Effective Date of Rule: Thirty-one days after filing.

     Purpose: Amending WAC 181-78A-500, 181-78A-507, 181-78A-510, 181-78A-520, 181-78A-525, and 181-78A-535, rules governing the awarding of professional certification [of] the educators. The rule change provides for educational service districts [to] develop professional certification for administrator preparation programs.

     Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Amending X [WAC 181-78A-500, 181-78A-507, 181-78A-510, 181-78A-520, 181-78A-525, and 181-78A-535].

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 28A.410.210.

      Adopted under notice filed as WSR 09-11-123 on May 20, 2009, and WSR 09-12-128 on June 3, 2009.

     A final cost-benefit analysis is available by contacting David Brenna, 600 Washington Street South, Room 252, Olympia, WA 98504-7236, phone (360) 725-6238, fax (360) 586-4548, e-mail david.brenna@k12.wa.us.

     Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 0, Amended 6, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 6, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 6, Repealed 0;      Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Date Adopted: July 24, 2009.

David Brenna

Legislative and

Policy Coordinator

OTS-2445.4

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 07-04-004, filed 1/24/07, effective 2/24/07)

WAC 181-78A-500   Professional certificate program approval.   All professional certificate programs for teachers, principals/program administrators, and school counselors, school psychologists, and school social workers shall be approved pursuant to the requirements in WAC 181-78A-520 through 181-78A-540. Only colleges/universities with professional educator standards board-approved residency certificate teacher, principals/program administrator, and school counselor, school psychologist, ((and)) school social worker preparation programs((.)), and educational service districts are eligible to apply for approval to offer ((teacher)) professional certificate programs. Educational service districts are encouraged to partner with institutions of higher education, local school districts, or consortia of school districts to provide ((teacher)) professional certificate programs.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.410.210. 07-04-004, § 181-78A-500, filed 1/24/07, effective 2/24/07; 06-14-010, § 181-78A-500, filed 6/22/06, effective 7/23/06. 06-02-051, recodified as § 181-78A-500, filed 12/29/05, effective 1/1/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.401.010 [28A.410.010]. 04-21-038, § 180-78A-500, filed 10/15/04, effective 11/15/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.305.130 and 28A.410.010. 02-18-037, § 180-78A-500, filed 8/26/02, effective 9/26/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.305 [28A.305.130] (1) and (2). 00-13-064, § 180-78A-500, filed 6/16/00, effective 7/17/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.305.130 (1) and (2), 28A.410.010 and 28A.150.220(4). 99-01-174, § 180-78A-500, filed 12/23/98, effective 1/23/99.]

     The professional certificate for principals/program administrators requires successful demonstration of six standards at the professional certification benchmark levels, or above, and the candidate will need to provide evidence that he/she has had a positive impact on student learning.

     The candidate ((and college or university)) with the approved program shall develop an individual professional growth plan that shall address the six knowledge and skills standards, focus on activities that enhance student learning, and be informed by the performance evaluation process, and an analysis of the administrative context and assignment.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.410.210. 07-08-050, § 181-78A-507, filed 3/28/07, effective 4/28/07; 06-14-010, § 181-78A-507, filed 6/22/06, effective 7/23/06. 06-02-051, recodified as § 181-78A-507, filed 12/29/05, effective 1/1/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.410.010. 05-23-042, § 180-78A-507, filed 11/9/05, effective 12/10/05; 04-21-039, § 180-78A-507, filed 10/15/04, effective 11/15/04; 04-04-010, § 180-78A-507, filed 1/23/04, effective 2/23/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.305.130 and 28A.410.010. 02-18-037, § 180-78A-507, filed 8/26/02, effective 9/26/02.]

[06-02-051, recodified as § 181-78A-510, filed 12/29/05, effective 1/1/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.410.010 and 28A.305.130 (1) and (2). 00-03-049, § 180-78A-510, filed 1/14/00, effective 2/14/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.305.130 (1) and (2), 28A.410.010 and 28A.150.220(4). 99-01-174, § 180-78A-510, filed 12/23/98, effective 1/23/99.]

     (1) College or university.

     (a) The professional education advisory board established for the preservice program in accordance with WAC 181-78A-209 shall also serve as the professional advisory board for the professional certificate program.

