Original Notice.

Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 99-16-059.

Title of Rule: Various sections of chapter 180-79A WAC, Standards for teacher, administrator, and educational staff associate certification, WAC 180-79A-006 Purpose, 180-79A-007 Public policy purposes of State Board of Education performance -- Based certification system, 180-79A-130 Fee for certification, 180-79A-145 Levels of certificates, initial/residency and continuing/professional, 180-79A-206 Academic and experience requirements for certification -- Teachers, 180-79A-250 Initial/residency and continuing/professional certificates -- Renewal, reinstatement, and continuing education requirements, and 180-79A-257 Out-of-state candidates.

Purpose: The proposed amendments modify the rules which will govern professional certificate requirements.

Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 28A.410.010.

Summary: See Purpose above.

Reasons Supporting Proposal: The amendments are recommendations from the Washington Advisory Council for Professional Teaching Standards.

Name of Agency Personnel Responsible for Drafting, Implementation and Enforcement: Larry Davis, State Board of Education, Olympia, (360) 753-6715.

Name of Proponent: State Board of Education, governmental.

Rule is not necessitated by federal law, federal or state court decision.

Explanation of Rule, its Purpose, and Anticipated Effects: See above.

Proposal Changes the Following Existing Rules: See above.

No small business economic impact statement has been prepared under chapter 19.85 RCW.

RCW 34.05.328 does not apply to this rule adoption.

Hearing Location: The Evergreen State College, The Long House, 2700 Evergreen Parkway N.W., Olympia, WA 98505, on January 10, 2000, at 8:00 a.m.

Assistance for Persons with Disabilities: Contact Carolyn Berger by December 27, 1999, TDD (360) 664-3631, or (360) 753-6715.

Submit Written Comments to: Rules Coordinator, State Board of Education, P.O. Box 47206, Olympia, WA 98504-7206, fax (360) 586-2357, by December 27, 1999.

Date of Intended Adoption: January 12, 2000.

December 1, 1999

Larry Davis

Executive Director

OTS-3318.5

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 99-01-174, filed 12/23/98, effective 1/23/99)

WAC 180-79A-006
Purpose.

The purposes of this chapter are:

(1) To establish a performance-based certification system to be fully implemented for all teacher candidates applying for ((certification)) the residency certificate after August 31, 2000, for all teacher candidates applying for the professional certificate after August 31, 2001, and for all administrator and educational staff associate candidates not later than August 31, 2004.

(2) To establish the various certificates which must be held as a condition to employment in the Washington school system. The performance-based certification system shall include the issuance of a residency certificate, a professional certificate, and other certificates which the state board of education may add in the future.

(3) To establish the conditions and procedures governing issuance and retention of those and other certificates, including endorsements thereon.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.305.130 (1) and (2), 28A.410.010 and 28A.150.220(4).  99-01-174, § 180-79A-006, filed 12/23/98, effective 1/23/99.]

The policy purposes of state board of education performance-based certification system are:

(1) To provide qualified educators for the emerging performance-based P-12 education system.

(2) To assure that practitioners are more directly involved in decisions related to professional practice.

(3) To recognize that there is a distinction between the level of competence of beginning educators and the competency of educators who have been able to demonstrate their competencies at a professional level.

(4) To assure that all educators demonstrate their competencies before attaining the status of a professional educator.

(5) To establish a certificate level that recognizes service at a high level of achievement.

(6) To ((assure that all residency educators have the support required to assist them through their induction)) establish a certification system that provides for continuing support and developmental assistance to individuals as they progress toward professional certification.

(7) To ((assure each educator has a professional development plan)) prepare educators who are able to assess their professional growth and achievement in light of their impact on student learning.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.305.130 (1) and (2), 28A.410.010 and 28A.150.220(4).  99-01-174, § 180-79A-007, filed 12/23/98, effective 1/23/99.]

