Home » 2011 Issues » November 23, 2011 » EDU-09-11-00005-E Teaching Certificate in Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics or a Closely Related Field
EDU-09-11-00005-E Teaching Certificate in Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics or a Closely Related Field
11/23/11 N.Y. St. Reg. EDU-09-11-00005-E
NEW YORK STATE REGISTER
VOLUME XXXIII, ISSUE 47
November 23, 2011
RULE MAKING ACTIVITIES
EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
EMERGENCY RULE MAKING
I.D No. EDU-09-11-00005-E
Filing No. 1205
Filing Date. Nov. 08, 2011
Effective Date. Nov. 08, 2011
Teaching Certificate in Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics or a Closely Related Field
PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE State Administrative Procedure Act, NOTICE is hereby given of the following action:
Specific reasons underlying the finding of necessity:
Supply and demand data has shown that in many regions of New York there is a shortage of certified teachers in the areas of science and mathematics. To address this issue, the proposed regulations have been developed to create an expedited pathway for individuals with advanced degrees in STEM and related teaching experience at the postsecondary level to become certified teachers in mathematics or one of the sciences or a closely related field.
The proposed rule provides eligible candidates with advanced degrees in the STEM areas and teaching experience at the postsecondary level with two certification options. The candidate could obtain a Transitional G certificate to teach math or one of the sciences at the secondary level without completing additional pedagogical study for two years. The district would commit to providing mentoring and appropriate professional development in the areas of pedagogy during the period that the teacher is employed on a Transitional G certificate. After two years of successful teaching experience with the district on a Transitional G certificate the teacher would be eligible for the initial certificate in that subject area.
The other option is for individuals who meet the other requirements but do not have an offer of employment by a school district they would still have the option of completing six credits of undergraduate pedagogical core study or four credits of graduate pedagogical study.
The proposed rule was adopted as an emergency action at the February 2011 Regents meeting, effective February 15, 2011, and readopted as an emergency rule at the May, June and July 2011 meetings. A Notice of Proposed Rule Making was published in the State Register on March 2, 2011 and a Notice of Revised Rule Making was published on June 1, 2011. The July emergency rule will expire on November 7, 2011. However, additional time is needed for the Department to explore the possible use of Transfer Fund grant funds under the federal Race To The Top program to encourage STEM faculty to work in high-need schools. Emergency action is necessary to ensure that the emergency rule remains continuously in effect until such time as it can be adopted as a permanent rule.
Subject:
Teaching certificate in Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics or a Closely Related Field.
Purpose:
To allow individuals with advanced degrees in the STEM areas and related teaching experience to teach certain subjects in 7-12.
Text of emergency rule:
1. Paragraphs (45) through (47) of subdivision (b) of Section 80-1.1 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education should be renumbered (46) through (48) of Section 80-1.1 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education, effective November 8, 2011.
2. A new paragraph (45) of subdivision (b) is added to Section 80-1.1 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education, effective November 8, 2011, to read as follows:
(45) Transitional G certificate means the first teaching certificate obtained by a candidate who holds an appropriate graduate degree in science, technology, engineering or mathematics and has two years of acceptable experience teaching in a post-secondary institution, that qualifies that individual to teach in the public schools of New York State, subject to the requirements and limitations of this Part, and excluding the provisional certificate, initial certificate, internship certificate, conditional initial certificate, transitional A certificate, transitional B certificate and transitional C certificate.
3. Subparagraph (i) of paragraph (2) of subdivision (b) of section 80-3.3 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education is amended, effective November 8, 2011, to read as follows:
(i) [The] (a) Except as otherwise provided in subdivision (b) of this section, the candidate shall submit evidence of having achieved a satisfactory level of performance on the New York State Teacher Certification Examination liberal arts and sciences test, written assessment of teaching skills, and content specialty test(s) in the area of the certificate, except that a candidate seeking an initial certificate in the title of Speech and Language Disabilities (all grades) shall not be required to achieve a satisfactory level of performance on the content specialty test.
(b) Examination requirement for candidates with a graduate degree in science, technology, engineering or mathematics and two years of post-secondary teaching experience in the area of the certificate sought. Any candidate seeking an initial certificate in earth science, biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics or in a closely related field as determined by the Department in (grades 7-12) and who is seeking an initial certificate through individual evaluation under section 80-3.7(a)(3)(ii)(c) shall not be required to achieve a satisfactory level of performance on the written assessment of teaching skills examination or the content specialty test.
