Regulatory Implementing Order
1510 Issuance of Initial License
I. Summary Of The Evidence And Information Submitted
The Professional Standards Board, acting in cooperation and consultation with the Department of Education, seeks the consent of the State Board of Education to amend regulation 1510 Issuance of Initial License. This regulation applies to the issuance an initial license as established by 14 Del.C. §1210. The amendment to this regulation is necessary to define and clarify the forms of PRAXIS I tests which are acceptable in applying the composite score, set forth procedures for the suspension of a license for failure to pass PRAXIS I, and define two years of college or technical training as applied to trade and industry teachers. The amendment also clarifies that an individual under investigation by another state will not be issued a license until there is a favorable resolution to the investigative proceeding.
Notice of the proposed amendment of the regulation was published in the News Journal and the Delaware State News on November 26, 2003, in the form hereto attached as Exhibit “A”. The notice invited written comments. No comments were received.
II. Findings Of Facts
The Professional Standards Board and the State Board of Education find that it is appropriate to amend this regulation to comply with changes in statute regarding the licensure of educators.
III. Decision To Adopt The Regulation
For the foregoing reasons, the Professional Standards Board and the State Board of Education conclude that it is appropriate to amend the regulation. Therefore, pursuant to 14 Del.C. §1205(b), the regulation attached hereto as Exhibit “B” is hereby adopted. Pursuant to the provision of 14 Del.C. §122(e), the regulation hereby amended shall be in effect for a period of five years from the effective date of this order as set forth in Section V. below.
IV. Text And Citation
The text of the regulation amended shall be in the form attached hereto as Exhibit “B”, and said regulation shall be cited as 14 DE Admin. Code §1510 in the Regulations of the Department of Education.
V. Effective Date Of Order
The effective date of this Order shall be ten (10) days from the date this Order is published in the Delaware Register of Regulations.
APPROVED BY THE PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS BOARD THE 5TH DAY of FEBRUARY, 2004
Harold Roberts, Chair Leslie Holden
Sharon Brittingham Carla Lawson
Heath Chasanov Mary Mirabeau
Patricia Clements John Pallace
Edward Czerwinski Karen Schilling Ross
Karen Gordon Carol Vukelich
Barbara Grogg Geraldine A. Williams
Bruce Harter
FOR IMPLEMENTATION BY THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION:
Valerie A. Woodruff, Secretary of Education
IT IS SO ORDERED this 19th day of February, 2004
STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
Dr. Joseph A. Pika, President
Jean W. Allen, Vice President
Richard M. Farmer, Jr.
Mary B. Graham, Esquire
Valarie Pepper
Dennis J. Savage
Dr. Claibourne D. Smith
1510 Issuance of Initial License
1.0 Content: This regulation shall apply to the issuance of an initial license for educators, pursuant to 14 Del.C. §1210.
2.0 Definitions: The following words and terms, when used in this regulation, shall have the following meaning unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
“Alternative Routes to Licensure and Certification” means programs approved by the Department of Education to certify or license candidates who hold bachelors[’ ]degrees with appropriate to the instructional field they desire to teach, but who did not complete a regionally accredited educator preparation program.
“Composite Score” means a total of an applicant’s scores on all three (3) subtests of PRAXIS I which is equal to, or greater than, the sum of the passing scores on the three subtests. Scores from either the PRAXIS I (PPST) paper and pencil test and/or from the PRAXIS I (CPPST) computerized test may be used when applying the composite score provision. Scores from the PRAXIS I computer based test (CBT) may be used when applying the composite score provision, but may not be used in conjunction with scores from the PRAXIS I (PPST) paper and pencil test and/or with the PRAXIS I (CPPST) computerized test.
“Date of Hire” means the effective date of employment by a school district, charter school, or other employing authority.
“Department” means the Delaware Department of Education.
“Educator” means a public school employee who holds a license issued under the provisions of 14 Del.C., Ch[.apter] 12, and includes teachers, specialists, and administrators, and as otherwise defined by the Standards Board and the State Board, pursuant to 14 Del.C. §1203, but does not include substitute teachers.
“Examination of General Knowledge” means a standardized test which measures general knowledge and essential skills in mathematics or quantitative and verbal skills, including reading and writing.
“Exigent Circumstances” means unanticipated circumstances or circumstances beyond the educator’s control, including, but not limited to, expiration of a license during the school year, serious illness of the educator or a member of his/her immediate family, activation to active military duty, and other serious emergencies which necessitate the educator’s temporarily leaving active service.
“Jurisdiction” means a state, territory or country.
“License” means a credential which authorizes the holder to engage in the practice for which the license is issued.
