The following definitions shall apply to terms used in this chapter:

(1) The terms, "program approval," "endorsement," and "interstate compact," as defined in WAC 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 an 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; commercial sexual abuse of a minor, as defined in RCW 9.68A.100; sexual exploitation of a minor as defined in RCW 9.68A.040; 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. Additionally, content areas identified by the legislature in RCW 28A.410.035 shall be required in the issues of abuse course, including knowledge and skill standards pertaining to recognition, initial screening and response to emotional or behavioral distress in students including, but not limited to, indicators of possible substance abuse, violence and youth suicide.

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

(11) "Credit hour(s)" means credit (normally 100 level or above) awarded by an 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) (("Professional growth team" for the purpose of certificate renewal means a team comprised of the individual renewing the certificate and a minimum of one colleague, who holds a current Washington state educator certificate, chosen by the individual.

(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)))(15) "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)))(16) "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.

(((19)))(17) "College" or "university" means any accredited institution as defined in WAC 250-61-050.

(1) Residency certificate.

(a) Principals/program administrators who hold or have held residency certificates may have their residency certificates renewed by completing one hundred continuing education credit hours as defined in chapter 181-85 WAC, or four annual professional growth plans as ((defined in WAC 181-79A-030))described in WAC 181-85-033, within the previous five years from the date of the five-year residency administrator renewal application. Individuals completing fewer than four annual professional growth plans must complete necessary continuing education credits needed to be the equivalent of one hundred clock hours.

(((a)))(b) Subsequent five-year renewals shall be issued based on completion of one hundred continuing education credit hours since the issue date of the latest five-year residency administrator renewal certificate; or four professional growth plans developed since the certificate was issued. Completion of four annual professional growth plans during each five-year period between subsequent lapse dates meets the requirement for renewal. Individuals completing fewer than four annual professional growth plans must complete necessary continuing education credits needed to be the equivalent of one hundred clock hours. ((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 for teachers, and as published by the professional educator standards board for administrators and educational staff associates.

Until June 30, 2018, 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. Beginning July 1, 2018, individuals who complete an annual professional growth plan to renew their professional certificate shall receive the equivalent of twenty-five continuing education credit hours.))

Provided, application for subsequent renewals shall not be submitted earlier than twelve months prior to the expiration date of the current renewal.

Expired five-year residency administrator renewal certificates may be renewed with completion of one hundred continuing education credit hours within the previous five years from the date of the five-year residency administrator renewal application or by completing four professional growth plans as defined in WAC ((181-79A-030))181-85-033. Individuals completing fewer than four annual professional growth plans must complete necessary continuing education credits needed to be the equivalent of one hundred clock hours.

An expired 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 or professional growth plan requirement within the five years prior to the date of the renewal application.

Candidates who apply for the five-year residency administrator renewal certificate who have not successfully completed course work or an in-service program on issues of abuse, must complete the abuse course work requirement as defined in WAC 181-79A-030(((6))) and required per RCW 28A.410.2212.

(((b)))(c) A three-year renewal is available until June 30, 2020, for individuals who have held or hold a principal or program administrator residency certificate that expires prior to July 1, 2019.

(2) Professional certificate.

Individuals who hold a professional certificate may have that certificate renewed for additional five-year periods by completion of one hundred continuing education credit hours as defined in chapter 181-85 WAC or 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))as described in WAC 181-85-033. Individuals completing fewer than four annual professional growth plans must complete the necessary continuing education credits needed to be the equivalent of one hundred clock hours.

((Provided,))Application for renewals shall not be submitted earlier than twelve months prior to the expiration date of the current renewal.

Expired certificates may be renewed with completion of one hundred continuing education credit hours within the previous five years from the date of the five-year renewal application or by completing four professional growth plans as ((defined in WAC 181-79A-030))described in WAC 181-85-033. Individuals completing fewer than four annual professional growth plans must complete necessary continuing education credits needed to be the equivalent of one hundred clock hours.

An expired 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 or professional growth plan requirement within the five years prior to the date of the renewal application.

(((a) Individuals may apply their focused evaluation professional growth activities of the evaluation system toward the professional growth plan for certificate renewal.

(e) For educators holding multiple certificates as described in WAC 181-79A-251, 181-79A-2510, 181-79A-2511, or 181-79A-2512 of this chapter, 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.))

The authority for this chapter is RCW 28A.410.010 which authorizes the ((state board of education))professional educator standards board to establish, publish, and enforce rules and regulations determining eligibility for and certification of personnel employed in the common schools of this state. (Note: RCW 28A.195.010 (3)(((a))) requires most private school classroom teachers to hold appropriate Washington state certification with few exceptions.)