4. Section 80-3.7 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education is amended, effective November 8, 2011, to read as follows:
This section prescribes requirements for meeting the education requirements for classroom teaching certificates through individual evaluation. [This] Except as otherwise provided in this section, this option for meeting education requirements shall only be available for candidates who apply for a certificate in childhood education by February 1, 2007 and for candidates who apply for any other certificate in the classroom teaching service by February 1, 2012, and who upon application qualify for such certificate. Candidates with a graduate degree in science, technology, engineering or mathematics who apply for an initial teaching certificate under 80-3.7(a)(3)(ii)(c)(3) may continue to meet the education requirements for classroom teaching certificates through individual evaluation after February 1, 2012. The candidate must have achieved a 2.5 cumulative grade point average or its equivalent in the program or programs leading to any degree used to meet the requirements for a certificate under this section. In addition, a candidate must have achieved at least a C or its equivalent in any undergraduate level course and at least a B- or its equivalent in any graduate level course in order for the semester hours associated with that course to be credited toward meeting the content core or pedagogical core semester hour requirements for a certificate under this section. All other requirements for the certificate, including but not limited to, examination and/or experience requirements, as prescribed in this Part, must also be met.
(a) Satisfaction of education requirements through individual evaluation for initial certificates in all titles in classroom teaching service, except in specific career and technical subjects within the field of agriculture, business and marketing and consumer services, health, a technical area, or a trade (grades 7 through 12).
(1) . . .
(2) . . .
(i) . . .
(ii) . . .
(iii) . . .
(iv) . . .
(v). . .
(3) Additional requirements. A candidate seeking to fulfill the education requirement for the initial certificate through individual evaluation of education requirements shall meet the additional requirements in this paragraph or their substantial equivalent as determined by the commissioner, if so prescribed for that certificate title, in addition to the general requirements prescribed in paragraph (2) of this subdivision.
(i) . . . .
(ii) Specialist in middle childhood education (5-9) and adolescence education (7-12).
(a) . . .
(b) . . .
(c) For candidates with a graduate degree in science, technology, engineering or mathematics and two years of postsecondary teaching experience in the certificate area to be taught or in a closely related subject area acceptable to the Department, who apply for a certificate or license in (grades 7-12) on or after February 2, 2011 in earth science, biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics or a closely related field, the candidate shall not be required to meet the general requirements in paragraph (2) (iii), (iv) or (v) of subdivision (a) of this section. However, the candidate shall meet the following requirements:
(1) Degree completion. The candidate shall possess a graduate degree in science, technology, engineering or mathematics from a regionally or nationally accredited institution of higher education, a higher education institution that the Commissioner deems substantially equivalent, or from an institution authorized by the Board of Regents to confer degrees and whose programs are registered by the Department. The candidate shall have completed a graduate major in the subject of the certificate sought, or in a related field approved by the department for this purpose.
(2) Post-secondary teaching experience. The candidate must show evidence of at least two years of satisfactory teaching experience at the post-secondary level in the certificate area to be taught or in a closely related subject area acceptable to the Department.
(3) Pedagogical study or two years of satisfactory teaching experience in a school district under a Transitional G certificate. The candidate shall complete one of the following:
(i) at least six credits of undergraduate pedagogical core study or four credits of graduate pedagogical study for the initial certificate in the area of the candidate's certificate, as prescribed for the certificate title in this paragraph, which shall include study in the methods of teaching in the certificate area, teaching students with disabilities; curriculum and lesson planning aligned with the New York State Learning Standards; and classroom management and teaching at the developmental level of students to be taught; or
(ii) at least two years of satisfactory teaching experience in a school district while the candidate holds a Transitional G certificate under this Part.
(iii) . . .
(iv) . . .
(v) . . .
(vi) . . .
(vii) . . .
(viii) . . .
(ix) . . .
(x) . . .
(xi) . . .
(xii) . .
(b) . . .
(c) . . .
5. Section 80-5.22 of the Regulations of the Commissioner is added, effective November 8, 2011 as follows:
§ 80-5.22 Transitional G certificate for career changers and others holding a graduate or higher degree in science, technology, engineering or mathematics and with at least two years of acceptable post-secondary teaching experience.
(a) General requirements.
(1) Time validity. The transitional G certificate shall be valid for two years.
