TSPC Teacher Licensure Overview April 2008
Types of Licenses 1965-1999 Basic Standard 21 st Century Licensure 1999 to Present Transitional (phased out Restricted only available) Initial Initial 1 Initial 2 Continuing
Who Should Hold a License? Personnel Required to Hold Licenses (1) Educators who are employed by public schools and who are compensated for their services from public funds must hold licenses except as provided in section (2) of this rule. Licenses are required for: teachers; counselors; school psychologists; supervisors; professional technical directors; principals, program directors, and other district administrators who evaluate licensed personnel; superintendents; athletic coaches; school nurses; substitute teachers; and other personnel performing the above duties regardless of title. OAR 584-036-0010
Who Should Hold a License? (2) School districts may provide related services for handicapped children by employing a public agency, such as a community mental health program, or by employing professionals who are licensed within their own specialties. These personnel are not required to hold licensure from the Commission. See also ORS 343.221.
Basic & Standard Licenses Basic and Standard Teaching Licenses issued between 1965 and 1999 under requirements set in OAR 584-038-0005. Basic and Standard Teaching Licenses with Elementary endorsement An elementary subject matter endorsement is valid for the selfcontained classroom and for departmental assignments in preprimary through grade nine of an elementary, middle, or junior high school except assignments of.51 percent or more in: art, educational media, foreign language, health, home economics, technology education, math, music, physical education, and reading, ESOL. (014) Note: Basic math was added to the list 1/15/87 (016), ESOL was added 1/15/01 (both codes).
Basic & Standard Licenses A Basic or Standard Teaching License with elementary endorsement is also valid for assignments in the high school in which the holder is teaching elementary basic skills; and for counseling assignments of.49% or less time at grades pk-9 in an elementary, middle or junior high school. Basic and Standard Teaching License with subject endorsement are valid for teaching the endorsed areas at grades 5-12 or pk-12 and valid for counseling assignments of.49% or less at the grade levels of the license for Special Ed PK-12
Redesign 21 st Century Licensure 1999 to Present Transitional (phased out no longer available) Initial Initial 1 Initial 2 Continuing
Transitional Teaching License Transitional Teaching License has been phased out Transitional Teaching Licenses have been rolled over to an Initial Teaching License Electronically rolled over and new license was mailed to educator (used address currently on file) Initial Teaching License has the same expiration date as the Transitional License Same requirements must be completed upon expiration date to move to Initial 1 Teaching License
New License for Out-of-State Educators Initial Teaching License 1 st License for out-of-state Educators Valid for 18 months Requires Recent Education Experience (OAR 584-005-0005) Must complete requirements for Initial 1 Teaching License within 18 months HQ evaluation still required by SD
Benefits for Initial Teaching License Eligible to be evaluated for HQ by SD Eligible to be put on a CAP (Conditional Assignment Permit)
Initial 1 Teaching License Initial I - The first stage non-provisional license valid for regular full time teaching at one or more designated authorization levels in one or more designated specialties and for substitute teaching Requirements: Regionally accredited bachelor s degree or higher degree Completion of an initial teacher education program approved by the commission Passing scores on basic skills Passing scores for subject matter exam(s) Discrimination Workshop Activity (FAC no longer required)
Initial 1 License process for OREGON Grads Fast Track processing (C-2) for Oregon Graduates only All institutions are onboard with Fast Track Turn around time should be between 3-5 days TSPC requests that you NOT use Expedited Service for in-state graduates.
Review of Renewal requirements for new licensure Initial Teaching License 1: The Initial I Teaching License is valid for three years and may be renewed twice with completion of 3 semester or 4-1/2 quarter hours graduate credit (since the Initial I Teaching License was issued) up to a maximum of 10 years. At the end of 10 years from the date of issuance of the first Initial Teaching License the educator must verify completion of requirements for the Initial II Teaching License by meeting one of the following two options:
Review of Renewal Requirements (cont) Qualify for the Initial II License: (1) If the first Initial Teaching License was issued based upon completion of a bachelor's degree the educator must complete either A master's degree or higher in the arts and sciences or an advanced degree in the professions from a regionally accredited OR In lieu of a master s degree, a candidate must complete 45 quarter hours graduate level coursework germane to the license or directly germane to public school employment as follows: 15 quarter hours graduate preparation in subject-matter coursework; and 15 quarter hours in graduate-level education-related coursework; and 15 quarter hours in graduate-level electives.
