department of education

Professional Standards Board

Statutory Authority: 14 Delaware Code, Section 1220(a) (14 Del.C. §1220(a)) 14 DE Admin. Code 1521, 1522, 1525, 1528, 1534, 1539, 1540, 1541, 1542, 1543, 1548, 1551, 1554 and 1556

PROPOSED

PUBLIC NOTICE

Educational Impact Analysis Pursuant To 14 Del.C. Section 122(D)

1521 Standard Certificate Agriculture Teacher; 1522 Business Education Teacher; 1525 Standard Certificate English Teacher; 1528 Standard Certificate World Language Teacher Comprehensive; 1534 Standard Certificate Mathematics Teacher Secondary; 1539 Standard Certificate Social Studies Teacher Secondary; 1540 Standard Certificate Science Teacher Secondary; 1541 Standard Certificate Mathematics Teacher Middle Level; 1542 Standard Certificate Science Teacher Middle Level; 1543 Standard Certificate Art Teacher Comprehensive; 1548 Standard Certificate Music Teacher Comprehensive; 1551 Standard Certificate Physical Education Teacher Comprehensive; 1554 Standard Certificate Reading Specialist; 1556 Standard Certificate Elementary Teacher (Grades K-6)

A. Type of Regulatory Action Requested

Amendment to Existing Regulation

B. Synopsis of Subject Matter of Regulation

The Professional Standards Board, acting in cooperation and collaboration with the Department of Education, seeks the consent of the State Board of Education to amend 14 DE Admin. Code 1521 Standard Certificate Agriculture Teacher, 1522 Standard Certificate Business Education Teacher, 1525 Standard Certificate English Teacher, 1528 Standard Certificate World Language Teacher Comprehensive, 1534 Mathematics Teacher Secondary, 1539 Standard Certificate Social Studies Teacher Secondary, 1541 Standard Certificate Mathematics Teacher Middle Level, 1542 Standard Certificate Science Teacher Middle Level, 1543 Art Teacher Comprehensive, 1548 Standard Certificate Music Teacher Comprehensive, 1551 Standard Certificate Physical Education Teacher Comprehensive, 1554 Standard Certificate Reading Specialist, and 1556 Standard Certificate Elementary Teacher Certificate. It is necessary to amend these regulations to align them with changes in statute. The passage of PRAXIS™ II, a test of content knowledge, is now required, where applicable and available, in addition to academic preparation for the issuance of a Standard Certificate. The definition of “a major or its equivalent” has been added to each regulation. In addition, the requirements for a standard certificate for individuals with a bachelor’s degree by no educational experience or course work, have been amended to include a minimum of 15 credits of equivalent professional development, in addition to the passage of PRAXIS™ II in the content area to be taught.

C. Impact Criteria

1. Will the amended regulations help improve student achievement as measured against state achievement standards? The amended regulations address student achievement by establishing standards for the issuance of a standard certificate to educators who have acquired the prescribed knowledge, skill and/or education to practice in a particular area, to teach a particular subject or to instruct a particular category of students to help ensure that students are instructed by educators who are highly qualified.

2. Will the amended regulations help ensure that all students receive an equitable education? The amended regulations help to ensure that all teachers employed to teach students meet high standards and have acquired the prescribed knowledge, skill and/or education to practice in a particular area, to teach a particular subject or to instruct a particular category of students.

3. Will the amended regulations help to ensure that all students' health and safety are adequately protected? The amended regulations address educator certification, not students’ health and safety.

4. Will the amended regulations help to ensure that all students' legal rights are respected? The amended regulations address educator certification, not students’ legal rights.

5. Will the amended regulations preserve the necessary authority and flexibility of decision makers at the local board and school level? The amended regulations will preserve the necessary authority and flexibility of decision makers at the local board and school level.

6. Will the amended regulations place unnecessary reporting or administrative requirements or mandates upon decision makers at the local board and school levels? The amended regulations will not place unnecessary reporting or administrative requirements or mandates upon decision makers at the local board and school levels.

7. Will decision making authority and accountability for addressing the subjects to be regulated be placed in the same entity? The decision-making authority and accountability for addressing the subjects to be regulated rests with the Professional Standards Board, in collaboration with the Department of Education, and with the consent of the State Board of Education.