(2) Limitations. The transitional G certificate shall authorize a candidate to teach only in a school district for which a commitment for employment has been made. The candidate shall meet the requirements in each of the following paragraphs:
(i) Education. A candidate shall hold a graduate degree in science, technology, engineering or mathematics from a regionally or nationally accredited institution of higher education, a higher education institution that the Commissioner deems substantially equivalent, or from an institution authorized by the Board of Regents to confer degrees. A candidate shall complete study in the means for identifying and reporting suspected child abuse and maltreatment, which shall include at least two clock hours of coursework or training in the identification and reporting of suspected child abuse or maltreatment in accordance with the requirements of section 3004 of the Education Law. In addition, the candidate shall complete at least two clock hours of coursework or training in school violence prevention and intervention, as required by section 3004 of the Education Law, which is provided by a provider approved or deemed approved by the Department pursuant to Subpart 57-2 of this Title.
(ii) Examination. The candidate shall submit evidence of having achieved a satisfactory level of performance on the New York State Teacher Certification Examination liberal arts and sciences test.
(iii) Post-secondary teaching experience. The candidate shall submit evidence of at least two years of satisfactory teaching experience at the post-secondary level in the certificate area to be taught or in a closely related subject area acceptable to the Department.
(iv) Employment and support commitment. The candidate shall submit satisfactory evidence of having a commitment from a school district of at least two years of employment as a teacher with the school district in the area of the certificate sought, which shall include a plan from the school district for mentoring, appropriate instructional support as determined by school leadership and at least 70 hours of professional development targeted toward appropriate pedagogical skills, over the two years of employment.
This notice is intended
to serve only as a notice of emergency adoption. This agency intends to adopt the provisions of this emergency rule as a permanent rule, having previously submitted to the Department of State a notice of proposed rule making, I.D. No. EDU-09-11-00005-EP, Issue of March 2, 2011. The emergency rule will expire January 6, 2012.
Text of rule and any required statements and analyses may be obtained from:
Chris Moore, State Education Department, Office of Counsel, State Education Building, Room 148, 89 Washington Ave., Albany, NY 12234, (518) 473-8296, email: legal@mail.nysed.gov
Regulatory Impact Statement
1. STATUTORY AUTHORITY:
Section 207 of the Education Law grants general rule-making authority to the Board of Regents to carry into effect the laws and policies of the State relating to education.
Subdivision (1) of section 305 of the Education Law empowers the Commissioner of Education to be the chief executive officer of the state system of education and of the Board of Regents and authorizes the Commissioner to enforce laws relating to the educational system and to execute educational policies determined by the Regents.
Subdivision (2) of section 305 of the Education Law authorizes the Commissioner of Education to have general supervision over all schools subject to the Education Law.
Subdivision (2) of section 3001 of the Education Law establishes certification by the State Education Department as a qualification to teach in the public schools of New York State.
Subdivision (1) of section 3004 of the Education Law authorizes the Commissioner of Education to prescribe, subject to the approval of the Regents, regulations governing the examination and certification of teachers employed in all public schools in the State.
Subdivision (6) of section 3004 of the Education Law requires the Regents and the Commissioner to develop programs to assist in the expansion of alternative teacher preparation programs.
Paragraph (b) of subdivision (1) of section 3006 of the Education Law provides that the Commissioner of Education may issue such teacher certificates as the Regents Rules prescribe.
2. LEGISLATIVE OBJECTIVES:
The proposed amendment carries out the objectives of the above referenced statutes by establishing an alternative certification pathway for candidates with an advanced degree in either science, technology, engineering or mathematics and two years of teaching experience at the post-secondary level, to teach in the certificate area of their advanced degree or one closely related to it.
3. NEEDS AND BENEFITS:
The proposed amendment establishes a transitional G certificate to create a mechanism for schools to employ applicants with a graduate degree or higher in science. technology, engineering or mathematics, and two years of experience teaching at the college level in the same area as the certificate requested, or in a closely related field as determined by the Commissioner, to address demonstrated shortage areas in these subjects. School districts and BOCES that wish to employ a teacher with the transitional G certificate must certify to the State Education Department that the district has made a commitment of employment to the transitional G holder for two years of employment, which shall a plan for mentoring, appropriate instructional support as determined by school leadership and at least 70 hours of professional development targeted toward appropriate pedagogical skills over the two years of employment. For individuals who meet the other requirements but do not have an offer of employment by a school district they would still have the option of completing six credits of undergraduate pedagogical core study or four credits of graduate pedagogical study.