(1) In accordance with provisions of RCW 28A.410.060 and 28A.415.010, the fee for certificates which are valid for more than one year, issued by authority of the state of Washington and authorizing the holder to serve in the common schools of the state, shall be as follows:

(a) The continuing and professional certificates ((is)), seventy dollars;

(b) The reinstatement, additional endorsement on the teaching certificate, duplicate certificates, substitute certificates, renewal of the residency certificate, and certificates issued for the purpose of showing a name change ((is)), fifteen dollars; and

(c) Any other certificate or credential or any renewal thereof ((shall be)), five dollars for each year of validity:

(d) Provided, That the fee for all vocational certificates shall be one dollar.

(2) The fee for any other certificate/credential, or for any renewal thereof, issued by the authority of the state of Washington and authorizing the holder to serve in the common schools of the state, shall be five dollars.

(3) Officials authorized to collect certification fees are educational service district superintendents, local school district superintendents, deans and directors of education at colleges and universities, or their designees.  The fee must accompany the application for a certificate and shall be transmitted by the receiving district, college or university, or program unit designee at least quarterly to the educational service district within which the application is filed for disposition in accordance with provisions of RCW 28A.410.060.  The fee shall not be refunded unless the application is withdrawn before it is finally considered (i.e., the issuance of a certificate or a written communication denying such issuance) by the superintendent of public instruction or his or her designee.  Fees not refunded shall apply as credit toward certificate fees if such applicant reapplies within twenty-four months of the date of denial.  Moneys accrued from certification fees within the boundaries of an educational service district shall be divided in the following manner:

(a) Local school districts employing more than one hundred teachers and other professional staff and collecting certification fees may retain one dollar of each fee in order to hold a professional training institute.  If such district does not hold an institute, all such moneys shall be placed to the credit of the educational service district.

(b) No less than fifty percent of the funds accruing within the boundaries of an educational service district shall be used to support program activities related to state-wide precertification professional preparation and evaluation.

(c) The remaining funds shall be used to support professional in-service training programs and evaluations thereof.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.410.010.  97-04-088, § 180-79A-130, filed 2/5/97, effective 3/8/97.]

Two levels of certification may be issued.

(1) Through August 31, 2000, for teachers, and through August 31, 2004, for administrators and educational staff associates, the following levels of certificates will be issued: Provided, That after August 31, 2000, initial and continuing teachers' certificates will be issued only to previous Washington certificate holders, pursuant to WAC 180-79A-123:

(a) Initial certificate. The initial teacher certificate is valid for four years and the initial administrator and educational staff associate certificates are valid for seven years. Initial teacher certificates shall be subject to renewal pursuant to WAC 180-79A-250 and 180-79A-123. Initial administrator and educational staff associate certificates shall not be subject to renewal.

(b) Continuing certificate. The continuing certificate is valid on a continuing basis as specified in WAC 180-79A-250(3).

(2) ((After August 31, 2000, for teachers, and after August 31, 2004, for administrators and educational staff associates the following levels of certificates will be issued:)) The following levels of certificates will be issued to teachers, administrators, and educational staff associates commencing with the dates indicated below:

(a) Residency certificate. The residency certificate will be issued beginning September 1, 2000, to teachers and beginning no later than September 1, 2004, to administrators and educational staff associates. The residency certificate is valid for five years and shall be subject to renewal pursuant to WAC 180-79A-250.

(b) Professional certificate. The professional certificate will be issued beginning September 1, 2001, to teachers and beginning no later than September 1, 2004, to administrators and educational staff associates. The professional certificate is valid for five years and shall be subject to renewal pursuant to WAC 180-79A-250.

(3) Notwithstanding anything in subsections (1) and (2) of this section to the contrary, a professional teachers' certificate may be issued prior to August 31, 2000, pursuant to WAC 180-78A-555.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.305.130 (1) and (2), 28A.410.010 and 28A.150.220(4).  99-01-174, § 180-79A-145, filed 12/23/98, effective 1/23/99.]

Candidates for teachers' certificates shall complete the following requirements in addition to those set forth in WAC 180-79A-150.

(1) Initial/residency.

