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

     Purpose: Amends WAC 181-79A-030 and 181-79A-251, defining professional growth plans and professional growth teams. Provides for renewal through the submission of professional growth plans, even for educators who are not employed in the capacity of their certification. Continues to allow continuing education credits for renewal.

     Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Amending X [WAC 181-79A-030 and 181-79A-251].

     Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 28A.410.210.

      Adopted under notice filed as WSR 12-11-030 on May 9, 2012.

     A final cost-benefit analysis is available by contacting David Brenna, 600 Washington Street South, Room 400, 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     Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 2, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 0, Amended 2, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 2, Repealed 0.

     Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 2, Repealed 0;      Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.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 30, 2012.

David Brenna

Senior Policy Analyst

OTS-4753.3

AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 10-16-124, filed 8/3/10, effective 9/3/10)

WAC 181-79A-030   Definitions.   The following definitions shall apply to terms used in this chapter:

     (1) The terms, "program approval," "endorsement," "interstate compact," "college or university," and "regionally accredited institution of higher education," as defined in WAC 180-78-010 and 181-78A-010 shall apply to the provisions of this chapter.

     (2) "Certificate" means the license issued by the superintendent of public instruction to teachers, administrators, and educational staff associates verifying that the individual has met the requirements set forth in this chapter.

     (3) "Certificate renewal" means the process whereby the validity of a certificate, subject to expiration, is extended.

     (4) "Certificate reinstatement" means the process whereby the validity of an expired certificate is regained.

     (5) "Lapsed certificate" means a residency certificate that is subject to the timelines and renewal described under WAC 181-79A-251.

     (6) "Expired certificate" means a teacher certificate that can only be reinstated under WAC 181-79A-251.

     (7) "Classroom teaching" means instructing pupils in an instructional setting.

     (8) "Approved baccalaureate degree" for the purpose of this chapter, means a baccalaureate from a regionally accredited college or university in any of the subject areas of the endorsement listed in chapter 181-82 WAC as now or hereafter amended: Provided, That if a candidate is accepted into a program in Washington state on or before August 31, 2000, and completes the program on or before August 31, 2003, in accordance with WAC 181-79A-299, the candidate may hold a baccalaureate degree in any of the subject areas of the endorsements listed in WAC 181-79A-302. Such degrees shall require the completion of at least forty-five quarter hours (thirty semester hours) of course work in the subject area: Provided, That a candidate who holds a baccalaureate degree in another academic field will not be required to obtain a second baccalaureate degree if the candidate provides evidence to the superintendent of public instruction that he or she has completed the required forty-five quarter or thirty semester hours of course work in one of the subject areas of the endorsements listed in chapter 181-82 WAC: Provided further, That a candidate who holds a baccalaureate degree in early childhood education, elementary education, or special education will not be required to obtain a second baccalaureate degree if the candidate provides evidence to the superintendent of public instruction that he or she has completed thirty quarter or twenty semester credit hours in one academic field in an approved endorsement area pursuant to WAC 181-82A-202.

     (9) "Issues of abuse course work requirement" means completion of course work or an in-service program on issues of abuse. The content shall discuss the identification of physical, emotional, sexual, and substance abuse, information on the impact of abuse on the behavior and learning abilities of students, discussion of the responsibilities of a teacher to report abuse or provide assistance to students who are victims of abuse, and methods for teaching students about abuse of all types and their prevention.

     (10) "Approved master's degree" for the purpose of this chapter, means a master's or doctorate degree from a regionally accredited college or university.

     (11) "Credit hour(s)" means credit (normally 100 level or above) awarded by a regionally accredited institution of higher education.

     (12) "Previous standards" means a certification system in place prior to a revision in rules that results in changed names and/or validity periods for the certificates issued.

     (13) "Application for certification" means an application for a certificate or endorsement that includes a signed affidavit (as specified in WAC 181-79A-157) by the applicant. Such application shall be considered valid for two years from the date of receipt by the superintendent of public instruction, or its designee.

     (14) ((Teacher)) "Professional growth team" for the purpose of renewal of the professional certificate, means a team comprised of the ((candidate for professional certification, a colleague specified by the candidate, a provider of support to the candidate, if the candidate chooses to employ a support provider, and a representative from the school district or state-approved private, state agency providing education for children in which the candidate teaches or has taught)) individual renewing the certificate and a minimum of three colleagues, who hold a current educator certificate, chosen by the individual.