The proposed amendment is needed to facilitate the State's ability to address persistent shortages of certified teachers who are qualified to teach in one of the sciences or mathematics at the 7-12 grade level. The proposed amendment is designed to support the Department's continuing efforts to certify a sufficient number of properly qualified candidates to fill the need for science and mathematics teachers in the State's schools.
The transitional G certificate will be valid for two years from its effective date and will not be renewable. It will be limited to employment with an employing entity.
4. COSTS:
(a) Cost to State government. The amendment will not impose any additional cost on State government, including the State Education Department. The State Education Department will use existing staff and resources to process certificate applications.
(b) Cost to local government. The amendment does not impose additional costs upon local governments, including schools districts and BOCES.
(c) Cost to private regulated parties. A candidate seeking a transitional G certificate will be required to pay a $100 application fee.
(d) Costs to the regulatory agency. As stated above in Costs to State Government, the amendment will not impose any additional costs on the State Education Department.
5. LOCAL GOVERNMENT MANDATES:
School districts and BOCES that wish to employ a teacher with the transitional G certificate must certify to the State Education Department that the district has made a commitment of employment to the transitional G holder, and that the district or BOCES has a plan for mentoring, appropriate instructional support services and at least 70 hours of professional development targeted toward appropriate pedagogical skills over the two years of employment.
6. PAPERWORK:
The proposed amendment will not increase reporting or recordkeeping requirements beyond existing requirements. The employing school district or BOCES will be required to certify that the district wants to employ the candidate in a position for which the candidate would need the transitional G certificate to qualify, and that it will provide a plan for mentoring, appropriate instructional support as determined by school leadership and at least 70 hours of professional development targeted toward appropriate pedagogical skills over the two years of employment.
7. DUPLICATION:
The amendment does not duplicate other existing State or Federal requirements.
8. ALTERNATIVES:
No alternative proposals were considered.
9. FEDERAL STANDARDS:
There are no Federal standards that address alternative certification requirements in the areas of science and mathematics.
10. COMPLIANCE SCHEDULE:
Regulated parties must comply with the proposed amendment on its effective date. Because of the nature of the proposed amendment, no additional period of time is necessary to enable regulated parties to comply.
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis
(a) Small Businesses:
The purpose of the proposed amendment is to establish an expedited pathway for individuals with advanced degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics and at least two years of postsecondary teaching experience to become certified in science or mathematics in grades 7-12 to address the demonstrated shortage areas in these subjects and grade levels. The amendment does not impose any reporting, recordkeeping, or compliance requirements and will not have an economic impact on small businesses. Because it is evident from the nature of the rule that it does not affect small businesses, no further steps were needed to ascertain that fact and none were taken.
(b) Local Governments:
1. Effect of the rule:
The proposed amendment affects all school districts and BOCES in the State that wish to hire a teacher for employment that holds a transitional G certificate.
The purpose of the proposed amendment is to establish an expedited pathway for individuals with advanced degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics and at least two years of postsecondary teaching experience to become certified in science or mathematics in grades 7-12 to address the demonstrated shortage areas in these subjects and grade levels.
The proposed amendment establishes a transitional G certificate which authorizes a qualified applicant, upon meeting the prescribed requirements, a certification to teach at the 7-12 grade level in science, mathematics, or a closely related field as determined by the Commissioner. School districts and BOCES that wish to employ a teacher with the transitional G certificate must certify to the State Education Department that the district has made a commitment of employment to the transitional G holder, with a plan for mentoring and appropriate instructional support as determined by school leadership and at least 70 hours of professional development targeted toward appropriate pedagogical skills over the two years of employment.
2. Compliance requirements:
The purpose of the proposed amendment is to establish an expedited pathway for individuals with advanced degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics and at least two years of postsecondary teaching experience to become certified in science or mathematics in grades 7-12 to address the demonstrated shortage areas in these subjects and grade levels.
The proposed amendment establishes a transitional G certificate which authorizes a qualified applicant, upon meeting the prescribed requirements, a certification to teach at the 7-12 grade level in science, mathematics, or a closely related field as determined by the Commissioner. School districts and BOCES that wish to employ a teacher with the transitional G certificate must certify to the State Education Department that the district has made a commitment of employment to the transitional G holder, with a plan for mentoring and appropriate instructional support as determined by school leadership and at least 70 hours of professional development targeted toward appropriate pedagogical skills over the two years of employment.
