No. 31579 (Amendment): R277-502-6. Educator Licensing and Data Retention

DAR File No.: 31579
Filed: 06/16/2008, 03:31
Received by: NL

RULE ANALYSIS

Purpose of the rule or reason for the change:

Section R277-502-6 is amended to implement the returning educator relicensure initiative. The purpose of the initiative is to facilitate the return to the classroom of experienced educators whose professional licenses have lapsed. The program allows for educator relicensure based on a plan developed with principals of schools that hire returning educators.

Summary of the rule or change:

The amendments include changing the requirement of an evaluation upon the educator's return to the classroom to a discussion and observation process; requiring successful completion of required Board-approved exams for licensure; requiring that the returning educator work with a trained mentor; and requiring an educator who previously held a Level 2 or Level 3 license to have a satisfactory school district evaluation before the Local Education Agency (LEA) can recommend reinstatement of the Level 2 or 3 license.

State statutory or constitutional authorization for this rule:

Section 53A-6-104 and Subsection 53A-1-401(3)

Anticipated cost or savings to:

the state budget:

There are no anticipated costs or savings to the state budget. The changes provide a more efficient and user-friendly process for relicensure of returning educators.

local governments:

There are no anticipated costs or savings to local government. Local school boards will be able to hire previously licensed educators seeking relicensure into the public education system by a more efficient and user-friendly process.

small businesses and persons other than businesses:

There are no anticipated costs or savings to small businesses AND persons other than businesses. The relicensure of returning educators affects public education and not businesses. Returning educators will be able to obtain relicensure by a more efficient and user-friendly process.

Compliance costs for affected persons:

There are no compliance costs for affected persons. Returning educators will be able to obtain relicensure by a more efficient and user-friendly process.

Comments by the department head on the fiscal impact the rule may have on businesses:

I have reviewed this rule and I see no fiscal impact on businesses. Patti Harrington, State Superintendent of Public Instruction

The full text of this rule may be inspected, during regular business hours, at the Division of Administrative Rules, or at:

Education
Administration
250 E 500 S
SALT LAKE CITY UT 84111-3272

Direct questions regarding this rule to:

Carol Lear at the above address, by phone at 801-538-7835, by FAX at 801-538-7768, or by Internet E-mail at [e-mail]

Interested persons may present their views on this rule by submitting written comments to the address above no later than 5:00 p.m. on:

07/31/2008

This rule may become effective on:

08/07/2008

Authorized by:

Carol Lear, Director, School Law and Legislation

RULE TEXT

R277. Education, Administration.

R277-502. Educator Licensing and Data Retention.

R277-502-6. Returning Educator Relicensure.

A. A previously licensed educator with an expired license may renew an expired license upon satisfaction of the following:

(1) Completion of criminal background check including review of any criminal offenses and approval by the Utah Professional Practices Advisory Commission;

(2) Employment by a school district/charter school;

(3) A professional development plan developed jointly by the school principal or charter school director and the returning educator that considers the following:

(a) previous successful public school teaching experience;

(b) formal educational preparation;

(c) period of time between last public teaching experience and the present;

(d) school goals for student achievement within the employing school and the educator's role in accomplishing those goals;

(e) returning educator's professional abilities, as determined by a formal [evaluation]discussion and observation process completed within the first 30 days of employment; and

(f) completion of additional necessary professional development for the educator, as determined jointly by the principal/school district and educator.

(4) The plan [shall be ]filed with the USOE;

(5) Successful completion of[Pass] required Board-approved exams for licensure;

(6) Satisfactory experience as determined by the school district with a trained mentor; and

(7) [Successful evaluation of teaching based on school district evaluation system]Work with a trained mentor.

B. Returning educators who previously held a Level 2 or Level 3 license shall be issued a Level 1 license during the first year of employment. Upon completion of the requirements listed in R277-502-6A and a satisfactory school district evaluation, if available, the employing LEA may recommend reinstatement of licensure at a Level 2 or 3. This license shall be valid for five years.

C. Returning educators who taught less than three consecutive years in a public or accredited private school shall complete the Early Years Enhancement requirements before moving from Level 1 to Level 2 licensure.

 

KEY: professional competency, educator licensing

Date of Enactment or Last Substantive Amendment: [March 24, ]2008

Notice of Continuation: September 6, 2007

Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: Art X Sec 3; 53A-6-104; 53A-1-401(3)