     (b) The professional education advisory board has participated in the development of the professional certificate program and has recommended approval of the proposed program prior to its submission to the professional educator standards board for approval.

     (c) The professional education advisory board has reviewed the annual summary on the status of all candidates in the program required by WAC 181-78A-525(7).

     (d) The professional education advisory board has made recommendation(s), as appropriate, for program changes to the professional certificate administrator who shall implement or respond to the recommendation(s) in a timely manner.

     (2) Educational service district.

     (a) The educational service district electing to seek approval to offer a teacher professional certificate program has established and maintained a professional education advisory board to participate in decisions related to the development, implementation, and revision of the professional certificate program for teachers.

     (((a))) (i) Membership. The professional education advisory board shall consist of the following:

     (((i))) (A) Educational service district teacher assistance program coordinator;

     (((ii))) (B) One college or university representative, from the educational service district region, appointed by the Washington association of colleges for teacher education;

     (((iii))) (C) One superintendent appointed by the Washington association of school administrators from the educational service district region;

     (((iv))) (D) One district human resource representative;

     (((v))) (E) One teacher with national board certification, from the educational service district region, appointed by the Washington Education Association;

     (((vi))) (F) One teacher with professional certification, from the educational service district region, appointed by the Washington Education Association;

     (((vii))) (G) One educational service district representative with responsibility for inservice/professional development; and

     (((viii))) (H) One principal, from the educational service district region, appointed by the Washington Association of School Principals.

     (((b))) (ii) The professional education advisory board has participated in the development of the professional certificate program and has recommended approval of the proposed program prior to its submission to the professional educator standards board for approval.

     (((c))) (iii) The professional education advisory board has reviewed the annual summary on the status of all candidates in the program required by WAC 181-78A-525(7).

     (((d))) (iv) The professional education advisory board has made recommendation(s), as appropriate, for program changes to the professional certificate administrator who shall implement or respond to the recommendation(s) in a timely manner.

     (((e))) (v) Annual report. The professional education advisory board shall submit an executive summary to the professional educator standards board no later than July 31 of each year that includes the following:

     (((i))) (A) Evidence to demonstrate links between ongoing educational service district professional development opportunities/learning improvement initiatives and the professional certificate program;

     (((ii))) (B) A summary of the status of all candidates in the program; and

     (((iii))) (C) A description of formal and informal partnerships with school districts or consortia of school districts.

     (b) The educational service district electing to seek approval to offer an administrator professional certificate program has established and maintained a professional education advisory board to participate in decisions related to the development, implementation, and revision of the professional certificate program.

     (i) Membership. The professional education advisory board shall consist of the following:

     (A) One college or university representative, from the educational service district region, appointed by the Washington council of educational administration programs;

     (B) One superintendent appointed by the Washington association of school administrators from the educational service district region;

     (C) One district human resource representative;

     (D) One teacher with national board certification, from the educational service district region, appointed by the Washington education association;

     (E) One educational service district representative with responsibility for inservice/professional development; and

     (F) Two principals, from the educational service district region, appointed by the Washington association of school principals.

     (ii) The professional education advisory board has participated in the development of the professional certificate program and has recommended approval of the proposed program prior to its submission to the professional educator standards board for approval.

     (iii) The professional education advisory board has reviewed the annual summary on the status of all candidates in the program required by WAC 181-78A-525(7).

     (iv) The professional education advisory board has made recommendation(s), as appropriate, for program changes to the professional certificate administrator who shall implement or respond to the recommendation(s) in a timely manner.

     (v) Annual report. The professional education advisory board shall submit an executive summary to the professional educator standards board no later than July 31 of each year that includes the following:

     (A) Evidence to demonstrate links between ongoing educational service district professional development opportunities/learning improvement initiatives and the professional certificate program;

     (B) A summary of the status of all candidates in the program; and

     (C) A description of formal and informal partnerships with school districts or consortia of school districts.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.410.210. 07-04-004, § 181-78A-520, filed 1/24/07, effective 2/24/07; 06-14-010, § 181-78A-520, filed 6/22/06, effective 7/23/06. 06-02-051, recodified as § 181-78A-520, filed 12/29/05, effective 1/1/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.410.010 and 28A.305.130 (1) and (2). 00-03-049, § 180-78A-520, filed 1/14/00, effective 2/14/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.305.130 (1) and (2), 28A.410.010 and 28A.150.220(4). 99-01-174, § 180-78A-520, filed 12/23/98, effective 1/23/99.]