     (15) "((Individual)) Professional growth plan."

     (a) Teacher individualized professional growth plan means the document which identifies the specific competencies, knowledge, skills and experiences needed to meet the standards ((set forth in WAC 181-79A-207)) at the "career level" benchmarks as published by the professional educator standards board.

     (b) Principal/program administrator individualized professional growth plan means the document which identifies the specific competencies, knowledge, skills and experiences needed to meet the standards at the "career level" benchmarks set forth in WAC 181-78A-540(1).

     (c) ESA individualized professional growth plan means the document which identifies the specific competencies, knowledge, skills and experiences needed to meet the standards and career level benchmarks set forth in WAC 181-78A-540(2).

     (16) "A positive impact on student learning" means that a teacher through instruction and assessment has been able to document students' increased knowledge and/or demonstration of a skill or skills related to the state goals and/or essential academic learning requirements: Provided, That teachers employed by private schools who are candidates for the professional teaching certificate shall document students' increased knowledge and/or demonstration of a skill or skills related to either:

     (a) The state goals or essential academic learning requirements; or

     (b) Such alternative learning goals as the private school has established.

     (17) "Professional certificate support provider" means any organization or institution operating training or consulting services as a public entity or private company holding an appropriate business license.

     (18) "Approved private school" means any organization of institution providing educational services to children including, but not limited to, approved private schools, state institutions, juvenile institutions, nonpublic agencies providing special education services, development centers, and bureau of Indian affairs schools.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.410.210. 10-16-124, § 181-79A-030, filed 8/3/10, effective 9/3/10; 09-20-088, § 181-79A-030, filed 10/6/09, effective 11/6/09; 06-14-010, § 181-79A-030, filed 6/22/06, effective 7/23/06. 06-02-051, recodified as § 181-79A-030, filed 12/29/05, effective 1/1/06. Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.410.010. 05-04-055, § 180-79A-030, filed 1/28/05, effective 2/28/05; 04-04-011, § 180-79A-030, filed 1/23/04, effective 2/23/04; 02-04-015, § 180-79A-030, filed 1/24/02, effective 2/24/02. Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.410.010, 28A.305.130 (1) and (2). 01-03-153, § 180-79A-030, filed 1/24/01, effective 2/24/01; 99-23-023, § 180-79A-030, filed 11/9/99, effective 12/10/99. Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.305.130 (1) and (2), 28A.410.010 and 28A.150.220(4). 99-01-174, § 180-79A-030, filed 12/23/98, effective 1/23/99.]

     (1) Residency certificate. Residency certificates shall be renewed under one of the following options:

     (a) Teachers.

     (i) Individuals who hold, or have held, residency certificates have the following options for renewal past the first three-year certificate:

     (A) Candidates who have attempted and failed the professional certificate assessment are eligible for a two-year renewal;

     (B) Candidates who have not been employed or employed less than full-time as a teacher during the dated, three-year residency certificate may receive a two-year renewal by submitting an affidavit to the certification office confirming that they will register and submit a uniform assessment portfolio or may permit their certificate to lapse until such time they register for the professional certificate assessment;

     (C) Candidates whose three-year residency certificate has lapsed may receive a two-year renewal by submitting an affidavit to the certification office confirming that they will register and submit a uniform assessment portfolio for the professional certificate assessment;

     (D) Individuals who complete a National Board Certification assessment but do not earn National Board Certification, may use that completed assessment to renew the residency certificate for two years.

     (ii) A residency certificate expires after the first renewal if the candidate has not registered for and submitted a portfolio assessment prior to June 30th of the expiration year, to achieve the professional certificate, provided: When the first two-year renewal on residency certificates expires, teachers have two renewal options:

     (A) Teachers who were employed but failed the professional certification assessment, may receive a second two-year renewal;

     (B) Teachers who were unemployed or employed less than full-time during the first two-year renewal may permit their certificate to lapse and receive a second two-year renewal by submitting an affidavit to the certification office confirming that they will register and submit a uniform assessment portfolio for the professional certification assessment.

