WSR 99-24-123

PROPOSED RULES

STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION


[ Filed December 1, 1999, 11:02 a.m. ]

Original Notice.

Preproposal statement of inquiry was filed as WSR 99-16-063.

Title of Rule: Various sections of chapter 180-78A WAC, Approval standards for performance-based preparation programs for teachers, administrators, and educational staff associates, WAC 180-78A-010 Definition of terms, 180-78A-505 Overview -- Professional certificate program, 180-78A-510 Responsibilities of the professional certificate administrator, 180-78A-515 Program approval standards for professional certificate approved programs, 180-78A-520 Approval standard -- Professional Education Advisory Board, 180-78A-525 Approval standard -- Accountability, 180-78A-530 Approval standard -- Resources, 180-78A-535 Approval standard -- Program design, and 180-78A-540 Approval standard -- Knowledge and skills.

Purpose: The proposed amendments to chapter 180-78A WAC refine the rules which will govern professional certificate programs.

Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 28A.410.010 and 28A.305.130 (1) and (2).

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. Not applicable.

Hearing Location: The Evergreen State College, The Longhouse, 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-3391.1


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

WAC 180-78A-010
Definition of terms.

The following definitions shall be used in this chapter:

(1) "College or university" means any regionally accredited baccalaureate degree granting Washington institution of higher learning or cooperative group of such institutions which has or develops programs of preparation in education which are submitted to the state board of education for approval.

(2) "Endorsement" means a specification placed on a certificate to indicate the subject area, grade level, and/or specialization for which the individual is prepared to teach.

(3) "Interstate compact" means the contractual agreement among several states authorized by RCW 28A.690.010 and 28A.690.020 which facilitates interstate reciprocity.

(4) "Program approval" means the approval by the state board of education of an educator preparation program within Washington state.

(5) "Field experience" means a sequence of learning experiences which occur in actual school settings or clinical or laboratory settings.  Such learning experiences are related to specific program outcomes and are designed to integrate educational theory, knowledge, and skills in actual practice under the direction of a qualified supervisor.

(6) "Regionally accredited institution of higher education" means a community college, college, or university which is fully accredited by one of the following regional accrediting bodies:

(a) Middle States, Association of Colleges and Schools;

(b) New England Association of Schools and Colleges;

(c) North Central Association of Colleges and Schools;

(d) Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges;

(e) Southern Association of Colleges and Schools;

(f) Western Association of Schools and Colleges: Accrediting Commission for Junior and Senior Colleges.

(7) "An approved performance-based educator preparation program" means a program that requires the candidate to demonstrate in multiple ways, over time, specific state board of education required standards, criteria, knowledge and skills, including, where appropriate, evidence related to positive impact on student learning.

(8) "A positive impact on student learning" means that a teacher through instruction and assessment has been able to document students' increased knowledge and/or demonstration of a skill or skills related to the state goals and/or essential academic learning requirements: Provided, That teachers employed by private schools who are candidates for the professional teaching certificate shall document students' increased knowledge and/or demonstration of a skill or skills related to either:

(a) The state goals or essential academic learning requirements; or

(b) Such alternative learning goals as the private school has established.

(9) "Collaboration" (as used in WAC 180-78A-500 through 180-78A-540) means ongoing communication among the professional growth team members using a variety of formats (e.g., conferences, electronic mail, conference calls, etc.) to reach consensus regarding the content - course work, experiences, competencies, knowledges and skills - of the candidate's professional growth plan.

(10) "Professional growth team" means a team of persons comprised of the candidate for professional certification, a colleague specified by the candidate, a college or university advisor appointed by the college or university, and a representative from the school district in which the candidate teaches.

(11) "Individual professional growth plan" means the document which identifies the specific competencies, knowledges, skills and experiences needed to meet the standards set forth in WAC 180-78A-540. The individual professional growth plan shall meet requirements set forth in WAC 180-78A-535 (4)(a).

(12) "Preassessment seminar" means that component of the approved professional certificate program in which the candidate for a professional certificate, in collaboration with members of his/her professional growth team, identifies specific competencies, knowledges, skills and/or experiences needed to meet standards for the certificate as required by WAC 180-78A-540. The preassessment seminar shall meet requirements set forth in WAC 180-78A-535 (4)(a).

(13) "Culminating seminar" means that component of the approved professional certificate program in which the candidate for a professional certificate presents his/her final documentation and evidence of professional certificate level knowledge, skill and performance, and positive impact on student learning. The culminating seminar shall meet requirements set forth in WAC 180-78A-535 (4)(e).