     (1) Submit for initial approval to the professional educator standards board a performance-based professional certificate program ((for teachers)) which shall include the five program components specified in WAC 181-78A-535(4).

     (2) Provide documentation that the respective professional education advisory board has participated in the development of and has approved the proposal.

     (3) Identify the professional certificate administrator who shall be responsible for the administration of the professional certificate program.

     (4) Delegate to the professional certificate administrator responsibility for reviewing or overseeing the following: Application for the professional certificate program; advising candidates once accepted; developing and implementing the individualized professional growth plan, the instruction and assistance components, and the assessment seminar; maintaining current records on the status of all candidates accepted into the professional certificate program; and serving as the liaison with the superintendent of public instruction certification office to facilitate the issuance of the professional certificates when candidates have met the required standards.

     (5) Establish the admission criteria that candidates for the professional certificate shall meet to be accepted into the professional certificate program.

     (6) Describe the procedures that the approved program will use to determine that a candidate has successfully demonstrated the standards and criteria for the professional certificate set forth in WAC 181-78A-540.

     (7) Prepare an annual summary of the status of all candidates in the program and submit the summary to the respective professional education advisory board.

     (8) Submit any additional information required to the respective professional education advisory board that it requests.

     (9) Submit an annual report to the professional educator standards board as part of a less intensive evaluation cycle which will include the following:

     (a) A summary of ((course work)) program requirements ((for the preassessment and culminating seminars)), linkages of the program to individual ((teacher)) professional growth plans, linkages to school district and school improvement plans, and, to the extent possible, linkages to school district professional development programs where such programs are in place in school districts.

     (b) A summary of program design, assessment procedures and program revisions in the previous year.

     (c) The number of candidates completing the program during the period between September 1 and August 31.

     (d) The number of candidates enrolled in the program.

     (e) Other information related to the professional certificate program requested by the professional educator standards board.

     (10) Facilitate an on-site review of the program when requested by the professional educator standards board to ensure that the program meets the state's program approval standards and to provide assessment data relative to the performance standards.

     Provided, That ((the)) subsequent to the initial program review specified in WAC 181-78A-105 on-site reviews shall be scheduled concurrently with regularly scheduled reviews of residency educator preparations offered by the university or on a five-year cycle ((unless)) for programs offered through an educational service district; provided that the professional educator standards board may approve((s)) a variation in the schedule as it deems appropriate.

     ((Provided further, That colleges and universities seeking National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) accreditation may request from the professional educator standards board approval for concurrent site visits which shall utilize the same documentation whenever possible.))

[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.410.210. 07-15-053, § 181-78A-525, filed 7/13/07, effective 8/13/07; 07-04-004, § 181-78A-525, filed 1/24/07, effective 2/24/07; 06-14-010, § 181-78A-525, filed 6/22/06, effective 7/23/06. 06-02-051, recodified as § 181-78A-525, filed 12/29/05, effective 1/1/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.410.010 and 28A.305.130 (1) and (2). 00-03-049, § 180-78A-525, filed 1/14/00, effective 2/14/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.305.130 (1) and (2), 28A.410.010 and 28A.150.220(4). 99-01-174, § 180-78A-525, filed 12/23/98, effective 1/23/99.]

     (1) Teacher.

     (a) To be eligible to apply for admission to a professional certificate program, a candidate shall hold a contract as a teacher in a public or a professional educator standards board-approved private school or state agency providing educational services for students and shall have completed provisional status with a school district under RCW 28A.405.220 or the equivalent with a professional educator standards board-approved private school or state agency providing educational services for students or the candidate provides to the program a letter from the candidate's employing district, professional educator standards board-approved private school, or state agency providing educational services for students, documenting the employer's support for the candidate's full admission to the professional certificate program: Provided, That a candidate for the professional teacher's certificate may enroll in and complete the preassessment seminar described in subsection (4)(a) of this section prior to admission to a professional certificate program.

     (b) The professional certificate program must be available to all qualified candidates.