“Mentoring” means activities prescribed by the Department and/or other employing authority in which a holder of an initial license must engage during the three-year term of the initial license.
“Novice Applicant” means an applicant who has not previously held an initial license in Delaware.
“PRAXIS I or “PPST” means a test from Educational Testing Service of general knowledge in reading, writing, and mathematics.
“PRAXIS I CBT” means the discontinued PRAXIS I computer based test from Educational Testing Service taken between November 1993 and December 2001, with a possible score range of 300 to 335. Scores from the PRAXIS I CBT test may not be combined with scores from the PRAXIS I paper and pencil test or the PRAXIS I computerized test (CPPST) to derive a composite score.
“PRAXIS I CPPST” means the PRAXIS I computerized test from Educational Testing Service which began in January 2002. This test, which is delivered in a computer format, has a possible score range of 150 to 190. Scores from the CPPST and the PRAXIS I (PPST) paper and pencil test may be combined for a composite scores.
[“Standard Certificate” means a credential issued to certify that an educator has the prescribed knowledge, skill and/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.
“Student Teaching Program” means a [traditional student teaching] placement within a National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification or National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education approved program offered by a college or university, or such alternatives as deemed appropriate to the program, such as supervised internships or other field based experience recognized as a required component of the regionally accredited educator preparation program. For the purposes of this regulation, student teaching program also means one year of teaching experience within the last year consisting of a minimum of 91 days of long term teaching experience at one assignment during which regular evaluations were conducted, evidencing at least satisfactory performance.
“Suspension” means the temporary removal of an initial license for failure to pass the PRAXIS I test.
3.0 In accordance with 14 Del.C. §1210, the Department shall issue an initial license to a novice applicant who submits evidence of (1) receipt of a bachelor[’]s degree from a regionally accredited 4-year college or university; (2) completion of a student teaching program, or one year of teaching experience consisting of a minimum of 91 days of long term teaching experience at one assignment or enrollment in an Alternative Routes to Licensure and Certification program, and (3) a passing score on an examination of general knowledge, such as PRAXIS I, or such other alternative as may be established by the Standards Board, with the approval of the State Board. For the purposes of this regulation, a bachelor’s degree for a trades and industry teacher shall be two (2) years of college or technical training, plus six (6) years of trade experience. An initial license shall also be issued to an applicant currently licensed as an educator in another jurisdiction with less than three years of teaching experience or to an applicant who previously held a valid Delaware standard or professional status certificate who has been out of the profession for more than three years. In addition to an initial license, applicants must also apply for a standard certificate in the particular area, subject, or category in which they wish to be employed, and must verify that they possess the prescribed knowledge, skill and/or education to practice in that area, subject, or category. (See 14 DE Admin. Code 1516).
3.1 An applicant for an initial license shall submit the [completed] application form, official transcripts, and official scores on an examination of general knowledge, such as the PRAXIS I tests in any format, as defined in 2.0, to the Department.
3.1.1 Official transcripts shall be forwarded directly from the issuing institution or by the applicant in an unopened, unaltered envelope.
3.2 Examination of General Knowledge Requirements
3.2.1 An applicant seeking initial licensure in Delaware shall provide the Department with official test scores for one or more of the following tests of essential skills in reading, writing and mathematics: the PRAXIS I Tests (PPST) or such alternatives as set forth in 3.2.4 below.
3.2.2 Scores of Examinations of General Knowledge.
3.2.2.1 The following minimum passing scores are required in the areas of reading, writing and mathematics for each of the examinations of essential skills.
3.2.2.1.1 Pre-professional Skills Test PPST) Ttaken between 7/1/83 and 10/22/93: reading - 175, mathematics - 175, writing - 172.
3.2.2.1.2 PRAXIS I (PPST)- Paper and Pencil Tests (Tests and thereafter[)], with a possible score range of 150 to 190.[)] and PRAXIS I cComputerized pPre-pProfessional sSkills tTests taken 1/1/02 and thereafter:, both of which have a possible score range of 150 to 190, with passing scores of: reading - 175, mathematics - 174, writing - 173.
3.2.2.1.3 PRAXIS I - Computer Based Tests (CBT) (Tests taken on between 10/23/93 and thereafter 12/31/01), with passing scores of: reading - 322, mathematics - 319, writing - 319.
3.2.3 Individuals holding Delaware certificates issued prior to July 1, 1983 are exempt from the testing requirements.
3.2.4 Acceptable alternatives to the PRAXIS I test scores include:
3.2.4.1 Scores from the California Test of Basic Skills (CTBS) shall be accepted in lieu of PPST/PRAXIS I scores if the test was taken as a condition of meeting certification or licensure requirements in that state and the scores total 123, with a minimum of at least 37 in each category.