3. Professional services:
The proposed amendment does not mandate school districts or BOCES to contract for additional professional services to comply.
4. Compliance costs:
There are no compliance costs for school districts or BOCES that exercise the option of employing a teacher under a transitional G certificate. However, the candidate will be required to pay an application fee of $100 for the transitional G certificate.
5. Economic and technological feasibility:
Meeting the requirements of the proposed amendment is economically and technologically feasible. As stated above in compliance costs, the amendment imposes no costs on school districts or BOCES.
6. Minimizing adverse impact:
The amendment establishes requirements for the issuance of a transitional G certificate. The State Education Department does not believe that establishing different standards for local governments is warranted. A uniform standard ensures the quality of the State's teaching workforce.
7. Local government participation:
Comments on the proposed rule were solicited from the State Professional Standards and Practices Board for Teaching. This is an advisory group to the Board of Regents and the Commissioner of Education on matters pertaining to teacher education, certification, and practice. The Board has representatives of school districts and BOCES.
Rural Area Flexibility Analysis
1. Types and estimated numbers of rural areas:
The proposed amendment will affect candidates, New York State school districts and BOCES in all parts of the State, including the 44 rural counties with fewer than 200,000 inhabitants and the 71 towns and urban counties with a population density of 150 square mile or less.
2. Reporting, recordkeeping, and other compliance requirements and professional services:
The purpose of the proposed amendment is to establish an expedited pathway for individuals with advanced degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics and at least two years of postsecondary teaching experience to become certified in science or mathematics in grades 7-12 to address the demonstrated shortage areas in these subjects and grade levels. The proposed amendment also establishes requirements regarding the application for and issuance of the transitional G certification. This certification will authorize a qualified applicant, with an advanced degree in either science, technology, engineering, mathematics or a closely related field as determined by the Commissioner, and two years of teaching experience at the post-secondary level, to teach in the certificate area of their advanced degree or one closely related to it, for the period of two years, at which time the candidate may apply for an initial certificate in that subject area. For individuals who meet the other requirements but do not have an offer of employment by a school district they would still have the option of completing six credits of undergraduate pedagogical core study or four credits of graduate pedagogical study. Certificate areas identified for the transitional G include: Biology, Chemistry, Earth Science, Physics, Mathematics, or a closely related field as determined by the Commissioner, at the 7-12 grade level.
School districts and BOCES that wish to employ a teacher with the transitional G certificate must certify to the State Education Department that the district has made a commitment of employment to the transitional G holder, which shall include a plan for appropriate mentoring and instructional support as determined by school leadership and at least 70 hours of professional development targeted toward appropriate pedagogical skills over the two years of employment.
3. Costs:
There are no compliance costs for school districts or BOCES that exercise the option of employing a teacher under a transitional G certificate. However, the candidate will be required to pay an application fee of $100 for the transitional G certificate.
4. Minimizing adverse impact:
The State Education Department does not believe that establishing different standards for candidates who live or work in rural areas is warranted. A uniform standard ensures the quality of the State's teaching workforce.
5. Rural area participation:
Comments on the proposed rule were solicited from the State Professional Standards and Practices Board for Teaching. This is an advisory group to the Board of Regents and the Commissioner of Education on matters pertaining to teacher education, certification, and practice. The Board has representatives who live and/or work in rural areas, including individuals who are employed as educators in rural school districts and BOCES.
Job Impact Statement
The purpose of the proposed amendment is to establish requirements for an expedited certification pathway for individuals with advanced degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics and at least two years of postsecondary teaching experience to become certified in science and mathematics in grades 5-9 and 7-12.
The proposed amendment is needed to facilitate the Department's continuing ability to certify a sufficient number of properly qualified candidates to address shortage areas in the State's public schools and BOCES. This proposal is intended to increase the supply of teachers who are certified in the sciences and mathematics in grades 5-9 and 7-12, all of which are shortage areas.
Because it is evident from the nature of the rule that it could only have a positive impact or no impact on jobs and employment opportunities, no affirmative steps were needed to ascertain that fact and none were taken. Accordingly, a job impact statement is not required, and one has not been prepared.