8. Will the amended regulations be consistent with and not an impediment to the implementation of other state educational policies, in particular to state educational policies addressing achievement in the core academic subjects of mathematics, science, language arts and social studies? The amended regulations will be consistent with, and not an impediment to, the implementation of other state educational policies, in particular to state educational policies addressing achievement in the core academic subjects of mathematics, science, language arts and social studies.

9. Is there a less burdensome method for addressing the purpose of the amended regulations? 14 Del.C. requires that we promulgate these regulations.

10. What is the cost to the state and to the local school boards of compliance with the amended regulations? There is no additional cost to local school boards for compliance with the regulations.

1521 Standard Certificate Agriculture Teacher

1.0 Content

This regulation shall apply to the requirements for a Standard Certificate, pursuant to 14 Del.C. §1220(a), for Agriculture Teacher.

2.0 Definitions

2.1 The following words and terms, when used in this regulation, shall have the following meaning unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

“Certification” means the issuance of a certificate, which may occur regardless of a recipient's assignment or employment status.

“Department” means the Delaware Department of Education.

“Educator” means a person licensed and certified by the State under 14 Del.C. §1202 to engage in the practice of instruction, administration or other related professional support services in Delaware public schools, including charter schools, pursuant to rules and regulations promulgated by the Standards Board approved by the State Board. The term ‘educator’ does not include substitute teachers.

“Examination of Content Knowledge” means a standardized test which measures knowledge in a specific content area, such as PRAXIS™ II.

“Fifteen (15) Credits or Their Equivalent in Professional Development” means college credits or an equivalent number of hours, with one (1) credit equating fifteen (15) hours, taken either as part of a degree program or in addition to it, from a regionally accredited college or university of a professional development provided approved by the employing school district or charter school.

“Immorality” means conduct which is inconsistent with the rules and principles of morality expected of an educator and may reasonably be found to impair an educator’s effectiveness by reason of his or her unfitness.

“License” means a credential which authorizes the holder to engage in the practice for which the license is issued.

“Major or Its Equivalent” means a minimum of thirty (30) semester hours of course work in a particular content area.

“NASDTEC” means The National Association of State Directors of Teacher.

Education and Certification. The organization represents professional standards boards, commissions and departments of education in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Department of Defense Dependent Schools, the U.S. Territories, New Zealand, and British Columbia, which are responsible for the preparation, licensure, and discipline of educational personnel.

“NCATE” means The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, a national accrediting body for schools, colleges, and departments of education authorized by the U.S. Department of Education.

“Standard Certificate” means a credential issued to certify that an educator has the prescribed knowledge, skill, or education to practice in a particular area, teach a particular subject, or teach a category of students.

“Standards Board” means the Professional Standards Board established pursuant to 14 Del.C. §1201.

“State Board” means the State Board of Education of the State pursuant to 14 Del.C. §104.

“Valid and Current License or Certificate from Another State” means a current full or permanent certificate or license issued by another state. It does not include temporary, emergency or expired certificates or licenses issued from another state.

3.0 Standard Certificate

In accordance with 14 Del.C. §1220(a), the Department shall issue a Standard Certificate as an Agriculture Teacher to an applicant who holds a valid Delaware Initial, Continuing, or Advanced License; or Standard or Professional Status Certificate issued by the Department prior to August 31, 2003, and who meets the following requirements:

3.1 Comprehensive Vocational Agriculture (required for grades 9 to 12, and valid in grades 5 to 8 in a middle level school).

3.1.1 Bachelor's degree from an regionally accredited college or university and,

3.1.2 Professional Education

3.1.2.1 Completion of an approved teacher education program in Agriculture Comprehensive or,

3.1.2.2 A minimum of 24 semester hours to include Human Development, Methods of Teaching Agriculture, Identifying and Treating Exceptionalities, Effective Teaching Strategies, Multicultural Education, and,

3.1.3 Specific Teaching Field

3.1.3.1 Major in Agriculture (with courses from at least four areas of agriculture as listed in 3.1.3.2) or,

3.1.3.2 A minimum of 30 semester hours in Agriculture to include at least one course in each of the following areas: Agricultural Economics, Animal Science, Entomology, Agricultural Engineering, Agronomy, Plant Science, and Computer Science.

3.2 Agricultural Specialist shall be required for any person engaged as an instructor in a program of specialized agricultural education such as Agricultural Mechanics, Horticulture, Agri-Business.