Candidates for the initial or residency certificate shall hold an approved baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university: Provided, That if the approved baccalaureate degree is in early childhood education, elementary education, or special education, the candidate also must have at least thirty quarter hours (twenty semester hours) in one of the academic fields listed in WAC 180-79A-302 (3)(a) through (e) and (4).

(2) Continuing.

(a) Candidates who apply for a continuing certificate shall have at least forty-five quarter hours (thirty semester hours) of upper division and/or graduate work completed from a regionally accredited institution of higher education subsequent to the conferral of the baccalaureate degree: Provided, That if the individual is pursuing study in a new subject matter area or specialization, lower division (freshmen or sophomore level) credit hours in that subject area or specialization shall be accepted toward continuing certification upon completion of the requirements for an endorsement in that subject area or specialization.

(b) Candidates applying for a continuing certificate prior to September 1, 2000, shall have been granted at least two subject area endorsements.

(c) Candidates who apply for a continuing certificate who have not successfully completed course work or an in-service program including a minimum of ten clock hours of instruction on issues of abuse, must complete ((such course work or in-service program as a condition for the issuance of a continuing certificate. The content of the course work or in-service program shall discuss the identification of physical, emotional, sexual, and substance abuse, information on the impact of abuse on the behavior and learning abilities of students, discussion of the responsibilities of a teacher to report abuse or provide assistance to students who are the victims of abuse, and methods for teaching students about abuse of all types and their prevention)) the child abuse course work requirement as defined in WAC 180-79A-030(6).

(d) Candidates for continuing teachers' certificates shall provide documentation of one hundred eighty days or full-time equivalent or more satisfactory teaching experience with an authorized employer -- i.e., school district, state agency, college or university, private school, or private school system -- and at least thirty days of such employment with the same employer.

(3) Professional.

(a) Candidates for the professional certificate shall have successfully completed a state board of education approved, ((collaboratively developed)) professional certificate program, pursuant to WAC 180-78A-500 through 180-78A-540: Provided, That an individual who holds a teaching certificate issued by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) shall be deemed to have met the requirement for completion of a professional certificate program, in recognition that NBPTS certification is issued only to individuals who have demonstrated highly advanced skills as a teacher.

(b) Candidates who apply for a professional certificate who have not successfully completed course work or an in-service program including a minimum of ten clock hours of instruction on issues of abuse, must complete ((such course work or in-service program as a condition for the issuance of a professional certificate. The content of the course work or in-service program shall discuss the identification of physical, emotional, sexual, and substance abuse, information on the impact of abuse on the behavior and learning abilities of students, discussion of the responsibilities of a teacher to report abuse or provide assistance to students who are the victims of abuse, and methods for teaching students about abuse of all types and their prevention)) the child abuse course work requirement as defined in WAC 180-79A-030(6).

(c) Candidates for professional teachers' certificates shall provide, as a condition for the issuance of a professional certificate, documentation that they have completed provisional status with a school district under RCW 28A.405.220 or the equivalent with an approved private school.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.305.130 (1) and (2), 28A.410.010 and 28A.150.220(4).  99-01-174, § 180-79A-206, filed 12/23/98, effective 1/23/99.]

The following shall apply to initial/residency and continuing/((residency)) professional certificates issued pursuant to this chapter:

(1) Initial certificate.

An initial teacher certificate may be renewed for an additional three-year period on application and verification that the individual has completed all course work requirements from a regionally accredited institution of higher education as defined in WAC 180-78A-010(6) for continuing certification or has completed at least fifteen quarter credit hours (ten semester credit hours) since the certificate was issued or renewed. After August 31, 2000, provisions of WAC 180-79A-123 will apply.

(2) Residency certificate. Residency certificates shall be renewed under one of the following options:

(a) Individuals who hold, or have held, a residency certificate and are enrolled in a professional certificate program may have the certificate renewed for ((an)) one additional two-year((s)) period upon verification by the professional certificate administrator that the candidate is making satisfactory progress in a state approved professional certificate program.