The purpose of this chapter is to set forth policies and procedures for a program of continuing education as a condition to the validity of certain professional certificates issued by the superintendent of public instruction ((pursuant to))under rules and regulations of the ((state board of education))professional educator standards board.

As used in this chapter, the term "continuing education" shall mean:

(1) All college and/or university credit, normally 100 level or higher, or continuing education credit awarded by an accredited institution of higher education, ((pursuant to WAC 181-78A-010))under WAC 181-79A-030.

(2) All continuing education credit hours awarded by a vocational-technical college ((pursuant to))under WAC 181-85-030(3) and all continuing education credit hours awarded in conformance with the in-service education procedures and standards specified in this chapter by an approved in-service education agency.

(3) All continuing education credit hours awarded through a business, industry, or government internship that meets the requirements of chapter 181-83 WAC, Internships.

(4) All continuing education credit hours awarded in conformance with WAC 181-85-033.

As used in this chapter, the term "continuing education credit hour" shall mean:

(1) For each college or university semester hour credit, fifteen hours of continuing education credit hours shall be granted.

(2) For each college or university quarter hour credit, ten hours of continuing education credit hours shall be granted.

(3) For each sixty minutes of instruction in coursework provided by a vocational-technical college, one continuing education credit hour shall be granted.

(4) For each sixty minutes of instructional time in continuing education units (CEUs) or other noncredit bearing units provided by an accredited institution of higher education, under WAC 181-79A-030, one continuing education credit hour shall be granted.

(6) For each sixty minutes of approved in-service education including reasonable time for breaks and passing time, one continuing education credit hour shall be granted. In the application of this subsection, the in-service education provider shall determine what is reasonable.

(((5)))(7) In the application of this section, approved in-service credit hours shall not include:

(a) Routine staff meetings—such as district, building, or area meetings within an agency, district, or building—to discuss or explain operational policies or administrative practices within the agency, district, or building;

(b) Business meetings of professional associations to discuss operational policies or practices of the association;

(c) Social hours or actual meal time.

(((6)))(8) In-service education agencies may not issue continuing education credit hours to individuals for serving as the instructor for an in-service program for which that individual is the only participant.

(9) In the application of this section, for the purpose of official records of the amount of in-service credit hours, the in-service provider or the superintendent of public instruction shall round continuing education credit hours down to the nearest half hour of credits actually completed—i.e., .50, and .00—and in no case shall an applicant receive credit for an in-service program that was less than a total of ((three))one continuing education credit hour((s)).

As used in this chapter, the term "approved in-service education agency" shall mean an agency approved by the professional educator standards board to provide in-service education programs and to grant continuing education credit hours to all or a selective group of educators. Such agency must demonstrate the following characteristics:

(1) The agency is one of the following entities or a department or section within such entities:

(a) A college or university referenced in WAC 181-85-025(1);

(b)(i) An organization which for the purpose of this chapter shall mean any local, state, regional, or national ((nonprofit)) organization which offers in-service education programs to teachers, administrators, and/or educational staff associates((;)). These organizations must be nonprofit or not-for-profit organizations;

(c) A school district, an educational service district, the superintendent of public instruction, or any local, state, or ((national))federal agency; or

(d) An approved private school which for the purpose of this chapter shall mean the same as provided in WAC 180-90-112.

(2) The in-service education agency has either a committee or board of directors ((which))that provide((s)) prior approval to proposed in-service education programs on the basis that the proposed programs are designed to meet the program standards set forth in WAC 181-85-200((. In the case of school districts or educational service districts the committee shall be composed of the same representatives as required by RCW 28A.415.040—i.e., "representatives from the ranks of administrators, building principals, teachers, classified and support personnel . . . , . . . the public, and . . . institution(s) of higher education, . . . .")), and the content standards in WAC 181-85-202.

Holders of certificates affected by this chapter shall retain the necessary in-service records from the approved in-service provider for the purpose of any audit by the superintendent of public instruction. Such holders shall be notified on such form that the intentional misrepresentation of a material fact on such form subjects the holder to revocation of his or her certificate ((pursuant to))under chapter 181-86 WAC and that a copy of such completed form should be retained by the holder for possible disputes arising under this chapter and for other purposes that may arise, including verification of in-service hours completed for a current or prospective employer.

Upon issuance or reinstatement of an affected professional certificate, the superintendent of public instruction shall notify the holder of the lapse date and the continuing education requirements of this chapter, and the holder's responsibility to keep accurate records demonstrating attendance at approved in-service education programs. In addition, the superintendent of public instruction shall make available to the certificate holder a form which indicates compliance with the continuing education requirements, and which includes instruction for filing the report with the superintendent of public instruction.