Review of Renewal Requirements (cont) (2) If the first Initial Teaching License was issued based upon completion of a post-baccalaureate teacher preparation program, whether or not the program culminates in a master s degree, the educator must satisfy the following requirements Six semester hours or nine quarter hours of graduate level academic credit from a regionally accredited college or since issuance of the first Initial Teaching License. Coursework must be germane to the teaching license or directly germane to public school employment and may include pedagogy, or content related to an existing endorsement or authorization, or content related to a new endorsement or authorization.
Continuing Teaching License - Optional The Continuing Teaching License is now optional; however, it is still considered to be an indication of the highest-level of achievement possible for an Oregon teacher. TSPC considers the accomplishment equivalent to attaining the National Boards for Professional Teaching Standards certification. Additionally, the CTL will receive full reciprocity with the Washington State Professional Certificate.
Continuing Teaching License Optional (cont) Candidate for the CTL must meet all of the following requirements: (a) Complete all requirements of the Initial Teaching License and (b) Hold a master s degree or higher in the arts and sciences or an advanced degree in the professions from a regionally accredited institution in the United States, or the foreign equivalent of such degree approved by the commission, together with an equally accredited bachelor s degree; and (c) Have taught five years of at least half-time or more on any nonprovisional license appropriate for the assignment in any state; and (d) Completion of a Continuing Teaching License program offered by a college or university; or A doctorate degree in education from a regionally accredited institution; or Certification by the National Boards of Professional Teaching Standards; or Certificate of Clinical Competence awarded by the American Speech and Hearing Association for those holding a communication disorders endorsement
Grade Levels for Initial/Continuing Early Childhood (ECE) Valid for any multiple subjects teaching assignment, expect assignments in specialty area s, in prekindergarten (pre K) through grade Four (4) in a school designated as a preprimary school, a primary school, or an elementary school Elementary (ELE) Valid for any multiple subjects teaching assignment, except assignments in specialty area s in grades three (3) through eight (8) (OAR 584-060-0051 4a)
Grade Levels for Initial/Continuing Middle Level (ML) Valid for any multiple subjects teaching assignment, except assignments in specialty area s, in grades five (5) through nine (9) of a school designated as an elementary, middle, junior high school, or high school High School (HS) Valid for teaching one or more integrated or departmentalized subjects, with which the license must be endorsed, in grades nine (9) through twelve (12) of a school designated as a high school (OAR 584-060-0051)
Grade Levels for Initial/Continuing Specialty Area s: The ECE/ELE authorization levels with a multiple subjects endorsement is not valid for assignments requiring specialization endorsement such as: Art, ESOL, ESOL/Bilingual, PE, Adaptive PE, Library Media, Reading, or Special Ed (OAR 584-060-0051)
No Endorsement Area s Course titles not requiring a specific endorsement may be taught on any teaching license. Some general examples are: Alternative Education TAG Observing Occupations Photography Study Hall Leadership Student Leadership Computers Personal Finance Outdoor education Career Education Study skills Dance/Drill Team SAT Preparation Journalism Sign Language No endorsement foreign language areas (Russian, Italian) Basic Skills Class (non-chapter 1) Resource Room (non-special Ed)
Distance Learning Teachers (1) Except as provided by section (3) of this rule, any teacher employed by a distance learning program in Oregon, employed to deliver education outside of the school district in Oregon, shall hold a valid Oregon teaching license appropriate for the grade level and subject matter being taught. (2) Except as provided by section (3) of this rule, an out of state distance learning teacher employed by a distance learning program in or outside of Oregon shall provide verification satisfactory to the Commission that the teacher holds a current valid teaching license from any state for the appropriate grade level and subject matter. (3) A school district may contract with a post-secondary institution accredited by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges for distance instruction at the high school level provided restrictions and approvals required by ORS 342.173 have been met. OAR 584-036-0017
Special Education Tidbits
Basic/Standard vs. Initial/Continuing Basic and Standard Licenses: Exceptional Learner and Severe Exceptional Learner, valid at grades pk-12. Special Education Assignments: The appropriate special education endorsement is required for a special education assignment in a state-reimbursed or state-approved program. Special education endorsements are valid in preprimary through grade twelve, but are limited to teaching in the special education endorsement area only.