     (C) An individual who completes a National Board Certification assessment but does not earn National Board Certification, may use that completed assessment to renew the residency certificate for two years in lieu of submitting an affidavit to the certification office confirming that they will register and submit the Washington uniform assessment portfolio as per this section, WAC 181-79A-251.

     (iii) Teachers who hold expired residency certificates may be reinstated by having a district request, under WAC 181-79A-231, a transitional certification not less than five years following the final residency expiration: Provided, That the teacher registers and passes the professional certification assessment within two years.

     (iv) Teachers that hold a dated residency certificate prior to September 2011 that have expiration dates past September 2011 are subject to the same renewal options as described in (a)(ii) and (iii) of this subsection.

     (b) Principals/program administrators.

     (i) Individuals who hold, or have held, a residency certificate and who qualify for enrollment in a professional certificate program pursuant to WAC 181-78A-535 (2)(a) may have the certificate renewed for one additional two-year period upon verification by the professional certificate program administrator that the candidate is enrolled in a state approved professional certificate program.

     (ii) Individuals who hold, or have held, residency certificates who do not qualify for enrollment in a professional certificate program under WAC 181-78A-535 (2)(a) may have their residency certificates renewed for ((one)) an additional five-year period by the completion of fifteen quarter credits (ten semester credits) of college credit course work, directly related to the current performance-based leadership standards as defined in WAC 181-78A-270 (2)(b) from a regionally accredited institution of higher education taken since the issuance of the residency certificate. ((Renewal beyond one time requires the completion of fifteen quarter credits (ten semester credits) directly related to the current performance-based leadership standards as defined in WAC 181-78A-270 (2)(b) plus an internship approved by a college or university with a professional educator standards board-approved residency certificate program and taken since the issuance of the last residency certificate.))

     (c) School counselors and school psychologists.

     (i) Individuals who hold a residency certificate and who qualify for enrollment in a professional certificate program pursuant to WAC 181-78A-535(3) may have the certificate renewed for one additional two-year period upon verification by the professional certificate program administrator that the candidate is enrolled in a state approved professional certificate program.

     (ii) Individuals who hold, or have held, a residency certificate who do not qualify for admission to a professional certificate program under WAC 181-78A-535 (3)(a) may have their residency certificates renewed for ((one)) an additional five-year period by the completion of fifteen quarter credits (ten semester credits) of college credit course work, directly related to the current performance-based standards as defined in WAC 181-78A-270 (5), (7), or (9) from a regionally accredited institution of higher education taken since the issuance of the residency certificate. ((Renewal for an additional five-year period requires the completion of fifteen quarter credits (ten semester credits) directly related to the current performance-based standards as defined in WAC 181-78A-270 (5), (7), or (9) completed since the issuance of the most recent residency certificate plus an internship approved by a college or university with a professional educator standards board-approved residency certificate program and taken since the issuance of the last residency certificate.))

     (2) Professional certificate.

     (a) Teachers.

     (i) A valid professional certificate may be renewed for additional five-year periods by the completion of one hundred fifty continuing education credit hours as defined in chapter 181-85 WAC or by completing the professional growth plan as defined in WAC 181-79A-030 until September 1, ((2012)) 2014. Beginning September 1, ((2012)) 2014, only ((the)) four professional growth plans developed annually since the certificate was issued in collaboration with the professional growth team as defined in WAC 181-79A-030 ((is)) are required for renewal. Individuals who complete the requirements of the annual professional growth plan to renew their professional certificate ((may use that completed plan to waive)) shall receive the equivalent of thirty hours of continuing education ((requirements for their professional teaching certificate)) credit hours. Until September 1, ((2012)) 2014, an expired professional certificate may be renewed for an additional five-year period by presenting evidence to the superintendent of public instruction of completing the continuing education credit hour requirement within the five years prior to the date of the renewal application. All continuing education credit hours shall relate to either (a)(i)(A) or (B) of this subsection: Provided, That both categories (a)(i)(A) and (B) of this subsection must be represented in the one hundred fifty continuing education credit hours required for renewal:

     (A) One or more of the following three standards:

     (I) Effective instruction.

     (II) Professional contributions.

     (III) Professional development.