Each certificate holder filing a report with the superintendent of public instruction shall be responsible for retaining records which document compliance with the continuing education requirements. Such documents in original or electronic format shall include:

(1) In-service registration forms approved by the superintendent of public instruction and furnished by an approved in-service education agency.

(2) College and university grade sheets or transcripts which indicate completion of courses.

(3) Any official correspondence from an approved in-service education agency ((which))that verifies completion of ((three))one or more clock hours continuing education credit hours.

(4) Any documents related to annual professional growth plans including plan documents, required signatures, and evidence collected.

All in-service education programs provided by approved in-service education agencies shall meet the following program standards if continuing education credit hours are to be offered:

(1) The objectives of the in-service program—i.e., intended outcomes—shall be written for each in-service education program.

(2) The content of the in-service education program shall be set forth in a program agenda which shall specify the ((topics to be covered, the days and times of each presentation))program objectives, the dates of each session, the number of continuing education credit hours to be offered, and the names and a short description of the qualifications of each instructor((—e.g., degrees and)), for example, the instructor's relevant experience, academic background, or current professional position.

(3) All in-service education instructors shall have academic ((and/or))or professional experience which specifically qualifies them to conduct the in-service education program((—e.g., a person with)), for example, expertise in a particular ((subject))content area, field, or occupation.

(4) ((Program materials, including))The program agenda and program materials, prepared, designed, or selected for the in-service education program shall be available to all attendees.

(5) ((Activities must relate to opportunities for participants to collect and analyze evidence related to student learning; professional certificate standards; school and district improvement efforts; K-12 frameworks and curriculum alignment; research-based instructional strategies and assessment practices; content of current or anticipated assignment; advocacy for students and leadership, supervision, mentoring/coaching; and/or building a collaborative learning community.))The in-service education program must relate to one or more of the content standards in WAC 181-85-202.

(6) The in-service education ((program shall be evaluated by))agency shall provide program evaluations to the participants, and, to the extent possible, collect these evaluations, in order to determine:

(a) The extent to which the written objectives have been met;

(b) Participant perception of relevance and quality of the offering;

(c) The extent to which activities identified in subsection (5) of this section, addressed by the in-service program, have been met; ((and))

(d) The extent to which the in-service program provided the opportunity for participants to reflect on next steps or implementation of the learning in their practice; and

(e) Suggestions for improving the in-service education program if repeated.

(7) The in-service education agency shall compile the evaluations ((required))received in subsection (6) of this section in summary form. Summary evaluation results for each in-service education agency offering shall be ((posted on the in-service education agency web site accessible to prospective participants and))accessible to office of superintendent of public instruction staff for review. ((Provided, That if the in-service education agency does not host a web site, summary evaluation results shall be included as part of the approval renewal process.))

(8) The designated administrator of each in-service education ((program))agency shall assess the value and success of such program and periodically report his or her findings, along with a summary of the evaluation results, to the ((governing or advisory)) board ((which))of directors or in-service education agency committee that authorized the in-service program.

(9) The standards for recordkeeping as provided in WAC 181-85-205 shall apply.

(10) The in-service education agency must permit a designated representative of the superintendent of public instruction to attend the in-service education program at no charge and permit such representative to receive a copy of the program materials required by subsection (4) of this section also at no charge.

(11) The in-service education agency must provide each registrant with appropriate forms for claiming continuing education credit hours.

(12) ((Note:)) The provisions of this section do not apply to credit or continuing education hours awarded by ((a college or university or))accredited institutions of higher education under WAC 181-79A-030; course work continuing education hours awarded by a vocational-technical college; hours awarded by the department of children, youth, and families under WAC 181-85-030; hours awarded under WAC 181-85-033; or hours awarded under WAC 181-85-077 which satisfy department of health licensure requirements.

The content and objectives of in-service continuing education credit hours must relate to one or more of the following:

(1) Opportunities for participants to collect and analyze evidence related to student learning; 

(2) Professional certificate standards;

(3) Paraeducator standards of practice as described in Title 179 WAC;

(4) School and district improvement efforts;

(5) Education frameworks and curriculum alignment;

(6) Research-based instructional strategies and assessment practices;

(7) Content of current or anticipated assignment;

(8) Advocacy for students and leadership;

(9) Supervision, mentoring, or coaching; or

(10) Building a collaborative learning community.

