WSR 20-07-106
EMERGENCY RULES
PROFESSIONAL EDUCATOR
STANDARDS BOARD
[Filed March 17, 2020, 3:35 p.m., effective March 17, 2020, 3:35 p.m.]
Effective Date of Rule: Immediately upon filing.
Purpose: This new section of WAC would allow for emergency certificates for teacher preparation program candidates who have not completed assessment requirements, but have completed all other program completion requirements. These emergency certificates would be valid for one year.
Citation of Rules Affected by this Order: New WAC 181-79A-228.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: Chapter
28A.410 RCW.
Under RCW
34.05.350 the agency for good cause finds that immediate adoption, amendment, or repeal of a rule is necessary for the preservation of the public health, safety, or general welfare, and that observing the time requirements of notice and opportunity to comment upon adoption of a permanent rule would be contrary to the public interest.
Reasons for this Finding: Testing centers have now closed for an extended period of time due to health concerns. If testing centers are closed, the basic skills and content knowledge assessments are not available. In addition, schools have closed for an extended period of time. Candidates are challenged to complete the performance assessment if schools are not in session.
This new section of WAC would allow emergency certificates for candidates who have not completed assessment requirements. Emergency certificates allow candidates to serve in their educator role while they complete the requirements.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at the Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's own Initiative: New 1, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Date Adopted: March 17, 2020.
Maren Johnson
Rules Coordinator
NEW SECTION
WAC 181-79A-228Emergency teacher certificates.
Emergency teacher certificates, valid for one year, may be issued by the superintendent of public instruction under the following conditions:
(1) A teacher preparation program approved by the professional educator standards board has recommended the candidate as having met all requirements for program completion with the exception of one or more of the following:
(a) The performance assessment as described in WAC 181-78A-232 and 181-78A-300;
(b) The content knowledge assessment as described in WAC 181-78A-300 (2)(b); and
(c) The basic skills assessment as described in WAC 181-78A-232 and 181-78A-300.
(2) During the validity period of the certificate, preparation program providers are required to inform, advise, and support applicants on assessment requirements as described in WAC 181-78A-231(3).
(3) One additional one-year emergency certificate may be issued upon request by the preparation program provider.