PROFESSIONAL EDUCATOR

STANDARDS BOARD

Candidates for school counselor and school psychologist certification shall complete the following requirements in addition to those set forth in WAC 181-79A-150 and 181-79A-226: Provided, That it shall not be necessary for any candidate who holds a master's or doctorate degree to obtain the specified master's degree if the candidate provides satisfactory evidence to the superintendent of public instruction that he or she has completed all course work requirements relevant to the required master's degree and has satisfactorily completed a comprehensive examination required in such master's degree program. This examination shall be an examination of ((a regionally)) an accredited institution of higher education or the National Counselor Examination (NCE) of the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) or, in the case of school psychologists, hold the NCSP accreditation from the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP): Provided, That if any candidate has been awarded a master's degree without a comprehensive examination, the candidate, as a condition for certification, shall successfully complete the Praxis II exam in the appropriate role.

(1) School counselor.

(a) Residency.

(i) ((The candidate shall)) Hold a master's degree with a major in counseling.

(ii) ((The candidate shall have successfully completed a comprehensive examination of the knowledge included in the course work for the required master's degree. This examination shall be a proctored examination of a regionally accredited institution of higher education or the candidate may meet this requirement by receiving a passing score on the Praxis II guidance and counseling examination.)) Completion of an approved school counselor program.

(b) Continuing.

(c) Professional. A professional certificate ((can)) may be earned ((in one of the following ways:

(ii))) by an individual who holds or has held a school counseling certificate issued by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) ((shall be deemed to have met the requirement for completion of a professional certificate program, in recognition that NBPTS certification is issued only to individuals who have demonstrated highly advanced skills as a school counselor)).

(((c))) (d) Beginning with certificates first issued or renewed after July 1, 2015, continuing and professional certificates for school counselors include a requirement for suicide prevention training per RCW 28A.410.226.

(2) School psychologist.

(a) Residency.

(i) The candidate shall hold a master's degree with a major or specialization in school psychology.

(ii) ((The candidate shall have successfully completed a comprehensive examination of the knowledge included in the course work for the required master's degree. This examination shall be a proctored examination of a regionally accredited institution of higher education or the candidate may meet this requirement by receiving a passing score on the Praxis II school psychology examination.)) Completion of an approved school psychology program.

(b) Continuing.

(i) ((The candidate shall hold a valid)) Hold or have held an initial or residency school psychologist certificate, a master's degree with a major or specialization in school psychology, and have completed at least fifteen quarter (ten semester) credit hours of graduate course work offered by ((a college or university with a state approved school psychologist program)) an accredited institution or one hundred fifty clock hours of study, which meet the state continuing education clock hour criteria pursuant to chapter 181-85 WAC, or a combination of credits and clock hours equivalent to the above. The study shall:

(A) Be based on the school psychologist performance domains included in WAC 181-78A-270 (5)(a);

(B) Be taken subsequent to the issuance of the most recent initial or residency school psychologist certificate((; and

(C) Be determined in consultation with and approved by the candidate's employer or the administrator of a state approved school psychologist preparation program)).

(ii) The candidate shall provide documentation of one hundred eighty days or full-time equivalent or more employment in the role of school psychologist with an authorized employer—i.e., school district, educational service district, state agency, ((college or university,)) private school, or private school system—and at least thirty days of such employment with the same employer.

(c) Professional. An individual who holds an NCSP certificate issued by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) shall be deemed to have met the requirement for professional certification((, in recognition that NCSP certification is issued only to individuals who have demonstrated highly advanced skills as a school psychologist)).

(d) Beginning with certificates first issued or renewed after July 1, 2015, continuing and/or professional certificates for school psychologists include a requirement for suicide prevention training per RCW 28A.410.226.

Candidates for school nurse, school occupational therapist, school physical therapist and school speech-language pathologist or audiologist and school social worker certification shall apply directly to the professional certification office. Such candidates shall complete the following requirements, in addition to those set forth in WAC 181-79A-150, except state approved college/university professional preparation program. Provided, that it shall not be necessary for any candidate who holds a master's or doctorate degree to obtain the specified master's degree if the candidate provides satisfactory evidence to the superintendent of public instruction that he or she has completed all course work requirements relevant to the required master's degree and has satisfactorily completed a comprehensive examination required in such master's degree program: Provided, That if any candidate has been awarded a master's degree without a comprehensive examination, the candidate, as a condition for certification, shall successfully complete the Praxis II exam in the appropriate role.

