Having teachers who have broad training within a subject area allows schools more flexibility in their course offerings, without forcing them to hire more teachers. In response to concerns expressed during public hearings, some of the specific areas of emphasis that had been integrated into broad areas of endorsement were reinstated in the design. They include history, biology, chemistry and physics. Some other components added to the design since it was first brought to the board two years ago are requirements for awarding restricted and provisional teaching licenses, procedures for adding a new endorsement to a current license, and a regulation concerning military leave which allows the board to respond to licensing issues for educators who must serve their country in emergency situations. Once reviewed by the Department of Administration and the attorney general, the proposal will come back to the board, which will set dates for public hearings on the design.
Candidates choose the assessment level appropriate for their educational training.
If the certificate holder has already completed the Professional Knowledge test and achieved a passing score, it may be submitted if an application for the standard three year certificate is received prior to July 1, 2004. If the PK test is not completed before this date, a qualifying score for the Principles of Learning and Teaching will need to be submitted with the application packet for the three year initial certificate. Some of the letters were returned for incorrect addresses. Please inform any employees who may have these types of certificates of the testing changes. All tests continue to be administered by Educational Testing Services.