[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.305.130 (1) and (2), 28A.410.010 and 28A.150.220(4).  99-01-174, § 180-78A-010, filed 12/23/98, effective 1/23/99.  Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.410.010 and 28A.305.130.  98-01-025, § 180-78A-010, filed 12/8/97, effective 1/8/98.  Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.305.130.  97-04-084, § 180-78A-010, filed 2/5/97, effective 3/8/97.]


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

WAC 180-78A-505
Overview -- Professional certificate program.

((Teachers who complete approved programs after August 31, 2000, shall be issued residency certificates that shall be valid for five years.)) By September 1, 2001, all colleges and universities offering a professional certificate program must be in compliance with the new program standards. To obtain a professional certificate, the residency teacher will need to ((have completed)) complete provisional status with a school district under RCW 28A.405.220 or the equivalent with an approved private school and will need to ((have completed)) complete a state board of education approved professional certificate program collaboratively developed by a college/university and the professional educational advisory board (PEAB).

The professional certificate requires successful demonstration of three standards (effective teaching, professional development, and leadership) and 18 criteria, pursuant to WAC 180-78A-540, related to these standards. Wherever appropriate, the residency teacher will need to provide evidence that his/her teaching has had a positive impact on student learning as defined in WAC 180-78A-010(8).

((During the implementation phase of the program, the employing approved private school or school district (or an educational service district, if the employing approved private school or school district so delegates) and an individual selected by the candidate from one of the other authorized agencies (i.e., local school district professional association, state-wide professional association, specialty area professional association, or educational service district) shall collaborate along with the college or university and the candidate in the development of an individualized professional growth plan.)) The candidate and college or university shall develop an individual professional growth plan to be reviewed and agreed upon after input from and consultation and collaboration (WAC 180-78A-010(9)) with his/her professional growth team.

The ((individualized)) individual professional growth plan will be based on an analysis of the student/learning context in that teacher's assignment and a preassessment of that teacher's ability to demonstrate the standards and criteria set forth in WAC 180-78A-540.

The ((individualized)) individual professional growth plan shall include instruction and assistance components for each residency teacher. The instruction and assistance components will be designed to give the residency teacher the necessary knowledge and skills needed to demonstrate successfully the standards and criteria set forth in WAC 180-78A-540.

The final component of the program will be ((an)) a culminating assessment seminar in which the residency teacher's ability to demonstrate the standards and criteria cited above will be evaluated. These assessments shall include multiple forms of data collected over time, including evidence of positive impact on student learning, where appropriate.

As part of the program development, the college/university and the PEAB shall establish criteria and procedures for determining when the residency teacher has successfully completed the program. When the ((approved)) program administrator has verified to the superintendent of public instruction that the candidate has completed the approved program, the state will issue the residency teacher a professional certificate.

Between 1997 and 2000, the state board of education shall approve a number of field tests of the professional certificate programs pursuant to WAC 180-78A-545 through 180-78A-565.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.305.130 (1) and (2), 28A.410.010 and 28A.150.220(4).  99-01-174, § 180-78A-505, filed 12/23/98, effective 1/23/99.]


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

WAC 180-78A-510
Responsibilities of the professional certificate administrator.

Each ((approved professional certificate program)) college or university shall identify a professional certificate administrator who shall have the primary responsibility for the overall administration of the program. ((The person serving as the professional certificate administrator may be an employee, or a joint employee, representing any of the collaborating agencies participating in the program.))

[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.305.130 (1) and (2), 28A.410.010 and 28A.150.220(4).  99-01-174, § 180-78A-510, filed 12/23/98, effective 1/23/99.]


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

WAC 180-78A-515
Program approval standards for professional certificate approved programs.

The program approval standards for approved programs for teachers are as follows:

(1) Professional education advisory boards. The ((professional certificate program)) college or university, in ((conformance)) compliance with the provisions of WAC 180-78A-250 and 180-78A-520, has established and maintained a professional education advisory board to participate in decisions related to the development, implementation, and revision of the professional certificate program for teachers.

(2) Accountability. Each ((professional certificate program)) college or university, in ((conformance)) compliance with the provision of WAC 180-78A-525, has established a performance-based program.

(3) Resources. The ((professional certificate program)) college or university, in ((conformance)) compliance with the provision of WAC 180-78A-530, is responsible for providing the resources needed to develop and maintain quality professional programs.

(4) Program design. Each ((professional certificate program)) college or university, in ((conformance)) compliance with the provision of WAC 180-78A-535, is responsible for establishing ((a collaboratively developed, individualized,)) an approved professional certificate program which accommodates the individual professional growth needs of each candidate as set forth in his/her professional growth plan.