3.2.4.2 Scholastic Aptitude Tests (SAT) taken after 4/1/95 and presented for exemption must meet the scores set forth below due to a re-centering of the SAT.
3.2.4.2.1 A minimum score of 520 on the SAT Mathematics taken prior to 4/1/95, and a minimum score of 540 on the SAT Mathematics test taken thereafter will be accepted as fulfillment of the PRAXIS I Mathematics requirement.
3.2.4.2.2 A minimum score of 480 on the SAT Verbal test taken prior to 4/1/95, and a minimum score of 560 on the SAT verbal test taken thereafter will be accepted as fulfillment of the PRAXIS I reading requirement.
3.2.4.3 Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores presented for exemption must meet the scores set forth below.
3.2.4.3.1 A minimum score of 490 on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Verbal test will be accepted as fulfillment of the PRAXIS I reading requirement.
3.2.4.3.2 . A minimum score of 540 on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Quantitative test will be accepted as fulfillment of the PRAXIS I mathematics requirement.
3.2.4.4 National Teacher Examination (NTE) Core Battery Communications Skills with a minimum score of 670 will be accepted as fulfillment of the PRAXIS I writing requirement.
3.2.5 Any Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores, Graduate Records Exam (GRE) scores or NTE Communication Skills scores intended to be used as an exemption for the PPST/PRAXIS I, shall be submitted within the same timeline as that required for PRAXIS I and scores must pre-date the employment date.
3.2.6 Timeline for Examination of General Knowledge.
3.2.6.1 An applicant for an initial license must pass the three PRAXIS I (PPST) tests in any format or an approved alternative within the period of time from the date of hire to the end of the next, consecutive fiscal year.
[3.2.6.1.1 Evidence of passage of PRAXIS I within the time period of the suspension shall result in the reinstatement of the initial license.
3.2.6.1.[1 2] If proof of passage of PRAXIS I is not provided by the end of the next consecutive fiscal year, the initial license shall be suspended for a maximum of two years.
3.2.6.1.[2 3] Suspension.
3.2.6.1.[2 3]1 An applicant who does not pass PRAXIS I during the time period of the suspension, and whose initial license is expired, must reapply and may be issued an initial license, valid for three years, if he/she meets the requirements for initial licensure then in effect.
3.2.6.1.[2 3.]2 Notwithstanding the foregoing, the superintendent of the employing school district or charter school or other employing authority may submit to the Secretary of Education a written request for a one-year extension. The request must document the effectiveness of the applicant.
3.2.6.1.[3 4.] Composite Score.
3.2.[56].1.[3 4.]1 Scores from either the paper and pencil PRAXIS I (PPST) test and/or from the computerized PRAXIS I (CPPST) test, begun in January, 2002, both of which have a possible score range of 159 to 190, may be used when applying the composite score provision. Scores from the PRAXIS I computer based test (CBT), taken between November, 1993 and December 31, 2001 may be used when applying the composite score provision, but may not be used in conjunction with the paper and pencil PRAXIS I test and/or with the computerized PRAXIS I (CPPST) test.
3.2.6.1.[34.].2 3.2.6.1.1 An applicant for an initial license who does not achieve a passing score on PRAXIS I, but whose score on PRAXIS I is within 2 points of the passing score on the reading, writing, or mathematics section of PRAXIS I may use a composite score to meet the requirements of passage. Notwithstanding the use of a composite score, an applicant who seeks to teach in the secondary content areas of mathematics or English/language arts must meet the passing score in that content area.
3.2.[56].1.[34.].3 Notwithstanding the use of a composite score, an applicant who seeks to teach in the secondary content area of mathematics must meet the current state passing score for the PRAXIS I mathematics test. An applicant who seeks to teach in the secondary content area of English/language arts must meet the current state passing score for the PRAXIS I reading and writing tests.
3.2.6.2 An applicant in a vocational trade and industry area must pass PRAXIS I or an approved alternative within six (6) years of the date of employment or before the expiration of the initial license, whichever is later.
3.2.7 There is no limit on the number of times an individual may take the PPST/PRAXIS I. Once passed, a section need not be taken again.
3.2.7.1 Passing scores in each area (reading, writing, mathematics) may be attained in any testing format.
3.2.8 Submission of Scores of Examination of General Knowledge.
3.2.8.1 Test scores shall be official and sent directly from Educational Testing Service or other test vendor to the Department.
3.2.8.2 Unopened, unaltered envelopes containing PPST/PRAXIS I scores, or scores of acceptable alternatives, sent to the individual may be accepted as official. The Department shall determine whether the scores as presented are acceptable.