Basic/Standard vs. Initial/Continuing The Exceptional Learner I and II endorsements are valid for teaching exceptional learners and severe exceptional needs learners, except hearing impaired, speech impaired, and visually impaired, which require the specific endorsement. The Severe Exceptional Needs Learner endorsement is valid for teaching: Multi-handicapped, trainable mentally retarded, and severely emotionally disturbed students (includes autism).
Basic/Standard vs. Initial/Continuing Initial and Continuing Teaching Licenses Special Education Teachers must qualify through approved academic preparation in the desired levels for authorization at any of the following two levels: early childhood/elementary, or elementary/middle or middle level/high school. Special Education candidates completing a practica experience at either early childhood or elementary and at either middle or high school level shall qualify for authorization for prekindergarten (pre k) through grade twelve (12). Teachers of special education must complete preparation in the full continuum of disabilities: mild, moderate, and severe.
Specific Special Education Special education endorsements in the following areas must qualify, through approved academic preparation and through supervised work experience or student teaching, for authorization at all four levels: early childhood, elementary, middle-level, and high school: (A) Communication disorders; (B) Hearing impairments; and (C) Visual impairments.
Visually Impaired Teachers applying for the visual impairments endorsement must demonstrate proficiency in reading and writing Braille by obtaining a certificate of competency from the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped or an equivalent certificate currently approved by the commission.
Communication Disorders (c) Teachers applying for the communication disorders endorsement may obtain authorization at all four levels by earning a certificate of clinical competence from the American Speech and Hearing Association or successor approved by the commission. NOTE: An ASHA certificate may be used as a basis for the Initial License with Communications Disorders but cannot be used in place of a TSPC License or SLP License issued by the State of Oregon.
Grade Levels for Initial/Continuing Specific to SPECIAL EDUCATION: The ELEM authorization is valid for assignments in Special Education in grades three (3) through eight (8) in a school designated as an elementary school; middle school; or junior high school (OAR 584-070-0051 5c)
Early Intervention / Special Education Endorsement Educators completing an EISE(1) Program must complete ORELA MSSE in addition to the EISE Test 10690. Those completing the EISE(2) Program only need the EISE Test 10690 Early Intervention/Special Education Experience in Early Intervention is acceptable to renew a license with special education only. EISE is an optional endorsement. Special Education ECE/ELE level Requires completion of the special Education Test 20351 not the EISE Test 10690.
QUESTIONS?
Onto other Licenses.
Emergency License An Emergency License may only be issued when a school district demonstrates extenuating circumstances that merit the issuance of the license in order to protect the district s programs or students. Approved by the Executive Director for ANY LENGTH OF TIME deemed necessary to protect the district s programs or students but may not exceed one year except in unusual extenuating circumstances. The Executive Director will consider efforts the educator has made in meeting licensure requirements and coursework in the endorsement.
Emergency License (cont) Requires: Application Form C-1, evaluation fee $100, letter from the district requesting the license and documentation of efforts made by the educator towards licensure requirements. The 120 day grace period does not apply to the Emergency License.
Restricted Transitional Requires request of the district Minimum bachelor s degree Affidavit for the Discrimination and the Oregon Educator self-study guide Issued for a maximum of three years 1- year Extension in rare cases
Restricted Transitional (cont) Letter from district must include: - Description of the applicant s qualifications (and resume) - Assignment of a mentor - Statement that no other suitable teacher is available
Initial School Counselor Licensure has been revised to mirror changes to the Initial Teaching License Initial 1 School Counselor Initial II School Counselor Continuing School Counselor - Optional Counselors have been advised on change in requirements but licenses have not yet been changed on the computer
Initial School Psychologist Given an extension (2 nd renewal) while Commission writes new standards and have work sessions on changes Most likely this license will only require experience and CPD for renewal and not an additional 9 graduate hours.
