DAR File No. 28145

Education, Administration

R277-515

Approval of Educator Preparation Programs

NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE

DAR File No.: 28145
Filed: 08/15/2005, 11:12
Received by: NL

RULE ANALYSIS

Purpose of the rule or reason for the change:

This rule is being repealed because language relating to educator preparation has been incorporated into Rule R277-502.

Summary of the rule or change:

This rule is repealed in its entirety.

State statutory or constitutional authorization for this rule:

Subsection 53A-1-401(3)

Anticipated cost or savings to:

the state budget:

There are no anticipated cost or savings to the state budget. This rule is being repealed because the language in the rule has been incorporated into another rule.

local governments:

There are no anticipated cost or savings to local government. This rule is being repealed because the language in the rule has been incorporated into another rule.

other persons:

There are no anticipated cost or savings to other persons. This rule is being repealed because the language in the rule has been incorporated into another rule.

Compliance costs for affected persons:

There are no compliance costs for affected persons. Requirements that are in this rule have been provided for in another rule.

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:

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 carol.lear@schools.utah.gov

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:

10/03/2005

This rule may become effective on:

10/04/2005

Authorized by:

Carol Lear, Coordinator School Law and Legislation

RULE TEXT

R277. Education, Administration.

[R277-515. Approval of Educator Preparation Programs.

R277-515-1. Definitions.

A. "Board" means the Utah State Board of Education.

B. "Approval" means the official action of the Board accepting an educator preparation program. The Board accepts graduates of approved programs as qualified for certification.

C. "Program audit" means review of the approval report to determine the extent of response to recommendations and implementation of modifications to assure continued acceptance of persons recommended for certification.

R277-515-2. Authority and Purpose.

A. This rule is authorized under Utah Constitution Article X, Section 3 which vests general control and supervision of public education in the Board, Section 53A-6-101(1) and (2) which permits the Board to issue certificates for educators and Section 53A-1-401(3) which allows the Board to adopt rules in accordance with its responsibilities.

B. This rule specifies the standards and procedures by which educator preparation programs are approved for certification recommendation purposes. Persons completing approved programs may be accepted for Board certification upon the recommendation of the head of the approved program.

R277-515-3. Program Approval.

All of the programs in an institution which lead to certification must be officially approved by the Board. A formal evaluation of each teacher education institution is carried out at least once every six years with an interim program audit conducted under the direction of the State Office of Education during the third year of the approval cycle. Continuous collaborative involvement between the teacher education institutions and the Utah State Office of Education is maintained. Recommendations regarding approval are submitted to the Board.

R277-515-4. Criteria.

A. The criteria and procedures used to evaluate the programs of teacher education institutions are the Standards for State Approval of Teacher Education developed by the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification, and available from the USOE Certification Section and education departments at Utah institutions of higher education. These are supplemented by standards reflecting specific state needs and requirements. Criteria applicable to specific programs are listed with the certification standards which relate to that program.

B. In order to receive approval, an institution must demonstrate that it has cooperated with local school districts in making special assistance and clinical experiences available for prospective and beginning teachers.

R277-515-5. Institution Evaluation.

A. An evaluation may include an on-site visit to the institution by a professional review team. Team members include staff of the Utah State Office of Education, other teacher education institutions in the state, school districts, and professional associations.

B. An evaluation emphasizes standards related to the following critical areas:

(1) admission to teacher education programs;

(2) general education;

(3) subject matter preparation;

(4) pedagogical preparation;

(5) academic performance;

(6) performance as a prospective teacher, which includes preparation to teach the academic curriculum taught in public schools and ability to utilize successful teaching methods;

(7) faculty involved in the preparation of teachers;

(8) program coherence.

C. Adequate funding for teacher preparation programs must be given priority by the institution equal to that of the other professional schools and colleges. During the on-site approval visit, team leaders meet with administrative officials of the institution or its institutional council, or both, to receive an accounting of the allocation of funds for teacher education. The Board may refuse approval of a program that it determines is inadequately funded.

R277-515-6. Specific Program Evaluation.

A. The various educator preparation programs within the institution are individually reviewed for approval by a subcommittee of the State Advisory Committee on Teacher Education. The subcommittee consists of a representative of the staff for the Board and at least two teachers or other professionals in the field covered by the proposed program. The subcommittee submits its findings and recommendations to the State Advisory Committee. The State Advisory Committee submits its recommendation to the Board.

B. For each type of educator preparation program within the institution for which approval is requested, the institution shall provide the following:

(1) justification or need for the program;

(2) area of preparation, including whether the preparation is for a teaching or other specialist assignment or both;

(3) restrictions or constraints associated with a certificate;

(4) the extent to which other accrediting association standards are met by the program;

(5) grade level of preparation; and

(6) program competencies, including:

(a) minimum performance levels;

(b) credit hours required;

(c) practicum and other non-classroom experiences; and

(d) records of student evaluations.

R277-515-7. Changes in Approved Programs.

Changes in an approved program made during the approval period are submitted to the State Office of Education. The State Office circulates the proposal to the appropriate subject matter specialists and outside consultants for recommendations. Interim approval may be extended until the next review cycle or special on-site visit.

KEY: accreditation, educational program evaluations, teacher certification

1987

Notice of Continuation October 18, 2002

Art X Sec 3

53A-6-101(1) and (2)

53A-1-401(3)]

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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For questions regarding the content or application of this rule, please contact Carol Lear at the above address, by phone at 801-538-7835, by FAX at 801-538-7768, or by Internet E-mail at carol.lear@schools.utah.gov

For questions about the rulemaking process, please contact the Division of Administrative Rules (801-538-3764). Please Note: The Division of Administrative Rules is NOT able to answer questions about the content or application of these administrative rules.