent of the program completers passes the Board-approved content tests for special education teachers.

C. Hearing Impaired Endorsement: The teacher preparation program of a higher education institution may be approved by the Board if it meets the standards prescribed in the NCATE Professional Speciality Association or if 90 percent of the program completers passes the Board-approved content tests for hearing impaired specialists.

D. Visually Impaired Endorsement: The teacher preparation program of a higher education institution may be approved by the Board if it meets the standards prescribed in the Standards for State Approval of Teacher Education for visually impaired specialists.

 

R277-504-10. Standards for Approval of Programs for Communication Disorders and Speech-Language Pathologist Licenses.

A. Speech Pathology Area of Concentration: The preparation program for Speech-Language Pathologists of a higher education institution may be approved by the Board if it meets the standards prescribed in the NCATE Professional Speciality Association.

B. Audiology Endorsement: The preparation program for audiologists of a higher education institution may be approved by the Board if it meets the standards prescribed in the NCATE Professional Speciality Association.]

R277-504. Early Childhood, Elementary, Secondary, Special Education (K-12), and Preschool Special Education (Birth-Age 5) Licensure.

R277-504-1. Definitions.

A. "Board" means the Utah State Board of Education.

B. "Council for Exceptional Children" is an international professional organization dedicated to improving the educational success of both individuals with disabilities and individuals with gifts and talents. CEC advocates for appropriate governmental policies, sets professional standards, provides professional development, advocates for individuals with exceptionalities, and helps professionals obtain conditions and resources necessary for effective professional practice.

C. "Early Childhood license area of concentration" means an Early Childhood Education teaching license required for teaching kindergarten and permitting assignment in kindergarten through grade three. It is recommended for those teaching in formal public school programs below kindergarten level.

D. "Early intervention credential" is the highest qualified personnel standard established by the Department of Health that persons shall meet in able to provide services to infants and toddlers with disabilities age 0-3 in early intervention settings. In order to provide services to infants and toddlers with disabilities age 0-3 in early intervention settings, an individual shall have an Early Intervention Credential or a Preschool Special Education (Birth- Age 5) license.

E. "(1-8) license area of concentration" means an Elementary teaching license required for teaching grades one through eight.

F. "Elementary (K-6) license area of concentration" means an Elementary teaching license required for teaching grades kindergarten through six.

G. "Endorsement" means a specialty field or area listed on the teaching license which indicates the specific qualification of the holder.

H. "Highest requirements in the State applicable to a specific profession or discipline" means the highest entry-level academic degree needed for any State-approved or State-recognized certification, license, registration, or other comparable requirement that applies to that profession or discipline.

I. "IEP" means a written statement of an individualized education program by an IEP team and developed, reviewed, and revised in accordance with Utah State Board of Education Special Education Rules and the Part B of the IDEA.

J. "Level 1 license" means a Utah professional educator license issued upon completion of an approved preparation program or an alternative preparation program, or pursuant to an agreement under the NASDTEC Interstate Contract, to applicants who have also met all ancillary requirements established by law or rule.

K. "Level 2 license" means a Utah professional educator license issued by the Board after satisfaction of all requirements for a Level 1 license and:

(1) satisfaction of requirements under R277-522 for teachers whose employment as a Level 1 licensed educator began after January 1, 2003 in a Utah public LEA or accredited private school;

(2) at least three years of successful education experience in a Utah public LEA or accredited private school or one year of successful education experience in a Utah public LEA or accredited private school and at least three years of successful education experience in a public LEA or accredited private school outside of Utah;

(3) additional requirements established by law or rule.

L. "Preschool Special Education (Birth-Age 5) license area of concentration" means a teaching license required for teaching preschool students with disabilities.

M. "Secondary license area of concentration" means a Secondary teaching license required for teaching grades six through twelve. Secondary license areas carry endorsements for the areas in which the holder is qualified to provide instruction.