Initial & Continuing Administrator License The following changes do not affect holders of the Standard Administrator License Continuing Superintendent is now optional All Administrators have 9 years to complete requirements for the CAL which is valid for all administrative positions Initial Admin License can be renewed twice by showing progress of 9 quarter hours (6 semester hrs) towards the Continuing Administrator License
Initial & Continuing Administrator License (Cont) All Initial Admin Licenses for positions other than superintendent issued after 01/01/99 and before 10/13/03 have 10 years to complete requirements for the Continuing Administrator License All Initial Admin Licenses for positions other than Superintendent issued after 10/13/04 have 9 years or two renewal cycles to complete requirements for the Continuing Administrator License
Initial & Continuing Administrator License (Cont) Superintendency on an Initial Admin License: The CAL program must be completed within 3 years following the next renewal of the IAL (6 years) if the holder of an IAL takes a position as a Superintendent at any time within the life of the Initial Administrator License
QUESTIONS?
CAPs (Conditional Assignment Permits)
CAP Conditional Assignment Permit CAPs do not replace a license If the license lapses so does the CAP If CAP expires without requirements being met Emergency License w/joint application CAPs are required by October 31 st each school year or within 6 weeks of misassignment CAPs processed at TSPC on a weekly basis CAP letters sent to educator and SD OAR 584-036-0081
CAP Conditional Assignment Permit (cont) Student Services cannot be capped as a school counselor Student Service Specialists on either an approved CAP or on a Limited Student Services License may not provide any of the following services: Educational guidance for students Scheduling of student classes Reviewing academic placement of students Establishing or reviewing student career and educational goals Counseling with teachers on any issue other than the appropriate application of behavioral plans
CAP Conditional Assignment Permit (cont) CAP is two (2) subject areas or a level If an educator is conditionally assigned in more than one endorsement area or out of grade level, a CAP is required even if under 10 hours weekly Educators holding a PTE license cannot be put on a CAP TSPC will issue 120 day Emergency License at district request
QUESTIONS?
Alternative Assessment New Process Open to any educator who has failed subject mastery test at least once Application fee is $100 TSPC will complete transcript review using Division 38 guidelines Must have B average or better in subject area Some coursework must have been completed within immediate 3 years prior to application 2 letters of recommendation If applicant is lacking any coursework requirements for endorsement, the application will be incompleted and not considered by the commission until the additional preparation has been met At any time the educator may attempt to pass the exam(s)
Test Change TSPC now accepts the Washington Educator Skills Test (WEST-B) Completed through NES Test can be submitted in lieu of CBEST/PPST NOTE: WEST-B cannot be combined with CBEST or PPST to meet Basic Skills requirement
Fee Overview $62 - Fingerprint processing fee $120-1 st application for Initial Teaching License: Outof-State applicants $100 1 st application for Initial 1 Teaching License $100 All Special Licenses (includes Sub) $100 Renewals Late Fees: $25 per month or portion of a month up to a max of $100 $75 Charter School $25 Renewal of Charter School $50 HQT evaluation $20 Duplicate License OAR 584-036-0055
QUESTIONS?
HQT & NCLB
How has NCLB changed teacher qualification requirements? Required all states who receive Title I-A funds to have all core academic teachers highly qualified
What is the definition of a Highly Qualified Teacher? Obtain full state licensure Holds a minimum of a bachelor s degree Demonstrate subject matter competency
Demonstrating Subject Matter Competency Hold an undergraduate or graduate degree in the core academic subject matter area or Complete coursework equivalent to an undergraduate major in the core academic area (minimum 34 quarter hours) or Passing a rigorous state exam in the core academic subject matter area or Highly Objective Uniform State Standards of Evaluation (HOUSSE)
Licenses Considered Full State Certification Basic and Standard Licenses Five Year Licenses Initial and Continuing Licenses Approved NCLB Alternative Route Teaching License
Core Academic Subjects English (Language Arts/Reading) Mathematics Science Foreign Language The Arts Geography History Civics and Government Economics
What happened to Social Studies? Pre 1989 - Educators did not take a test for social studies. These individuals must take the Praxis exams in social studies 10081 and 20085 or meet HOUSSE in each of the four social studies areas (civics & government, economics, history, geography). Post 1989 Most educators would have taken the test for social studies. Some out-of-state prepared educators may have had a transcript review in lieu of exams. If so, they must meet HOUSSE in each of the four social studies areas (civics & government, economics, history, geography).