3.2.1 Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university and,

3.2.2 Professional Education

3.2.2.1 A minimum of 24 semester hours to include Human Development, Methods of Teaching Agriculture, Identifying and Treating Exceptionalities, Effective Teaching Strategies, Multicultural Education, and,

3.2.3 Technical Agriculture

3.2.3.1 A minimum of 15 semester hours of technical agriculture in the specialty area for which the applicant is being employed or,

3.2.3.2 Two years of successful, full time employment in an occupation directly related to the specialty area for which the applicant is being employed.

The Department shall issue a Standard Certificate as an Agriculture Teacher to an educator who holds a valid Delaware Initial, Continuing, or Advanced License; or a Limited Standard, Standard or Professional Status Certificate issued by the Department prior to August 31, 2003 who has met the following requirements:

3.1 Acquired the prescribed knowledge, skill or education to practice in a particular area, to teach a particular subject or to instruct a particular category of students by:

3.1.1 Obtaining National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification in the area, subject, or category for which a Standard Certificate is requested; or

3.1.2 Graduating from an NCATE specialty organization recognized educator preparation program or from a state approved educator preparation program, where the state approval body employed the appropriate NASDTEC or NCATE specialty organization standards, offered by a regionally accredited college or university, with a major or its equivalent in Agriculture; or

3.1.3 Satisfactorily completing the Alternative Routes for Licensure and Certification Program, the Special Institute for Licensure and Certification, or such other alternative educator preparation programs as the Secretary may approve; or

3.1.4 Holding a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university in any content area and for applicants applying after June 30, 2006 for their first Standard Certificate, satisfactory completion of fifteen (15) credits or their equivalent in professional development related to their area of certification, of which at least six (6) credits must focus on pedagogy, selected by the applicant with the approval of the employing school district or charter school which is submitted to the Department; and

3.2 For applicants applying after December 31, 2005, where a Praxis™ II examination in the area of the Standard Certificate requested is applicable and available, achieving a passing score as established by the Standards Board, in consultation with the Department and with the concurrence of the State Board, on the examination; or

3.3 Meeting the requirements for licensure and holding a valid and current license or certificate from another state in agriculture;

3.3.1 The Department shall not act on an application for certification if the applicant is under official investigation by any state or local authority with the power to issue educator licenses or certifications, where the alleged conduct involves allegations of immorality, misconduct in office, incompetence, willful neglect of duty, disloyalty or falsification of credentials, until the applicant provides evidence of the investigation’s resolution; or

3.4 Meeting the requirements for a Meritorious New Teacher Candidate Designation adopted pursuant to 14 Del.C §1203.

4.0 Effective Date

This regulation shall be effective through June 30, 2006 only. Applicants who apply for a Standard Certificate as an Agriculture Teacher after that date must comply with the requirements set forth in 14 DE Admin. Code 1516.

4.0 Multiple Certificates

Educators may hold certificates in more than one area.

5.0 Application Requirements

An applicant for a Standard Certificate shall submit:

5.1 Official transcripts; and

5.2 Official scores on the Praxis II examination if applicable and available; or

5.3 Evidence of passage of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certificate, if applicable; or

5.4 An official copy of the out of state license or certification, if applicable.

5.5 If applied for simultaneously with application for an Initial License, the applicant shall provide all required documentation for that application in addition to the documentation cited above.

6.0 Application Procedures for License Holders

If an applicant holds a valid Initial, Continuing, or Advanced Delaware License; or a Limited Standard, Standard or Professional Status Certificate issued prior to August 31, 2003 and is requesting additional Standard Certificates, only that documentation necessary to demonstrate acquisition of the prescribed knowledge, skill or education required for the additional Standard Certificate requested is required.

7.0 Effect of Regulation

8.0 Validity of a Standard Certificate

A Standard Certificate is valid regardless of the assignment or employment status of the holder of a certificate or certificates, and is not subject to renewal. It shall be revoked in the event the educator’s Initial, Continuing, or Advanced License or Limited Standard, Standard, or Professional Status Certificate is revoked in accordance with 14 DE Admin. Code 1514. An educator whose license or certificate is revoked is entitled to a full and fair hearing before the Professional Standards Board. Hearings shall be conducted in accordance with the Standards Board’s Hearing Procedures and Rules.