(5) Knowledge and skills. Each ((professional certificate program)) college or university, in ((conformance)) compliance with the provision of WAC 180-78A-540, has established policies requiring that all candidates for certification ((to)) demonstrate the standards and ((respective)) criteria for ((obtaining)) the professional certificate set forth in WAC 180-78A-540.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.305.130 (1) and (2), 28A.410.010 and 28A.150.220(4).  99-01-174, § 180-78A-515, filed 12/23/98, effective 1/23/99.]


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

WAC 180-78A-520
Approval standard -- Professional education advisory board.

The following evidence shall be evaluated to determine whether each professional certificate program is in compliance with the program approval standards of WAC 180-78A-515(1).

(1) The professional education advisory board established for the preservice program in accordance with WAC 180-78A-209 shall also serve as the professional advisory board for the professional certificate program.

(2) The professional education advisory board has participated in the development of the professional certificate program and has recommended approval of the proposed program prior to its submission to the state board of education for approval.

(3) The professional education advisory board has reviewed the annual summary on the status of all candidates in the program required by WAC 180-78A-525(7).

(4) The professional education advisory board has made recommendation(s), as appropriate, for program changes to the professional certificate administrator who shall implement or respond to the recommendation(s) ((within twelve months, or provide a rationale for why the recommendation(s) was not implemented)) in a timely manner.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.305.130 (1) and (2), 28A.410.010 and 28A.150.220(4).  99-01-174, § 180-78A-520, filed 12/23/98, effective 1/23/99.]


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

WAC 180-78A-525
Approval standard -- Accountability.

The following evidence shall be evaluated to determine whether each professional certificate program is in compliance with the program approval standards of WAC 180-78A-515(2). Each college and university shall:

(1) Submit for initial approval to the state board of education a performance-based professional certificate program for teachers which shall include the five program components specified in WAC 180-78A-535(4).

(2) Provide documentation that the respective professional education advisory board has participated in the development of and has approved the proposal.

(3) Identify the professional certificate administrator who shall be responsible for the administration of the professional certificate program.

(4) ((Describe the major responsibilities of each of the collaborating agencies. Identify the staff from one or more of the collaborating agencies who will be assigned the)) Delegate to the professional certificate administrator responsibility for reviewing or overseeing the following: Application((s)) for the professional certificate program; advising candidates once accepted; developing and implementing the individualized professional growth plan, the instruction and assistance components, and the assessment seminar; maintaining current records on the status of all candidates accepted into the professional certificate program; and ((for)) serving as the liaison with the superintendent of public instruction certification office ((in order)) to facilitate the issuance of the professional certificates when candidates have met the required standards.

(5) Establish the admission criteria that candidates for the professional certificate ((will need to)) shall meet ((in order)) to be accepted into the ((collaboratively developed)) professional certificate program.

(6) Describe the procedures that the approved program will use to determine that a candidate has successfully demonstrated the standards and criteria for ((obtaining)) the professional certificate set forth in WAC 180-78A-540.

(7) Prepare an annual summary ((on)) of the status of all candidates in the program and submit the summary to the respective professional education advisory board.

(8) Submit any additional information required to the respective professional education advisory board that it requests.

(9) Facilitate an on-site review of the program when requested by the state board of education to ensure that the program meets the state's program approval standards and to provide assessment data relative to the performance standards ((to the state board of education)).

Provided, That the on-site reviews shall be scheduled on a five-year cycle unless the state board of education approves a variation in the schedule.

Provided further, That institutions seeking National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) accreditation may request from the state board of education approval for concurrent site visits which ((would)) shall utilize the same documentation whenever possible.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.305.130 (1) and (2), 28A.410.010 and 28A.150.220(4).  99-01-174, § 180-78A-525, filed 12/23/98, effective 1/23/99.]


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

WAC 180-78A-530
Approval standard -- Resources.

The following evidence shall be evaluated to determine whether each professional certificate program is in compliance with the resources program approval standard of WAC 180-78A-515(3):

(1) Administrators, faculty, and teachers implementing the professional certificate program have appropriate qualifications (((either)) academic, experience, or both) for the roles to which they are assigned(())). Such responsibilities ((shall)) may be shared, ((as)) when appropriate, ((between and)) among the collaborating agencies.

(2) ((One of the collaborating agencies is assigned the)) The college or university shall have responsibility for maintaining fiscal records ((in order to monitor and report on the costs of implementing the program both to the collaborating agencies as well as to the candidates whose fees and tuition costs should be the primary source of fiscal support for the)) and ensuring adequate financial support for the professional certificate program.