3.2.8.3 Direct verification from another State Department of Education shall be considered as official. An original of the grade form shall be forwarded directly from the other State Department to the Department. This method will be accepted only when official test scores from Educational Testing Service are not available.
[3.3 The Department shall not act on an application for licensure 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.
3.3.1 “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.]
3.[3 4] Trades and Industry Teacher Experience Requirements.
[3.4.1 3.3.1] A bachelor’s degree equivalent for a trades and industry teacher shall be two (2) years of college or technical training, plus six (6) years of trade experience. The requirement for two (2) years of college or technical training may be satisfied through the satisfactory completion of the requirements for any one or an appropriate combination of the following experiences in the area to be taught equaling:
[3.4.1.1 3.3.1.1] An associate’s degree with a major in the specific occupational area to be taught; or
[3.4.1.2 3.3.1.2] Two years of college majoring in the specific occupational area to be taught with at least 50% of the major courses required for a bachelor’s degree satisfactorily completed; or
[3.4.1.3 3.3.1.3] A state-issued certificate indicating completion of apprenticeship hours and apprentice-related training (e.g. journey papers); or
[3.4.1.4 3.3.1.4] Four years of sequential Delaware Trade Extension courses; or
[3.4.1.5 3.3.1.5] Four years of National Center for Construction Education and Research’s Contren documented training; or
[3.4.1.6 3.3.1.6] Nine high school credits of career and technical high school training; or
[3.4.1.7 3.3.1.7] Passage of the State of Delaware Licensing test, offered through the Division of Professional Regulation; or
[3.4.1.8 3.3.1.8] 576 hours of military training; or
[3.4.1.9 3.3.1.9] 576 hours postsecondary trade school training; or
[3.4.1.10 3.3.1.10] Completing the written and performance teacher testing for the National Occupational Competency Testing Institute with a minimum score set by the Department; or
[3.4.1.11 3.3.1.11] DOE approved equivalents.
4.0 An initial license is valid for three (3) years, unless revoked, and may not be renewed. Notwithstanding the foregoing, an initial license issued to an applicant in a vocational trade and industry area is valid for up to six (6) years to provide time for completion of specified college level course work required for certification.
4.1 An initial license issued to an applicant who is not currently employed by a school district, charter school, or other employing authority shall be inactive until such time as an applicant is employed by a public school district or charter school. Once employed, the initial license shall be in effect for three (3) years from the date of hire until the last day of the month of issuance three (3) years later, except in the case of the vocational and trade industry areas which shall expire on the last day of the month of issuance six (6) years later.
4.2 During the term of the initial license, license holders are required to participate in mentoring and other prescribed professional development activities offered by the Department and by the school district or charter school or other employing authority in which they are employed.
5.0 Applicants with Foreign Credentials.
5.1 Applicants graduating from foreign institutions shall provide an analysis of the degree equivalency, along with all other required application materials, which shall be reviewed by the Department.
6.0 The Department may extend an initial license for a period not to exceed one (1) year, exigent circumstances warranting the necessity of such extension.
6.1 A license holder whose license expires during the school year may have the initial license extended until the last day of the fiscal year upon a request from the district superintendent, charter school administrator, or other employing authority. This extension shall be considered an exigent circumstance[s] and shall not exceed one (1) year in length.
7.0 An educator may take a leave of absence of up to three (3) years with no effect upon the validity or expiration of the initial license.
8.0 An applicant shall disclose his or her criminal conviction history upon application for an initial license. Failure to disclose a criminal conviction history is grounds for denial or revocation of an initial license as specified in 14 Del.C. §1219.
9.0 This regulation shall apply to all requests for issuance of an initial license, except as specifically addressed herein.
9.1 Educators whose applications for certification in Delaware were received prior to August 31, 2003, and whose applications and credentials have been reviewed by the Department and resulted in the issuance of a prescription letter shall be required to meet the General Regulations for Certification of Professional Public School Personnel and the Specific Regulations as adopted for certification effective July 1, 1993.
9.21 Educators employed on a Limited Standard Certificate or a Temporary Certificate issued prior to August 31, 2003 shall continue on that certificate until the requirements specified are met or the certificate expires, whichever comes first. In no case shall a Limited Standard or Temporary Certificate be valid after July 1, 2008.
10.0 The Secretary of Education may, at the request of the superintendent of a local school district or charter school administrator or other employing authority, review licensure credentials on an individual basis and grant a license to an applicant who otherwise does not meet the requirements for initial license, but whose effectiveness is documented by the local school district, charter school, or other employing authority.