9.0 Secretary of Education Review

The Secretary of Education may, upon the written request of the superintendent of a local school district or charter school administrator or other employing authority, review credentials submitted in application for a Standard Certificate on an individual basis and grant a Standard Certificate to an applicant who otherwise does not meet the requirements for a Standard Certificate, but whose effectiveness is documented by the local school district or charter school administrator or other employing authority.

7 DE Reg. 775 (12/1/03)

1522 Standard Certificate Business Education Teacher

1.0 Content

This regulation shall apply to the requirements for a Standard Certificate, pursuant to 14 Del.C. 1220(a), for Business Education Teacher (required for grades 9 to 12, and valid in grades 5 to 8 in a middle level school).

2.0 Definitions

2.1 The following words and terms, when used in this regulation, shall have the following meaning unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

“Certification” means the issuance of a certificate, which may occur regardless of a recipient's assignment or employment status.

“Department” means the Delaware Department of Education.

“Educator” means a person licensed and certified by the State under 14 Del.C. §1202 to engage in the practice of instruction, administration or other related professional support services in Delaware public schools, including charter schools, pursuant to rules and regulations promulgated by the Standards Board and approved by the State Board. The term ‘educator’ does not include substitute teachers.

“Examination of Content Knowledge” means a standardized test which measures knowledge in a specific content area, such as PRAXIS™ II.

“Fifteen (15) Credits or Their Equivalent in Professional Development” means college credits or an equivalent number of hours, with one (1) credit equating to fifteen (15) hours, taken either as part of a degree program or in addition to it, from a regionally accredited college or university or a professional development provider approved by the employing school district or charter school.

“License” means a credential which authorizes the holder to engage in the practice for which the license is issued.

“Major in Business” means a major in business administration or management, or a related field, including, but not limited to, accounting, economics, finance or marketing.

“Major or its Equivalent” means a minimum of thirty (30) semester hours of course work in a particular content area.

“NASDTEC” means The National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification. The organization represents professional standards boards, commissions and departments of education in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Department of Defense Dependent Schools, the U.S. Territories, New Zealand, and British Columbia, which are responsible for the preparation, licensure, and discipline of educational personnel.

“Standards Board” means the Professional Standards Board established pursuant to 14 Del.C. §1201.

“State Board” means the State Board of Education of the State pursuant to 14 Del.C. §104.

3.0 Standard Certificate

In accordance with 14 Del.C. 1220(a), the Department shall issue a Standard Certificate as a Business Education Teacher to an applicant who holds a valid Delaware Initial, Continuing, or Advanced License; or Standard or Professional Status Certificate issued by the Department prior to August 31, 2003, and who meets the following requirements:

3.1 Professional Education

3.1.1 Completion of an approved teacher preparation program in the area of Business Education or,

3.1.2 A minimum of 27 semester hours to include Human Development, Methods of Teaching Basic Business Subjects, Methods of Teaching Business Information Systems, Identifying and Treating Exceptionalities, Effective Teaching Strategies, Multicultural Education, and,

3.2 Specific Teaching Field

3.2.1 Completion of a teacher education program in the area of Business Education or,

3.2.2 A minimum of 42 semester hours as specified below:

3.2.2.1 Accounting (6 semester hours)

3.2.2.2 Document Formatting (3 semester hours)

3.2.2.3 Business Information Systems (3 semester hours)

3.2.2.4 Business Computer Software Applications (6 semester hours)

3.2.2.5 Electronic Office Procedures (3 semester hours)

3.2.2.6 Business Communications (3 semester hours)

3.2.2.7 Business Mathematics (3 semester hours)

3.2.2.8 Business Economics (3 semester hours)

3.2.2.9 Electives in Business (12 semester hours)

3.2.3 Alternative Certification of individuals with business experience as a substitute for course work in 3.2.2.

3.2.3.1 For each 4000 hours of business experience in a field appropriate to the course areas listed above, credit for 3 semester hours of that course work can be approved by the Department of Education for the purpose of certification.

3.2.3.2 At a minimum, an individual in this situation will have to complete or verify completion of the 12 semester hours of elective course work in Business (as well as the course work in Professional Education) to obtain the Standard Certificate.

3.3 Endorsement for Teaching Information Systems and Services Business Education Courses in Career Technical Schools shall be required of teachers in career technical schools teaching information systems and services courses in business education programs.