     (B) One of the salary criteria specified in WAC 392-121-262.

     (((I) Is consistent with a school-based plan for mastery of student learning goals as referenced in WAC 329-121-262, the annual school performance report, for the school in which the individual is assigned;

     (II) Pertains to the individual's current assignment or expected assignment for the subsequent school year;

     (III) Is necessary to obtain an endorsement as prescribed by the professional educator standards board;

     (IV) Is specifically required to obtain advanced levels of certification; or

     (V) Is included in a college or university degree program that pertains to the individual's current assignment, or potential future assignment, as a certified instructional staff.))

     (ii) Individuals not employed as a teacher in a public school or approved private school holding a professional teaching certificate may have their professional certificate renewed for a five-year period by the completion of:

     (A) Fifteen quarter credits (ten semester credits) of college credit course work directly related to the current performance-based leadership standards as defined in WAC 181-78A-540; or

     (B) One hundred fifty continuing education credit hours as defined in chapter 181-85 WAC since the certificate was issued and which relate to the current performance-based standards as defined in WAC 181-79A-207; or

     (C) Four professional growth plans developed annually since the certificate was issued in collaboration with the professional growth team as defined in WAC 181-79A-030. The professional growth plans must document formalized learning opportunities and professional development activities that relate to the standards and "career level" benchmarks defined in WAC 181-79A-207. Individuals who complete the requirements of the annual professional growth plan to renew their professional certificate shall receive the equivalent of thirty hours of continuing education credit hours.

     (iii) Provided, That a professional certificate may be renewed based on the possession of a valid teaching certificate issued by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards at the time of application for the renewal of the professional certificate. Such renewal shall be valid for five years or until the expiration of the National Board Certificate, whichever is greater.

     (b) Principals/program administrators.

     (i) A professional certificate may be renewed for additional five-year periods for individuals employed as a principal, assistant principal or program administrator in a public school or ((state board of education-approved)) approved private school by:

     (A) Completion of ((a)) four professional growth plans ((that is developed and approved with the superintendent, superintendent designee, or appointed representative (e.g., educational service district personnel, professional association or organization staff, or peer from another district), and)) developed annually since the certificate was issued in collaboration with a minimum of three certificated colleagues that documents formalized learning opportunities and professional development activities that((:

     (I) Emphasize continuous learning;

     (II) Positively impact student learning;

     (III))) relate to the six standards and "career level" benchmarks defined in WAC ((181-78A-270 (2)(b);

     (IV) Explicitly connect to the evaluation process;

     (V) Reflect contributions to the school, district, and greater professional community; and

     (VI) Identify areas in which knowledge and skills need to be enhanced)) 181-78A-540(1). Individuals who complete the requirements of the annual professional growth plan to renew their professional certificate shall receive the equivalent of thirty hours of continuing education credit hours.

     (B) Documented evidence of results of the professional growth plan on student learning.

     (ii) Individuals not employed as a principal, assistant principal, or program administrator in a public school or ((state board of education-approved)) approved private school may have their professional certificate renewed for ((one additional)) a five-year period by the completion of:

     (A) Fifteen quarter credits (ten semester credits) of college credit course work directly related to the current performance-based leadership standards as defined in WAC ((181-78A-270 (2)(b))) 181-78A-540(1) from a regionally accredited institution of higher education taken since the issuance of the professional certificate((. Renewal beyond one time requires the completion of fifteen quarter credits (ten semester credits) directly related to the current performance-based leadership standards as defined in WAC 181-78A-270 (2)(b) plus an internship approved by a college or university with a professional educator standards board-approved professional certificate program, and taken since the issuance of the last professional certificate)); or

     (B) Completion of one hundred fifty continuing education credit hours as defined in chapter 181-85 WAC since the certificate was issued and which relate to the current performance-based standards as defined in WAC 181-78A-540(1); or

     (C) Completion of four professional growth plans developed annually since the certificate was issued in collaboration with the professional growth team as defined in WAC 181-79A-030 that documents formalized learning opportunities and professional development activities that relate to the standards and "career level" benchmarks defined in WAC 181-78A-540(2). Individuals who complete the requirements of the annual professional growth plan to renew their professional certificate shall receive the equivalent of thirty hours of continuing education credit hours.

