R277-503-8. LEA Specific Competency-Based Licenses

  (1)(a) An LEA may apply to the Board for a Level 1 competency-based license for an applicant to fill a position in the LEA.

  (b) The application shall demonstrate that other licensing routes for the applicant are untenable or unreasonable.

  (2) An employing LEA shall request a Level 1 competency-based license no later than 60 days after the date of the individual's first day of employment.

  (3) An application for a Level 1 competency-based license from the LEA for an individual to teach one or more core academic subjects shall provide documentation of:

  (a) the individual's bachelors degree; and

  (b)(i) for a K-6 grade teacher, the satisfactory results of the state test including subject knowledge and teaching skills in the required core academic subjects under Subsection 53E-6-306(3)(a)(ii) as approved by the Board; or

  (ii) for a teacher in grades 7-12, demonstration of a high level of competency in each of the core academic subjects in which the teacher teaches by passing the state core academic subject test required under Subsection R277-503-3(4), in each of the core academic subjects in which the teacher teaches at the Superintendent-established passing score.

  (4) An application for a Level 1 competency-based license from an LEA for non-core teachers in grades K-12 shall provide documentation of:

  (a) a bachelors degree, associates degree or skill certification; and

  (b) skills, talents or abilities specific to the teaching assignment, as determined by the LEA.

  (5) Following receipt of documentation and consistent with Subsection 53E-6-306(2), the Superintendent shall approve a Level 1 competency-based license.

  (6) If an individual with a Level 1 competency-based license leaves the LEA before the end of the employment period, the LEA shall notify the Superintendent regarding the end-of-employment date.

  (7) An individual's Level 1 competency-based license shall be valid only in the LEA that originally requested the competency-based license.

  (8) A written copy of a Level 1 competency-based license shall prominently state the name of the LEA followed by LEVEL 1 - LEA SPECIFIC - COMPETENCY-BASED LICENSE.

  (9)(a) An LEA may change the assignment of a competency-based license holder and provide notice to the Superintendent;

  (b) The Superintendent may require additional competency-based documentation for the teacher to remain qualified.

  (10) A Level 1 competency-based license is equivalent to the Level 1 license as described in R277-500 and R277-502 as to length and professional development expectations, and subject to the same renewal procedures except that an individual may renew a Level 1 competency-based license.

  (11) A Level 2 competency-based license may be issued to a Level 1 competency-based license holder if that individual successfully completes the Entry years Enhancement program as detailed in R277-522.

  (12) A Level 2 competency-based license is equivalent to the Level 2 license as described in R277-500 and R277-502 as to length and professional development expectations.

  (13) A Level 3 competency-based license may be issued to a Level 2 competency-based license holder if that individual holds a doctorate in education or in a field related to a content unit of the public education system from an accredited institution.

  (14) A Level 3 competency-based license is equivalent to the Level 3 license as described in R277-500 and R277-502 as to length and professional development expectations.

  (15) If an individual holds a Utah license, an application for an LEA specific competency-based license shall be subject to additional Superintendent review based upon the following criteria:

  (a) license level;

  (b) current license status;

  (c) area of concentration and endorsements on Utah license; and

  (d) circumstances justifying the LEA specific license.

  (16)(a) If an application is not approved based on the Superintendent's review of the criteria provided in Section R277-503-4, appropriate licensure procedures shall be recommended to the requesting LEA.

  (b) An applicant may be required to:

  (i) renew an expired license;

  (ii) apply for an endorsement;

  (iii) pass appropriate Board approved tests consistent with Subsection R277-503-3(4);

  (iv) obtain an additional area of concentration;

  (v) apply to Alternative Route to Licensure; or

  (vi) satisfy other reasonable standards.