N. "Special Education license area of concentration (K-12)" means Special Education teaching license required for teaching students with disabilities in kindergarten through grade twelve. Special Education areas of concentration carry endorsements in at least one of the following areas:

(1) Mild/Moderate Endorsement which indicates that the holder's preparation focused on teaching students with mild/moderate learning and behavior problems;

(2) Severe Endorsement which indicates that the holder's preparation focused on teaching students with severe learning and behavior problems;

(3) Deaf and Hard of Hearing Endorsement which indicates that the holder's preparation focused on teaching students who are deaf or other hearing impaired; and

(4) Blind and Visually Impaired Endorsement which indicates that the holder's preparation focused on teaching students who are blind or other visually impaired.

O. "USOE" means the Utah State Office of Education.

 

R277-504-2. Authority and Purpose.

A. This rule is authorized by Utah Constitution Article X, Section 3 which vests the general control and supervision of the public schools in the State Board of Education and by Section 53A-1-402(1)(a) which directs the Board to make rules regarding the licensing of educators, and Section 53A-1-401(3) which allows the Board to adopt rules in accordance with its responsibilities.

B. The purpose of this rule is to:

(1) specify the requirements for Early Childhood (K-3), Elementary (K-6), Elementary (1-8), Secondary (6-12), Special Education (K-12), and Preschool Special Education (Birth-Age 5) licensing; and

(2) specify the standards which the Board expects a teacher preparation institution to meet in specific areas for the institution to receive Board approval of the program.

 

R277-504-3. General Standards for Approval of Programs for the Preparation of Teachers.

A. The Board may approve the educator preparation program of an institution if the institution:

(1) prepares candidates to meet the Utah Effective Teaching Standards in R277-530;

(2) prepares candidates to teach the Utah Core Standards as established by the Board;

(3) requires candidates to maintain a cumulative university GPA of 3.0 and receive a C or better in all education related or major required content courses;

(4) requires the study of:

(a) content and content-specific pedagogy appropriate for the area of licensure;

(b) knowledge and skills designed to meet the needs of students with disabilities in the regular classroom. Knowledge and skills shall include the following domains:

(i) knowledge of disabilities under IDEA;

(ii) knowledge of the role of non-special-education teachers in the education of students with disabilities;

(iii) skills in implementing and assessing the results of interventions intended to assist in the identification of students with disabilities.

(iv) skills in assessing the educational needs and progress of students with disabilities in the regular education classroom; and

(v) skills in the implementation of an educational program with accommodations and modifications established by an IEP for students with disabilities in the regular classroom; and

(c) knowledge and skills designed to meet the needs of diverse student populations in the regular classroom. These skills for diverse student populations shall include the skills to:

(i) allow teachers to create an environment using a teaching model that is sensitive to multiple experiences and diversity;

(ii) design, adapt, and deliver instruction to address each student's diverse learning strengths and needs; and

(iii) incorporate tools of language development into planning and instruction for English language learners and support development of English proficiency; and

(5) requires a student teaching culminating experience that:

(a) requires a minimum of 400 clock hours with at least 200 clock hours in a single placement;

(b) requires that student teachers meet the same contract hours as licensed teachers in the same LEA;

(c) includes placement in all content or licensure areas in which the candidate shall be licensed unless:

(i) no viable student teaching placement in one or more of the candidate's endorsement areas is available; or

(ii) the candidate is seeking a license in Elementary (1-8) and is completing an elementary student teaching placement, but has also completed the USOE course requirements for an endorsement;

(d) includes intermittent supervision and evaluation by institution personnel;

(e) includes direct supervision of the candidate by a classroom teacher that:

(i) has been jointly selected by the institution student teaching placement officer and the LEA-designated authority over student teaching placement;

(ii) has been deemed effective by an evaluation system meeting the standards of R277-531 or the LEA's equivalent; and

(iii) has received training from the institution on the role and responsibilities of a classroom mentor teacher for student teachers, including the standards of R277-515;

(f) include meaningful self-reflection with review and feedback from both the classroom mentor teacher and institution personnel; or