(3) Instructional, technological, and other needed resources ((must)) shall be sufficient in scope, breadth, and recency to support the professional certificate program.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.305.130 (1) and (2), 28A.410.010 and 28A.150.220(4).  99-01-174, § 180-78A-530, filed 12/23/98, effective 1/23/99.]


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

WAC 180-78A-535
Approval standard -- Program design.

The following requirements shall govern the design of the professional certificate program:

(1) To be eligible to apply for admission to a professional certificate program, a candidate shall ((be contracted)) hold a contract as a teacher in a public or a state board of education approved private school and shall have completed provisional status with a school district under RCW 28A.405.220 or the equivalent with an approved private school.

(2) The professional certificate program must be available to all qualified candidates ((who are admitted to the program in Washington in a timely, fair, equitable, and fiscally responsible manner)).

(3) The professional certificate program shall be ((collaboratively)) developed by ((an existing)) a college or university and its professional education advisory board ((with representation from its collaborating agencies)). Additional agencies may participate in the development of the program if the college or university and professional education advisory board so choose((s)).

(4) Each program shall consist of:

(a) ((An individualized professional growth plan designed to provide the candidate with the knowledge and skills needed to demonstrate successfully the standards and criteria required to obtain the professional certificate.

(b) An assessment seminar designed to provide a variety of assessment opportunities for the candidate to demonstrate successfully each of the criteria related to the standards, pursuant to WAC 180-78A-365 and which may include college or university credit hours.)) A preassessment seminar which considers input from the candidate's "professional growth team" (WAC 180-78A-505), the candidate's past experience, the context in which he/she teaches, information from past annual evaluations if the individual chooses, the candidate's personal and professional goals, his/her self-evaluation, and evidences of the candidate's impact on student learning.

The seminar will culminate in preparation and approval of the candidate's individual professional growth plan designed to provide the candidate with the knowledge and skills needed to demonstrate successfully the standards and criteria required by WAC 180-78A-540.

A representative of the college/university and the candidate shall develop the professional growth plan to be reviewed and agreed upon after input from and consultation and "collaboration" (WAC 180-78A-010(9)) with his/her "professional growth team" (WAC 180-78A-010(10)).

The individual professional growth plan shall be based on:

(i) An analysis of the instructional context and teaching assignment(s) to determine strategies which the teacher should use to achieve a positive impact on student learning.

(ii) An assessment of the candidate's ability to demonstrate successfully the professional certificate standards and criteria.

(iii) Specifications of assistance and instructional components needed and any required course work.

(b) Course work, past and current experience, inservice, continuing education and other activities directed at developing and verifying that the candidate has achieved acceptable knowledge, skill and performance on all criteria required state-wide as essential to "effective teaching" as defined in WAC 180-78A-540(1).

(c) Course work, past and current experience, inservice, continuing education and other activities directed at developing and verifying that the candidate has achieved acceptable knowledge, skill and performance on all criteria required state-wide as essential to "professional development" as defined in WAC 180-78A-540(2).

(d) Course work, past and current experience, inservice, continuing education and other activities directed at developing and verifying that the candidate has achieved acceptable knowledge, skill and performance on all criteria required state-wide as essential to "leadership" as defined in WAC 180-78A-540(3).

(e) A culminating seminar in which the candidate presents his/her final documentation and evidence of professional certificate level knowledge, skill and performance; positive impact on student learning; identification of future goals and professional/career interests; and specification of areas for continuing education and development. The candidate must provide multiple forms of evidence as required by WAC 180-78A-535 (4)(e)(i)(D) of his/her positive impact on student learning.

(i) The final program component, the culminating seminar, shall include the following performance-based assessments:

(A) K-12 student achievement data, whenever appropriate, related to one or more of the Washington state essential academic learning requirements.

(B) Evidence of the candidate's positive impact on student learning as defined in WAC 180-78A-010(8) for the standard of effective teaching.

(C) Assessment data for a selected number of students.

(D) Multiple forms of evidence presented over time which may include, but are not limited to, the following: Classroom-based evidence of student learning; portfolios; statements from parents, peer teachers, and/or administrators; and student scores on standardized achievement tests.

(5) ((The individualized professional growth plan shall be based on:

(a) An analysis of the instructional context for determining the appropriate strategies by which the teacher will be able to have a positive impact on student learning. In developing the analysis, consideration should be given, but not limited to, the following data collected in collaboration with the school district or building:

(i) The resources available at the approved private school or school district to support the instruction, including: Textbooks, technological resources, the assignment of teacher assistants, and administrator and/or peer teacher support;

(ii) The teaching assignment(s);

(iii) The age(s) and maturity of the students;

(iv) The number of special needs students in any specific class; and

(v) Other.