3.3.1 Standard Certificate in Business Education and nine semester hours of elective course work selected from the following:

3.3.1.1 Principles of Business Data Processing

3.3.1.2 COBOL Programming

3.3.1.3 Data Base Systems

3.3.1.4 Systems Analysis and Design

3.3.1.5 Programming Language Principles

3.3.1.6 RPG Programming.

3.3.2 This elective course work can satisfy part of the elective requirements specified in 3.3.1.

The Department shall issue a Standard Certificate as a Business Education Teacher to an educator who holds a valid Delaware Initial, Continuing or Advanced License; or Limited Standard, Standard, or Professional Status Certificate issued prior to August 31, 2003, who has met the following requirements:

3.1 Acquired the prescribed knowledge, skill or education to practice in a particular area, to teach a particular subject or to instruct a particular category of students by:

3.1.1 Obtaining National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification in the area, subject, or category for which a Standard Certificate is requested; or

3.1.4 Holding a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university in any content area and for applicants applying after June 30, 2006 for their first Standard Certificate, satisfactory completion of fifteen (15) credits or their equivalent in professional development related to their area of certification. Of which at least six (6) credits must focus on pedagogy, selected by the applicant with the approval of the employing school district or charter school which is submitted to the Department; and

3.3 Meeting the requirements for licensure and holding a valid and current license or certificate from another state in Business Education.

3.4 Meeting the requirements for a Meritorious New Teacher Candidate Designation adopted pursuant to 14 Del.C §1203.

4.0 Effective Date

This regulation shall be effective through June 30, 2006 only. Applicants who apply for a Standard Certificate as a Business Education teacher after that date must comply with the requirements set forth in 14 Del.C. §1516.

4.0 Multiple Certificates

Educators may hold certificates in more than one area.

5.0 Application Requirements

An applicant for a Standard Certificate shall submit:

5.1 Official transcripts; and

5.2 Official scores on the Praxis II examination if applicable and available; or

5.3 Evidence of passage of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certificate, if applicable; or

5.4 An official copy of the out of state license or certification, if applicable.

5.5 If applied for simultaneously with application for an Initial License, the applicant shall provide all required documentation for that application in addition to the documentation cited above.

6.0 Application Procedures for License Holders

7.0 Effect of Regulation

8.0 Validity of a Standard Certificate

9.0 Secretary of Education Review

7 DE Reg. 775 (12/1/03)

1525 Standard Certificate English Teacher

1.0 Content

This regulation shall apply to the requirements for a Standard Certificate, pursuant to 14 Del.C. §1220(a), for English Teacher (required for grades 9 to 12, and valid in grades 7 to 8 5 to 8 in a middle level school).

2.0 Definitions

2.1 The following words and terms, when used in this regulation, shall have the following meaning unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

“Certification” means the issuance of a certificate, which may occur regardless of a recipient's assignment or employment status.

“Department” means the Delaware Department of Education.

“Examination of Content Knowledge” means a standardized test which measures knowledge in a specific content area, such as PRAXIS™ II.

“License” means a credential which authorizes the holder to engage in the practice for which the license is issued.

“Major or Its Equivalent” means a minimum of thirty (30) semester hours of course work in a particular content area.

“NASDTEC” means The National Association of State Directors of Teacher

“Standards Board” means the Professional Standards Board established pursuant to 14 Del.C. §1201.

“State Board” means the State Board of Education of the State pursuant to 14 Del.C. §104.

3.0 Standard Certificate

In accordance with 14 Del.C. §1220(a), the Department shall issue a Standard Certificate as an English Teacher to an applicant who holds a valid Delaware Initial, Continuing, or Advanced License; or Standard or Professional Status Certificate issued by the Department prior to August 31, 2003, and who meets the following requirements:

3.1 Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university and,

3.2 Professional Education

3.2.1 Completion of an approved teacher education program in English or,

3.2.2 A minimum of 27 semester hours to include Human Development, Methods of Teaching

3.2.3 Secondary English (to include written composition and oral communication), Teaching of Reading, Identifying and Treating Exceptionalities, Effective Teaching Strategies,

3.2.4 Multicultural Education, and,

3.3 Specific Teaching Field

3.3.1 Completion of a major in English or,

3.3.2 Completion of an approved teacher education program in English or,

3.3.3 A minimum of 36 semester hours in English with at least one course in each of the following areas: Fundamentals of Speech, Advanced Written Composition, Linguistics, History of the English Language, Adolescent Literature, American Literature, English Literature, World Literature (other than American or English), Contemporary Literature.