(6) Requires an internship culminating experience that:

(a) consists of full-time employment as an educator for one school year with a minimum of 1260 clock hours at a single school site;

(b) requires that interns meet the same contract teaching hours as licensed teachers in the same LEA;

(c) includes placement in the major content or licensure area in which the candidate shall be licensed;

(d) where possible, includes placement in all content or licensure areas in which the candidate shall be licensed unless:

(i) no viable internship in one or more of the candidate's non-major endorsement areas could be found; or

(ii) the candidate is seeking licensure in Elementary (1-8) and is completing an elementary internship, but has also completed the USOE course requirements for an endorsement;

(e) includes intermittent supervision and evaluation by institution personnel;

(f) includes an LEA assigned mentor that:

(i) has been jointly selected by the institution internship placement officer and the LEA-designated authority over internship placement; and

(ii) has been deemed effective by an evaluation system meeting the standards of R277-531 or the LEA's equivalent;

(g) includes meaningful self-reflection with review and feedback from both the assigned mentor and institution personnel;

B. The Board may accept the following for an individual candidate as completely or partially satisfying the student teaching/internship requirement:

(1) one year of full-time contract teaching experience in a teaching position as defined in R277-503-4(C)(4) in a public or accredited private school in the candidate's proposed licensure content areas may completely satisfy the requirement;

(2) teaching in a preschool or headstart program may be accepted for up to one-half of the student teaching requirement;

(3) teaching experience in business or industry may be accepted for up to one-half of the student teaching requirement; and

(4) other experience accepted by the Board and designated as totally or partially fulfilling the requirement.

 

R277-504-4. Early Childhood Education (K-3) and Elementary (K-6) License Areas.

A. The Board may approve the Early Childhood Education (K-3), Elementary (K-6), Elementary (1-8) teacher preparation program of an institution if the program:

(1) is aligned with the 2010 National Association for the Education of Young Children Standards for Initial and Advanced Early Childhood Professional Preparation Programs or the 2007 Association for Childhood Education International Standards for Elementary Level Teacher Preparation, as appropriate; and

(2) requires study and experiences which provide appropriate content knowledge needed to teach:

(a) literacy including listening, speaking, writing, and reading;

(b) mathematics;

(c) physical and life science;

(d) health and physical education;

(e) social studies; and

(f) fine arts; and

(3) includes coursework specifically designed to prepare teachers:

(a) in the science of reading instruction including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension;

(b) in the science of mathematics instruction including quantitative reasoning, problem solving, representation, and numeracy;

(c) with the technical skills to utilize common education technology;

(d) to integrate technology to support and meaningfully supplement the learning of students;

(e) to teach effectively in traditional, online-only, and blended classrooms;

(f) to design, administer, and review educational assessments in a meaningful and ethical manner;

(g) in early childhood development and learning, if it is an Early Childhood Education (K-3), or Elementary (K-6); and

(h) in a specific content area resulting in an endorsement added to the license area, if it is an Elementary (1-8) program.

B. The standards shall be applied to the specific age group or grade level for which the program of preparation is designed.

(1) An Early Childhood Education (K-3) program shall focus primarily on early childhood development and learning.

(2) An Elementary (K-6) shall include both early childhood development and learning and elementary content and pedagogy.

(3) An Elementary (1-8) shall focus primarily on elementary content and pedagogy.

C. A teacher holding an Elementary (1-8) license area may earn an Early Childhood (K-3) license area by completing specific coursework requirements established by USOE.

D. An Elementary (1-8) license permits the teacher to teach in any academic area in self-contained classes in grades 1-8.

E. An Elementary (1-8) license permits the teacher to teach specific content courses at the 7th or 8th grade level only if the teacher's license includes the appropriate endorsement.

 

R277-504-5. Secondary (6-12) License Area.

A. A Secondary (6-12) license area with endorsement(s) is valid in grades six through twelve.

B. A Secondary (6-12) license area requires a major or major equivalent in a content area, but the teacher cannot teach in an elementary self-contained class.