What about alternative education? Must meet requirements of HQT in all core academic subjects they teach
What about on-line courses? Teachers employed by a distance learning program in Oregon must hold a valid Oregon teaching license appropriate for the assignment and grade level and must be HQT. Teachers employed by a distance learning program in Oregon or another state must hold a valid teaching license from any state appropriate for the assignment and grade level and must be HQT in the state of origin.
NCLB Which paraprofessionals must meet the requirements ALL Paraprofessionals in Title I-A School wide Programs ALL Paraprofessionals paid with Title I-A in Targeted Assistance Schools Programs
Exclusions Paraprofessionals working with special education students who do not provide instructional support Paraprofessionals who only serve as translators or who only conduct parental involvement activities
Educational Assistants Oregon State Law requires: All other educational assistants must have a high school diploma or equivalent
Work under direct supervision of a teacher The teacher prepares the lessons and plans the instructional support activities. The teacher evaluates the achievement of students the paraprofessional is working with. The paraprofessional works in close and frequent proximity with the teacher.
Does a teacher need to be HQ under the 10 Hour Rule Yes - A teacher must be HQT for every class they are teaching even if they are teaching off license for 10 hours or less per week.
Can a educator on a Conditional Assignment Permit be HQT? Yes, provided they are HQ in the content area they are teaching by coursework or testing while they are on the CAP. If the educator does not qualify to add the new endorsement by the expiration of the CAP they are no longer HQT.
Endorsements That Do Not Meet NCLB Requirements Stand-alone endorsements in Special Education and ESOL To Meet NCLB: SPED needs ORELA and/or Core Content Test ESOL needs ORELA and/or Core Content Test
NCLB and Charter School Teachers Registered or Licensed 50% of Charter School teachers must be licensed and 50% must be registered with TSPC. To be a registered Charter School Teacher, the educator must have a bachelor s degree and demonstrate subject matter knowledge by coursework or testing to be HQ.
What about Special Education Teachers? All special education teachers must be highly qualified in the core academic subjects at the grade levels the students they are teaching are achieving. The IDEIA allows teachers who are only providing consultative services, offering support or otherwise NOT delivering direct instruction to not meet the definition of HQT. [This does not include Life Skills.]
What about Special Education Teachers? (cont) Teachers teaching students in grades K-8, may become highly qualified by passing the current multiple-subjects state test: ORELA Multiple Subject Examination. Note: passage of this test will not allow special education teachers to teach multiple subjects in the general education classroom.
What about Special Education Teachers? (cont) Basic or Standard Teaching Licenses with an Elementary Endorsement AND a special education endorsement are automatically HQT based on their license alone for special education grades K-8 so long as they are assigned in accordance with their special education endorsement. High school special education teachers must be highly qualified in each core academic subject they are teaching at the grade level at which their highest performing student is achieving. A high school special education teacher may take the multiple subjects examination and be highly qualified to teach all special education students who are performing at or below the 8th grade level of achievement.
QUESTIONS?
SUPPORT SERVICES: DATA EXCHANGE Information exchanged between TSPC and School Districts electronically BENEFITS: Daily updates on licensure New Licenses, Renewals, Expirations, Grace Periods Employment with SD s is accurate on TSPC s website Reporting of PEER forms (in the future)
PRESENTED BY: Pam LaFreniere Director of Teacher Licensure Pam.lafreniere@state.or.us (503/373-1060)
TSCP Contact Info Phone: 503-378-3586 (general line) www.tspc.state.or.us Licensure Director & District Contact: Pam LaFreniere 503/373-1060 Discipline: Melody Hanson 503/378-1260 Executive Director: Vickie Chamberlain 503/378-6813 Business Systems Manager: Stan Wall 503/373-2916