(b) A preassessment of the candidate's ability to demonstrate successfully the professional certificate standards and criteria.

(6) A representative of the college/university, a representative of the candidate's employing approved private school or school district (or an educational service district, if the employing approved private school or school district so delegates), and a representative, selected by the candidate, from one of the other authorized agencies (i.e., local school district professional association, state-wide professional association, specialty area professional association or educational service district) as well as the candidate, shall participate in the development and approval of the professional growth plan.

(7) The individualized professional growth plan shall include assistance and instructional components and shall specify any required course work which may include college and university credit hours.

(8) The assessment seminar shall include performance-based assessments which shall include:

(a) K-12 student achievement data, whenever appropriate, related to one or more of the essential academic learning requirements now being developed by the commission on student learning.

(b) Evidence of a positive impact on student learning as defined in WAC 180-78A-010(8) for the standard of effective teaching. In determining positive impact on student learning, the candidate, in consultation with one or more of the collaborating agencies, shall determine, prior to instruction, the level of appropriate achievement of the K-12 student based on the analysis of the instructional context described in WAC 180-78A-360 (5)(a). The positive impact on student learning will then be determined on the basis of the extent to which the level of achievement was met. Candidates may need to repeat these assessments a number of times, utilizing alternative instructional strategies in order to demonstrate consistently a positive impact on student learning.

(c) A focus on the achievement of all, or a limited number of, students in a class. Teachers will not be required to provide assessment data for all their students for the full range of potential content and learning objectives.

(d) Multiple forms of evidence presented over time which may include, but are not limited to, the following: Classroom-based evidence of student learning; portfolios; statements from parents, peer teachers, and/or administrators; and student scores on standardized achievement tests.

(9) No limits shall be placed on the number of times a candidate with a valid residency certificate may participate in the assessment component and on the forms of relevant evidence that the candidate may submit.

(10))) Candidates who do not successfully complete ((the assessment component)) a culminating seminar shall receive an individualized analysis of strengths and weaknesses and a plan for appropriate assistance and instruction.

(6) No limits shall be placed on the number of times a candidate with a valid residency certificate may participate in the culminating seminar.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.305.130 (1) and (2), 28A.410.010 and 28A.150.220(4).  99-01-174, § 180-78A-535, filed 12/23/98, effective 1/23/99.]


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

WAC 180-78A-540
Approval standard -- Knowledge and skills.

The following standards and criteria must be demonstrated successfully by the candidate in order to obtain a professional certificate:

(1) A successful candidate for the professional certificate shall demonstrate the knowledge and skills for effective teaching which ensure student learning by:

(a) Using effective teaching practices, including classroom management;

(b) Using assessment to monitor and improve instruction;

(c) Establishing and maintaining a positive, student-focused, learning environment;

(d) Designing and/or adapting challenging curriculum that is developmentally appropriate;

(e) Demonstrating cultural sensitivity in teaching and in relationships with students, parents, and community members;

(f) Using information ((on)) about student achievement and performance to advise and involve students and families;

(g) Integrating technology into instruction and assessment; ((and))

(h) Informing, involving, and collaborating with parents and families ((to support student success)) as partners in the educational process instrumental to student success; and

(i) Employing democratic principles in instruction.

(2) A successful candidate for the professional certificate shall demonstrate the knowledge and skills for professional development by:

(a) Evaluating the effects of his/her teaching through feedback and reflection;

(b) ((Establishing goals for professional improvement;

(c))) Designing and implementing ((personal)) professional growth programs, including new directions in career development and goals; and

(((d))) (c) Remaining current in subject area(s), theories, practice, ((and)) research and ethical practice.

(3) A successful candidate for the professional certificate shall demonstrate leadership that contributes to the improvement of the school, community, and the profession by:

(a) Participating in activities within the school community to improve curriculum and instructional practices;

(b) Participating in professional and/or community organizations;

(c) Advocating for curriculum, instruction, and learning environments which meet the diverse needs of students;

(d) Demonstrating communication skills and/or strategies that facilitate group decision making; and

(e) Participating collaboratively in school improvement activities((; and

(f) Incorporating democratic principles into his/her practice)).

[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.305.130 (1) and (2), 28A.410.010 and 28A.150.220(4).  99-01-174, § 180-78A-540, filed 12/23/98, effective 1/23/99.]

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