C. The Board may approve the secondary educator preparation program of an institution if the program:

(1) is an undergraduate level program and requires candidates to have completed:

(a) an approved content area or teaching major consistent with subjects taught in Utah secondary schools; and

(b) content coursework reasonably equivalent to that required for individuals completing a non-teaching degree in the subject; or

(2) Is a graduate level program and requires candidates to have completed:

(a) a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited university; and

(b) coursework equivalent to the minimum requirements for an endorsement as established by USOE, including the appropriate content knowledge assessment; and

(3) includes coursework specifically designed to prepare candidates:

(a) with the technical skills necessary to utilize common education technology;

(b) to integrate technology to support and meaningfully supplement the learning of students;

(c) to teach effectively in traditional, online-only, and blended classrooms;

(d) to design, administer, and review educational assessments in a meaningful and ethical manner; and

(e) to include literacy and quantitative learning objectives in content specific classes in alignment with the Utah Core Standards.

D. After completing a Board-approved Secondary (6-12) educator preparation program, the license area shall be endorsed for all subjects in which the candidate has met the course requirements for the endorsement as established by USOE.

(1) A content area or teaching major requires not fewer than 30 semester hours of credit in one content area.

(2) An endorsement requires not fewer than 16 semester hours of credit in one content area.

 

R277-504-6. Special Education (K-12+) and Preschool Special Education (Birth-Age 5).

A. The Board may approve an institution's special education teacher preparation program if the program is aligned with the 2011 Council for Exceptional Children Special Education Standards for Professional Practice and is focused in one or more of the following special education areas:

(1) Mild/Moderate Disabilities

(2) Severe Disabilities

(3) Deaf and Hard of Hearing;

(4) Blind and Visually Impaired; or

(5) Preschool Special Education (Birth-Age 5).

B. The Board may issue teachers who hold Special Education (K-12+) license areas additional endorsements if all endorsement requirements are met. Teachers who hold only a Special Education (K-12+) license area may only be assigned as a teacher of record of students with disabilities.

C. The Board may approve a special education preparation program of an institution if the program includes coursework specifically designed to train candidates to:

(1) understand the legal and ethical issues surrounding special education;

(2) work with other school personnel to implement and evaluate academic and behavior interventions for the purpose of identification of students with disabilities;

(3) provide the necessary specialized instruction, as per IEPs, to students with disabilities, including

(a) core content and content specific pedagogy;

(b) knowledge of the role of regular education teachers, related service providers, and paraeducators in the education of students with disabilities;

(c) skills in implementing and assessing the results of research and evidence-based interventions for students with disabilities;

(d) skills in assessing and addressing the educational needs and progress of students with disabilities; and

(e) skills in the implementation of an specialized educational program with accommodations and modifications, as needed, that supplements the Utah Core Standards, as per an IEP, for students with disabilities.

D. The Board shall issue Blind and Visually Impaired/Deaf and Hard of Hearing Endorsements required under this rule to meet the highest requirements in the State applicable to a specific profession or discipline required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 2004 (IDEA), Pub. L. No. 108-446, hereby incorporated by reference.

E. Preschool Special Education (Birth-Age 5) license holders who teach children who are hearing impaired (Birth-Age 5) or vision impaired (Birth-Age 5) or both, in self-contained, categorical classrooms shall hold an endorsement for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (Birth-Age 5) or Blind and Visually Impaired (Birth-Age 5) or both.

 

R277-504-7. Miscellaneous.

The Middle Level license (5-9) continues to be valid; however, the Board has not issued a middle level license (5-9) since April 1, 1989 and it is no longer required of teachers or issued to teachers assigned to the middle school.

 

KEY: teacher licensing, professional education[, accreditation]

Date of Enactment or Last Substantive Amendment: [July 8, 2008]2014

Notice of Continuation: September 2, 2014

Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: Art X Sec 3; 53A-1-402(1)(a); 53A-1-401(3)