     (c) Using the descriptions of practice related to the criteria for the professional certificate, as approved by the professional educator standards board and published by the office of the superintendent of public instruction, which may not be changed without prior professional educator standards board approval, the professional certificate program shall be developed by a college((,)) or university and its professional education advisory board or an educational service district with its professional education advisory board. Additional agencies may participate in the development of the program if the ((college, university and)) approved provider and its professional education advisory board so choose.

     (d) Each program shall consist of:

     (i) A preassessment seminar which considers input from the candidate's "professional growth team" (WAC 181-78A-505), the candidate's past experience, the context in which he/she teaches, information from past annual evaluations if the individual chooses, the candidate's personal and professional goals, his/her self-evaluation, and evidences of the candidate's impact on student learning.

     The seminar will culminate in preparation and approval of the candidate's individual professional growth plan designed to provide the candidate with the knowledge and skills needed to demonstrate successfully the standards and criteria required by WAC 181-78A-540.

     A representative of the college/university and the candidate shall develop the professional growth plan to be reviewed and agreed upon after input from and consultation and "collaboration" (WAC 181-78A-010(9)) with his/her "professional growth team" (WAC 181-78A-010(10)).

     The individual professional growth plan shall be based on:

     (A) An analysis of the instructional context and teaching assignment(s) to determine strategies which the teacher should use to achieve a positive impact on student learning.

     (B) An assessment of the candidate's ability to demonstrate successfully the professional certificate standards and criteria.

     (C) Specifications of assistance and instructional components needed and any required course work.

     (ii) Course work, past and current experience, inservice, continuing education and other activities directed at developing and verifying that the candidate has achieved acceptable knowledge, skill and performance on all criteria required statewide as essential to "effective teaching" as defined in WAC 181-78A-540(1).

     (iii) Course work, past and current experience, inservice, continuing education and other activities directed at developing and verifying that the candidate has achieved acceptable knowledge, skill and performance on all criteria required statewide as essential to "professional development" as defined in WAC 181-78A-540(2).

     (iv) Course work, past and current experience, inservice, continuing education and other activities directed at developing and verifying that the candidate has achieved acceptable knowledge, skill and performance on all criteria required statewide as essential to professional contributions as defined in WAC 181-78A-540(3).

     (v) A culminating seminar in which the candidate presents his/her final documentation and evidence of professional certificate level knowledge, skill and performance; positive impact on student learning; identification of future goals and professional/career interests; and specification of areas for continuing education and development. The candidate must provide multiple forms of evidence which shall include, but are not limited to, the descriptions of practice related to the criteria for the professional certificate as approved by the professional educator standards board and published by the office of the superintendent of public instruction, which may not be changed without prior professional educator standards board approval.

     (vi) Candidates who do not successfully complete a culminating seminar shall receive an individualized analysis of strengths and weaknesses and a plan for appropriate assistance and instruction.

     (vii) No limits shall be placed on the number of times a candidate with a valid residency certificate may participate in the culminating seminar.

     (2) Principal/program administrator.

     (a) To be eligible to apply for enrollment in a professional certificate program, a candidate shall hold a contract as a principal, assistant principal, or program administrator in a public school or professional educator standards board-approved private school.

     (b) The professional certificate program must be available to all qualified candidates.

     (c) Using the six knowledge and skills standards, and the standards-based benchmarks as approved by the professional educator standards board and published by the office of the superintendent of public instruction, which may not be changed without professional educator standards board approval, the professional certificate program shall be developed by a college or university and its professional education advisory board or educational service district with its professional education advisory board. Additional agencies may participate in the development of the program if the ((college or university)) approved provider and its professional education advisory board so choose.

     (d) Each program shall consist of:

     (i) An entry seminar during which the professional growth plan shall be developed. The plan shall be based on an assessment of the candidate's ability to demonstrate six standards at the professional certificate benchmark level (WAC 181-78A-270 (2)(b)), performance evaluation data, and an analysis of the administrative context and assignment.

     (ii) Formalized learning opportunities, past and current experience, professional development opportunities, and other activities directed at developing and verifying that the candidate has achieved acceptable knowledge, skill, and performance at the professional certificate benchmark level, or above, on all standards as defined in WAC 181-78A-270 (2)(b).