(b) Individuals who hold, or have held, residency certificates who have not ((been employed as contracted teachers)) completed provisional status with a school district or equivalent service with an approved private school in Washington may have their residency certificates renewed for ((an)) one additional five-year((s)) period by the completion of fifteen quarter credits (ten semester credits) of college credit course work (normally one hundred level or higher) from a regionally accredited institution of higher education taken since the issuance of the residency certificate.

(c) All other individuals who hold, or have held, residency certificates may have their certificates renewed only by appeal to the state board of education, or its designated appeals committee. The following conditions apply to such appeals:

(i) Teachers who appeal shall present a rationale and evidence to support their request to have their residency certificates renewed.

(ii) The state board of education, or its designated appeals committee, in making its decision shall determine the length of the renewal and may establish specific conditions (such as course work requirements) as prerequisites for the reissuance of the residency certificate.

(3) Continuing certificate.

(a) The continuing certificates of holders who were eligible for such certificates prior to August 31, 1987, and who applied for such certificates prior to July 1, 1988, or who would have been eligible for such certificates prior to August 31, 1987, but for one of the three-year experience requirement and who complete such requirement and apply for such certificate prior to August 31, 1988, will be valid for life. Holders of valid continuing certificates affected by this subsection shall be entitled to have such certificate reissued and subject to the terms and conditions applicable to certification at the time of reissuance including the continuing education requirements of chapter 180-85 WAC.

(b) All continuing certificates not affected by the exception stated in (a) of this subsection shall lapse if the holder does not complete the continuing education requirement specified in chapter 180-85 WAC. To reinstate such a lapsed continuing certificate the individual must complete the requirements for reinstatement stated within chapter 180-85 WAC and must meet the conditions stated in WAC 180-79A-253.

(4) Professional certificate. A professional certificate may be renewed for additional five year periods pursuant to meeting continuing education requirements outlined in chapter 180-85 WAC.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.305.130 (1) and (2), 28A.410.010 and 28A.150.220(4).  99-01-174, § 180-79A-250, filed 12/23/98, effective 1/23/99.]

Candidates for certification from other states shall be eligible for Washington certificates as follows:

(1) Initial and residency certificates. The initial certificate (residency certificate after August 31, 2000,) shall be issued by the superintendent of public instruction to any candidate who meets one of the following:

(a) Qualifies under provisions of the interstate compact.

(b) Holds the appropriate degree and, if applicable, credit hours and/or licensing as set forth in this chapter and has completed a state approved preparation program at a regionally accredited college or university in the professional field for which the certificate is to be issued and such additional professional fields as required by WAC 180-79A-150(4).

(c) Holds an appropriate degree from a regionally accredited college or university and also holds or has held an appropriate certificate issued by another state and has practiced at the P-12 level in that respective role outside the state of Washington for three years.

(d) Holds an appropriate degree from a regionally accredited college or university and has practiced three years as an educational staff associate in that role in a state where such certificate was not required.

(e) Holds a valid Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) certificate issued by the National School Psychology Certification Board (NSPCB) after December 31, 1991, and applies for an initial educational staff associated school psychologist certificate.

(2) Continuing certificate. The continuing certificate shall be issued through August 31, ((2000)) 2001, on verification that the candidate has met all requirements for initial and continuing certification in the state of Washington.

(3) Professional certificate. After August 31, ((2000)) 2001, the professional certificate shall be issued to out-of-state candidates ((only)) if the candidate meets the child abuse course work requirement as described in WAC 180-79A-206 (3)(b) and if one of the following conditions is met:

(a) The candidate has completed an advanced level certification procedure approved by the state board of education as equivalent to the approved program procedure required in Washington; or

(b) The candidate holds a valid teaching certificate issued by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards; or

(c) A Washington state college or university with an approved professional certificate program verifies that the candidate has met all the requirements of that institution's approved program. The college/university shall evaluate the candidate's background to determine whether or not course work or certification activities are equivalent to that college/university's approved program.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.305.130 (1) and (2), 28A.410.010 and 28A.150.220(4).  99-01-174, § 180-79A-257, filed 12/23/98, effective 1/23/99.]

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