The Department shall issue a Standard Certificate as an English Teacher to an educator who holds a valid Delaware Initial, Continuing, or Advanced License; or a Limited Standard, Standard or Professional Status Certificate issued by the Department prior to August 31, 2003 who has met the following requirements:

3.1 Acquired the prescribed knowledge, skill or education to practice in a particular area, to teach a particular subject or to instruct a particular category of students by:

3.1.1 Obtaining National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification in the area, subject, or category for which a Standard Certificate is requested; or

3.2 For applicants applying after December 31, 2005, where a Praxis™ II examination in the area of the Standard Certificate requested applicable and available, achieving a passing score as established by the Standards Board, in consultation with the Department and with the concurrence of the State Board, on the examination; or

3.3 Meeting the requirements for licensure and holding a valid and current license or certificate from another state in English;

3.4 Meeting the requirements for a Meritorious New Teacher Candidate Designation adopted pursuant to 14 Del.C §1203.

4.0 Effective Date

This regulation shall be effective through June 30, 2006 only. Applicants who apply for a Standard Certificate as an English Teacher after that date must comply with the requirements set forth in 14 Del.C. §1516.

4.0 Multiple Certificates

Educators may hold certificates in more than one area.

5.0 Application Requirements

An applicant for a Standard Certificate shall submit:

5.1 Official transcripts; and

5.2 Official scores on the Praxis II examination if applicable and available; or

5.3 Evidence of passage of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certificate, if applicable; or

5.4 An official copy of the out of state license or certification, if applicable.

5.5 If applied for simultaneously with application for an Initial License, the applicant shall provide all required documentation for that application in addition to the documentation cited above.

6.0 Application Procedures for License Holders

7.0 Effect of Regulation

8.0 Validity of a Standard Certificate

9.0 Secretary of Education Review

7 DE Reg. 775 (12/1/03)

1528 Standard Certificate World Language Teacher Comprehensive

1.0 Content

1.1 This regulation shall apply to the requirements for a Standard Certificate, pursuant to 14 Del.C. §1220(a), for World Language Teacher Comprehensive (Grades K to 12).

2.0 Definitions

2.1 The following words and terms, when used in this regulation, shall have the following meaning unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

“Certification” means the issuance of a certificate, which may occur regardless of a recipient's assignment or employment status.

“Department” means the Delaware Department of Education.

“Educator” means a person licensed and certified by the State under 14 Del.C. §1202 to engage in the practice of instruction, administration or other related professional support services in Delaware public schools, including charter schools, pursuant to rules and regulations promulgated by the Standards Board and approved by the State Board. The term ‘educator’ does not include substitute teachers.

“Examination of Content Knowledge” means a standardized test which measures knowledge in a specific content area, such as PRAXIS™ II.

“Fifteen (15) Credits or Their Equivalent in Professional Development” means college credits or an equivalent number of hours, with one (1) credit equating to fifteen (15) hours taken either as part of a degree program or in addition to it, from a regionally accredited college or university or a professional development provider approved by the employing school district or charter school.

“License” means a credential which authorizes the holder to engage in the practice for which the license is issued.

“Major or Its Equivalent” means a minimum of thirty (30) semester hours of course work in a particular content area.

“Standards Board” means the Professional Standards Board established pursuant to 14 Del.C. §1201.

“State Board” means the State Board of Education of the State pursuant to 14 Del.C. §104.

3.0 Standard Certificate

In accordance with 14 Del.C. §1220(a), the Department shall issue a Standard Certificate as a World Language Teacher Comprehensive to an applicant educator who holds a valid Delaware Initial, Continuing, or Advanced License; or Limited Standard, Standard or Professional Status Certificate issued by the Department prior to August 31, 2003, and who meets has met the following requirements:

3.1 A bachelor's degree from an NCATE specialty organization recognized educator preparation program offered by a regionally accredited college or university, with a major in the world language for which a Standard Certificate is sought; or

3.2 A bachelor’s degree from a state approved educator preparation program offered by a regionally accredited college or university, with a major in the world language for which a Standard Certificate is sought, where the state approval body employed the appropriate NASDTEC standards or NCATE specialty organization standards; or