Each approved in-service education agency shall provide the following record service:

(1) Documentation that the in-service education program, including the program agenda as described in WAC 181-85-200(2), received approval by the board or committee provided in WAC 181-85-045(2) prior to offering the in-service program((.));

(2) A copy of the summary of evaluations required by WAC 181-85-200(((5)))(7); ((and))

(3) A copy of the minutes of the board or ((advisory)) committee which demonstrates that such board or ((advisory)) committee reviewed the ((assessment))evaluation required by WAC 181-85-200(6)((.));

(4) A list, for each in-service education program, of all participants who have requested continuing education credit hours by signing a registration form made available at the in-service education program. Such registration form shall provide space for the registrant to indicate he or she is requesting fewer hours than the amount calculated for the entire in-service education program due to partial attendance((.));

(5) The registrant shall be provided a form to be completed at the in-service education program which includes the necessary information for recording in-service credits, and upon request if such request is made within seven calendar years of such in-service education program, including the number of continuing education credit hours recorded. In addition, the registrant shall be given specific instructions regarding the need to preserve the record and how to correct the record if attendance or credit hours has been recorded by the approved in-service education agency inaccurately((.)); and

(6) The above records shall be available for inspection by the superintendent of public instruction for a period of seven calendar years from the date of each in-service education program. The amendments to this section reducing the amount of recordkeeping by in-service providers shall apply retroactively to August 31, 1987.

Annual assurances shall be completed as follows:

(1) School districts shall be requested, when submitting the annual basic education compliance report, to provide an assurance that any in-service education program to be provided by such district and for which continuing education credit hours will be granted shall comply with the applicable program and recordkeeping standards within this chapter.

(2) Approved private schools shall be requested, when applying for annual approval, to provide an assurance that any in-service education program to be provided by such private school and for which continuing education credit hours will be granted shall comply with the applicable program and recordkeeping standards within this chapter.

(3) Approved in-service education agencies and other in-service education agencies seeking approval status shall provide on forms provided by the superintendent of public instruction, an annual assurance ((that))and description of how any in-service education program to be provided by such agency and for which continuing education credit hours will be granted shall comply with the applicable program standards and recordkeeping within this chapter. ((Such forms shall contain such other information related to the continuing education program provided by the approved in-service agency as requested by the superintendent of public instruction.))

On an annual basis a list shall be submitted to the professional educator standards board which shall include new applicants for approval as an approved in-service education agency ((and)), agencies which were previously approved by the professional educator standards board which ((no longer wish to serve as an approved in-service education agency))did not submit an application for the upcoming year, and applicants who did not submit a complete application for the upcoming year.

If an audit by the superintendent of public instruction finds that an approved in-service education agency is not in substantial compliance with the provisions of this chapter, the superintendent of public instruction shall document violations of the regulations—i.e., written findings of fact and conclusions of law—and notify such provider of corrective action necessary to achieve substantial compliance. If such in-service education agency fails to provide an assurance within twenty calendar days that such corrective action will be implemented, the superintendent of public instruction shall notify the agency that it is no longer eligible to provide continuing education credit hours in its in-service education program until the agency provides an assurance to the superintendent of public instruction that corrective action will be implemented which will satisfy the substantial compliance standard((: Provided, That)). If the approved in-service agency has more than one department or section operating in-service programs, then only the department or section within such agency that fails to comply with the provisions of this chapter shall no longer be eligible to provide continuing education credit hours.

Any finding of noncompliance by the superintendent of public instruction ((pursuant to))under WAC 181-85-220 may be appealed to the professional educator standards board for review. The filing of a notice of appeal shall cause a stay of any order by the superintendent of public instruction until the professional educator standards board makes an independent determination on the issue of substantial compliance. If the professional educator standards board concurs that the approved in-service education agency has failed to substantially comply with the applicable provisions of this chapter, the professional educator standards board shall prescribe the corrective action necessary to achieve substantial compliance. Such in-service education agency or department or section within such agency, whichever is applicable, upon receipt of notice of action by the professional educator standards board, shall be denied the authority to grant any continuing education credit hours for any subsequent in-service education program until the agency provides an assurance to the superintendent of public instruction that corrective action prescribed by the professional educator standards board will be implemented.

((Notwithstanding the provisions of WAC 181-85-030(6),))For each forty clock hours of participation in an approved internship with a business, industry, or government agency under chapter 181-83 WAC, ten continuing education credit hours shall be granted.

((Educational staff associates))Educators may use credits ((or)), clock hours, or continuing education units that satisfy continuing education requirements for state professional licensure from the Washington state department of health towards fulfilling professional educator standards board continuing education ((certification))credit hour requirements.