     (c) School counselors((,)) and school psychologists((, or school social workers)).

     (i) ((A)) For certificates issued prior to September 1, 2014, a valid professional certificate may be renewed for additional five-year periods for individuals employed as a school counselor((,)) or school psychologist((, or school social worker)) in a public school, ((state board of education-approved)) approved private school, or in a state agency which provides educational services to students by:

     (A) Completion of ((a professional growth plan that is developed and approved with the principal or principal designee, and that documents formalized learning opportunities and professional development activities that:

     (I) Emphasize continuous learning;

     (II) Positively impact student learning; and

     (III) Reflect contributions to the school, district, and greater professional community; or

     (B) Completion of one hundred fifty continuing education credit hours as defined in chapter 181-85 WAC since the certificate was issued and which relate to the current performance-based standards as defined in WAC 181-78A-270 (5), (7), or (9))) one hundred fifty continuing education credit hours as defined in chapter 181-85 WAC since the certificate was issued and which relate to the current performance-based standards as defined in WAC 181-78A-270 (5), (7), or (9);

     (B) Completion of four professional growth plans that are developed annually since the certificate was issued in collaboration with a minimum of three certificated colleagues or supervisor, and that documents formalized learning opportunities and professional development activities that relate to the standards and career level benchmarks defined in WAC 181-78A-540(2). Individuals who complete the requirements of the annual professional growth plan to renew their professional certificate shall receive the equivalent of thirty hours of continuing education credit hours; or

     (C) Beginning September 1, 2014, a valid professional certificate may be renewed for additional five-year periods for individuals employed as a school counselor or school psychologist in a public school, approved private school, or in a state agency which provides educational services to students by completion of four professional growth plans developed annually since the certificate was issued in collaboration with the professional growth team as defined in WAC 181-79A-030 that documents formalized learning opportunities and professional development activities that relate to the standards and "career level" benchmarks defined in WAC 181-78A-540(2). Individuals who complete the requirements of the annual professional growth plan to renew their professional certificate shall receive the equivalent of thirty hours of continuing education credit hours.

     (ii) Individuals not employed as a school counselor((,)) or school psychologist((, or a school social worker)) in a public school or ((state board of education-approved)) approved private school may have their professional certificate renewed for an additional five-year period by:

     (A) Completion of fifteen quarter credits (ten semester credits) of college credit course work directly related to the current performance-based standards as defined in WAC ((181-78A-270 (5), (7), or (9))) 181-78A-540(2) from a regionally accredited institution of higher education taken since the issuance of the professional certificate; or

     (B) Completion of one hundred fifty continuing education credit hours as defined in chapter 181-85 WAC since the certificate was issued and which relate to the current performance-based standards as defined in WAC ((181-78A-270 (5), (7), or (9))) 181-78A-540(2); ((or))

     (C) Completion of four annual professional growth plans developed since the certificate was issued in collaboration with the professional growth team as defined in WAC 181-79A-030 that documents formalized learning opportunities and professional development activities that relate to the standards and "career level" benchmarks defined in WAC 181-78A-540(2). Individuals who complete the requirements of the annual professional growth plan to renew their professional certificate shall receive the equivalent of thirty hours of continuing education credit hours;

     (D) Provided, That a school counselor professional certificate may be renewed based on the possession of a valid school counselor certificate issued by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards at the time of application for the renewal of the professional certificate. Such renewal shall be valid for five years or until the expiration of the National Board Certificate, whichever is greater; or

     (E) Provided, That a school psychologist professional certificate may be renewed based on the possession of a valid national certified school psychology certificate issued by the national association of school psychologists at the time of application for the renewal of the professional certificate. Such renewal shall be valid for five years or until the expiration of the national certified school psychology certificate, whichever is greater.

     (d) For educators holding multiple certificates in (a), (b), or (c) of this subsection, or in chapter 181-85 WAC, a professional growth plan for teacher, administrator, or education staff associate shall meet the requirement for all certificates held by an individual which is affected by this section.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 28A.410.210. 12-07-076, § 181-79A-251, filed 3/20/12, effective 4/20/12; 10-16-124, § 181-79A-251, filed 8/3/10, effective 9/3/10.]