3.3 A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university, with a major in any field, and passage of the appropriate PRAXIS™ II tests approved by the Standards Board and the State Board in the world language for which a Standard Certificate is sought; or

3.4 A bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university, with a major in any field; and

3.4.1 Where no PRAXIS™ II test is available, nationally recognized equivalent tests, such as the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Oral Proficiency Interview and the ACTFL Writing Proficiency Test, may be substituted, in conjunction with completion of the courses set forth in 3.4.2 and 3.4.3 below. For tests of languages using a Roman alphabet, candidates are required to achieve an Advanced Low Level on the oral skills and an Advanced Low Level on the writing skills based on the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines. For tests of languages using a non Roman alphabet, an Advanced Low Level on the oral skills and an Intermediate High level on the writing skills based on the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines are required; and

3.4.2 A minimum of twelve (12) semester hours of language pedagogy courses from a regionally accredited college or university, taken either as part of a degree program or independent of it, to include at least three (3) credits in each of the following:

3.4.2.1 Standards and Approaches in Teaching World or Second Language;

3.4.2.2 Second Language Acquisition

3.4.2.3 Assessment and Testing in Second Languages;

3.4.2.4 Curriculum Design and Classroom Management for World or Second Language; and

3.4.3 A minimum of three (3) semester hours of general education courses from a regionally accredited college or university, taken either as part of a degree program or independent of it, chosen from among the courses listed below:

3.4.3.1 Human Development or Educational Psychology;

3.4.3.2 Identifying and Treating Exceptionalities;

3.4.3.3 Multicultural Education or International Education.

3.1 Acquired the prescribed knowledge, skill or education to practice in a particular area, to teach a particular subject or to instruct a particular category of students by:

3.1.1 Obtaining National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification in the area, subject, or category for which a Standard Certificate is requested; or

3.1.4 Holding a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university in any content area and for applicants applying after June 30, 2006 for their first Standard Certificate, satisfactory completion of fifteen (15) credits or their equivalent in professional development related to their area of certification, of which at least six (6) credits must focus on pedagogy, selected by the applicant with the approval of the employing school district or charter school which is submitted to the Department; and

3.2 For applicants applying after December 31, 2005, where a Praxis™ II examination in the area of the Standard Certificate requested is applicable and available, achieving a passing score, as established by the Standards Board, in consultation with the Department and with the concurrence of the State Board, on the examination.

3.2.1 Where no PRAXIS II test is available, nationally recognized equivalent tests, such as the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Oral Proficiency Interview and the ACTFL Writing Proficiency Test, may be substituted, in conjunction with completion of the courses set forth in 3.4.2 and 3.4.3 below. For tests of languages using a Roman alphabet, candidates are required to achieve an Advanced Low Level on the oral skills and an Advanced Low Level on the writing skills based on the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines. For tests of languages using a non-Roman alphabet, an Advanced Low Level on the oral skills and an Intermediate High level on the writing skills based on the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines are required; and

3.3 Meeting the requirements for licensure and holding a valid and current license or certificate from another state in a world language;

3.4 Meeting the requirements for a Meritorious New Teacher Candidate Designation adopted pursuant to 14 Del.C. §1203.

4.0 Multiple Certificates

Educators may hold certificates in more than one area.

5.0 Application Requirements

An applicant for a Standard Certificate shall submit:

5.1 Official transcripts; and

5.2 Official scores on the Praxis II examination if applicable and available; or

5.3 Evidence of passage of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certificate, if applicable; or

5.4 An official copy of the out of state license or certification, if applicable.

5.5 If applied for simultaneously with application for an Initial License, the applicant shall provide all required documentation for that application in addition to the documentation cited above.

6.0 Application Procedures for License Holders

7.0 Effect of Regulation

8.0 Validity of a Standard Certificate

9.0 Secretary of Education Review

9 DE Reg. 558 (10/1/05)

1534 Standard Certificate Mathematics Teacher Secondary

1.0 Content

This regulation shall apply to the requirements for a Standard Certificate, pursuant to 14 Del.C. §1220(a), for Mathematics Teacher Secondary (required for grades 7 9 to 12, and valid in grades 5 to 6 5 to 8 in a middle level school).

2.0 Definitions

2.1 The following words and terms, when used in this regulation, shall have the following meaning unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

“Certification” means the issuance of a certificate, which may occur regardless of a recipient's assignment or employment status.