     (iii) A final presentation to a panel that includes experienced administrators, during which the candidate provides evidence of professional certificate level knowledge, skill and performance; positive impact on student learning; and a professional growth plan that includes the identification of future goals and professional/career interests as well as a five-year plan for professional development designed to meet the requirements for certificate renewal.

     (e) Candidates who do not successfully complete a final presentation shall receive an individualized analysis of strengths and weaknesses and a plan for assistance, and shall be allowed additional opportunities to present evidence pertaining to benchmarks not previously met.

     (3) Educational staff associate (ESA) - school counselor, school psychologist, school social worker.

     (a) To be eligible for enrollment in a professional certificate program, a candidate shall be employed in his/her ESA role in a public school, a professional educator standards board-approved private school, or state agency providing educational services for students.

     (b) The professional certificate must be available to all qualified candidates.

     (c) Using the knowledge and skills standards in WAC 181-78A-270 (5), (7), and (9), and the standards-based benchmarks as approved by the professional educator standards board and published by the office of the superintendent of public instruction, which may not be changed without professional educator standards board approval, the professional certificate program shall be developed by a college or university and its professional education advisory board. Additional agencies may participate in the development of the program if the college or university and professional education advisory board so choose.

     (d) Each program shall consist of:

     (i) An entry seminar during which the professional growth plan shall be developed. The plan will be agreed upon after input from and consultation with the ESA candidate's professional growth team (WAC 181-78A-010 (10)(c)) or the professional education advisory board (PEAB). The individual's professional growth plan shall be based on an assessment of the candidate's ability to demonstrate the standards at the professional certificate benchmark level in the specific ESA role pursuant to WAC 181-78A-270 (5), (7), or (9).

     (ii) Formalized learning opportunities, and other activities directed at developing and verifying that the candidate has achieved acceptable knowledge, skill, and performance at the professional certificate benchmark level, or above, on all standards in the specific ESA role as defined in WAC 181-78A-270 (5), (7), or (9).

     (iii) A culminating seminar in which the candidate presents his/her final documentation and evidence of professional certificate level knowledge, skill, and performance; positive impact on student learning; and specification of areas for continuing education and development.

     (e) The candidate will present his/her portfolio to the professional education advisory board (PEAB) or the professional growth team (PGT) who will make a recommendation to the university program administrator/designee regarding the extent to which the candidate meets the professional certificate standards.

     (f) Candidates who demonstrate they meet all standards and certification requirements pursuant to WAC 181-79A-150 will be recommended by the university program administrator/designee for the professional certificate.

     (g) Candidates who do not successfully complete a culminating seminar shall receive an individualized analysis of strengths and weaknesses and a plan for assistance.

     (h) No limit shall be placed on the number of times a candidate with a valid residency certificate may enroll in the culminating seminar.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.410.210. 07-19-056, § 181-78A-535, filed 9/14/07, effective 10/15/07; 07-08-050, § 181-78A-535, filed 3/28/07, effective 4/28/07; 07-04-004, § 181-78A-535, filed 1/24/07, effective 2/24/07; 06-14-010, § 181-78A-535, filed 6/22/06, effective 7/23/06. 06-02-051, recodified as § 181-78A-535, filed 12/29/05, effective 1/1/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.410.010. 05-15-051, § 180-78A-535, filed 7/12/05, effective 8/12/05; 04-21-038, § 180-78A-535, filed 10/15/04, effective 11/15/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.210.160. 03-23-037, § 180-78A-535, filed 11/12/03, effective 12/13/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.410.010. 03-04-024, § 180-78A-535, filed 1/27/03, effective 2/27/03. Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.305.130 and 28A.410.010. 02-18-037, § 180-78A-535, filed 8/26/02, effective 9/26/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.410.010. 01-09-004, § 180-78A-535, filed 4/5/01, effective 5/6/01. Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.410.010, 28A.305.130 (1) and (2). 00-18-062, § 180-78A-535, filed 9/1/00, effective 10/2/00; 00-03-049, § 180-78A-535, filed 1/14/00, effective 2/14/00. Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.305.130 (1) and (2), 28A.410.010 and 28A.150.220(4). 99-01-174, § 180-78A-535, filed 12/23/98, effective 1/23/99.]

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