“Department” means the Delaware Department of Education.

“Educator” means a person licensed and certified by the State under 14 Del.C. §1202 to engage in the practice of instruction, administration or other related professional support services in Delaware public schools, including charter schools, pursuant to rules and regulations promulgated by the Standards Board and approved by the State Board. The term ‘educator’ does not include substitute teachers.

“Examination of Content Knowledge” means a standardized test which measures knowledge in a specific content area, such as PRAXIS™ II.

“License” means a credential which authorizes the holder to engage in the practice for which the license is issued.

“Major or Its Equivalent” means a minimum of thirty (30) semester hours of course work in a particular content area.

“Standards Board” means the Professional Standards Board established pursuant to 14 Del.C. §1201.

“State Board” means the State Board of Education of the State pursuant to 14 Del.C. §104.

“Valid and Current License or Certificate from Another State” means a current full or permanent certificate or license issued by another state. It does not include temporary, emergency or expired certificates or licenses issued from another state.

3.0 Standard Certificate

In accordance with 14 Del.C. §1220(a), the Department shall issue a Standard Certificate as a Mathematics Teacher Secondary to an applicant who holds a valid Delaware Initial, Continuing, or Advanced License; or Standard or Professional Status Certificate issued by the Department prior to August 31, 2003, and who meets the following requirements:

3.1 Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university and,

3.2 Professional Education

3.2.1 Completion of an approved teacher education program in Mathematics or,

3.2.2 Minimum of 24 semester hours including Human Development, Methods of Teaching Secondary Mathematics (including the use of technology in the classroom), Identifying and Treating Exceptionalities, Effective Teaching Strategies, Multicultural Education, and,

3.3 Specific Teaching Field

3.3.1 Major in Mathematics or,

3.3.2 Completion of an approved teacher education program in Mathematics or,

3.3.3 Minimum of 36 semester hours in mathematics to include: Calculus, with analytical geometry (2 courses), Advanced Geometry, Linear Algebra, Abstract Algebra, Discrete Math, Statistics and Probability, Computer Science, Mathematical Models and Applications and History of Math or Science.

The Department shall issue a Standard Certificate as a Mathematics Teacher to an educator who holds a valid Delaware Initial, Continuing, or Advanced License; or a Limited Standard, Standard or Professional Status Certificate issued by the Department prior to August 31, 2003 who has met the following requirements:

3.1 Acquired the prescribed knowledge, skill or education to practice in a particular area, to teach a particular subject or to instruct a particular category of students by:

3.1.1 Obtaining National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification in the area, subject, or category for which a Standard Certificate is requested; or

3.1.3 Satisfactorily completing the Alternative Routes for Licensure and

Certification Program, the Special Institute for Licensure and Certification, or such other alternative educator preparation programs as the Secretary may approve; or

3.3 Meeting the requirements for licensure and holding a valid and current license or certificate from another state in Mathematics;

3.4 Meeting the requirements for a Meritorious New Teacher Candidate Designation adopted pursuant to 14 Del.C §1203.

4.0 Effective Date

This regulation shall be effective through June 30, 2006 only. Applicants who apply for a Standard Certificate as a Mathematics Teacher Secondary after that date must comply with the requirements set forth in 14 Del.C. §1516.

4.0 Multiple Certificates

Educators may hold certificates in more than one area.

5.0 Application Requirements

An applicant for a Standard Certificate shall submit:

5.1 Official transcripts; and

5.2 Official scores on the Praxis II examination if applicable and available; or

5.3 Evidence of passage of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards Certificate, if applicable; or

5.4 An official copy of the out of state license or certification, if applicable.

5.5 If applied for simultaneously with application for an Initial License, the applicant shall provide all required documentation for that application in addition to the documentation cited above.

6.0 Application Procedures for License Holders

7.0 Effect of Regulation

8.0 Validity of a Standard Certificate

9.0 Secretary of Education Review

7 DE Reg. 775 (12/1/03)

1539 Standard Certificate Social Studies Teacher Secondary

1.0 Content

This regulation shall apply to the requirements for a Standard Certificate, pursuant to 14 Del.C. §1220(a), for Social Studies Teacher Secondary (required for grades 9 to 12, and valid in grades 5 to 8 in a middle level school).