(1) School nurse.

(a) Initial.

(i) The candidate shall hold a valid license as a registered nurse (RN) in Washington state.

(ii) The candidate shall hold a baccalaureate degree or higher in nursing from a program accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

(iii) The candidate shall successfully complete thirty clock hours or three quarter hours (two semester hours) of course work approved by the professional educator standards board which will consist of the following course outcomes in which candidates will:

(A) Demonstrate an understanding of school and special education laws and policies (national, state, and local) and their application to decision-making processes in the educational setting;

(B) Understand and demonstrate knowledge of working within the culture of the schools, creating an environment that fosters safety, health, and learning for the students;

(C) Demonstrate knowledge of appropriate resources in the school setting;

(D) Demonstrate knowledge of collaboration with team members which may include parents, teachers, administrators, and others to support learning outcomes for all students;

(E) Demonstrate knowledge of how to support the outcomes for all students through strategies such as scientifically based practices, collaborative teaming, and ethical decision making;

(F) Use professional standards to inform professional growth planning;

(G) Demonstrate an understanding of the use of human, community, and technological resources. Provided, that an individual who meets all other requirements but who has not completed the required course work shall be issued a temporary permit valid for one year, unless prior to the expiration date the superintendent of public instruction determines the applicant is ineligible to receive a valid certificate or endorsement, which will allow the individual to practice in the role. The candidate shall verify to OSPI the completion of the required course work during the one hundred eighty-day period.

(b) Continuing.

(i) The candidate shall have completed the requirements for the initial certificate as a school nurse and have completed forty-five quarter hours (thirty semester hours) of postbaccalaureate course work in education, nursing, or other health sciences.

(ii) The candidate shall provide documentation of one hundred eighty days of full-time equivalent or more employment in the respective role with an authorized employer—i.e., school district, educational service district, state agency, college or university, private school, or private school system—and at least thirty days of such employment with the same employer.

(2) School occupational therapist.

(a) Initial.

(i) The candidate shall hold a valid license as an occupational therapist in Washington state.

(ii) The candidate shall hold a baccalaureate (or higher) degree from an American Occupational Therapy Association approved program in occupational therapy.

(iii) The candidate shall successfully complete thirty clock hours or three quarter hours (two semester hours) of course work approved by the professional educator standards board which will consist of the following course outcomes in which candidates will:

(A) Demonstrate an understanding of school and special education laws and policies (national, state, and local) and their application to decision-making processes in the educational setting;

(B) Understand and demonstrate knowledge of working within the culture of the schools, creating an environment that fosters safety, health, and learning for the students;

(C) Demonstrate knowledge of appropriate resources in the school setting;

(D) Demonstrate knowledge of collaboration with team members which may include parents, teachers, administrators, and others to support learning outcomes for all students;

(E) Demonstrate knowledge of how to support the outcomes for all students through strategies such as scientifically based practices, collaborative teaming, and ethical decision making;

(F) Use professional standards to inform professional growth planning;

(G) Demonstrate an understanding of the use of human, community, and technological resources. Provided, that an individual who meets all other requirements but who has not completed the required course work shall be issued a temporary permit valid for one year, unless prior to the expiration date the superintendent of public instruction determines the applicant is ineligible to receive a valid certificate or endorsement, which will allow the individual to practice in the role. The candidate shall verify to OSPI the completion of the required course work during the one hundred eighty-day period.

(b) Continuing.

(i) The candidate shall have completed the requirements for the initial certificate as a school occupational therapist and have completed at least fifteen quarter hours (ten semester hours) of course work beyond the baccalaureate degree in occupational therapy, other health sciences or education.

(ii) The candidate shall provide documentation of one hundred eighty days of full-time equivalent or more employment in the respective role with an authorized employer—i.e., school district, educational service district, state agency, college or university, private school, or private school system—and at least thirty days of such employment with the same employer.

(3) School physical therapist.

(a) Initial.

(i) The candidate shall hold a valid license as a physical therapist in Washington state.

(ii) The candidate shall hold a baccalaureate (or higher) degree from an American Physical Therapy Association accredited program in physical therapy.

(iii) The candidate shall successfully complete thirty clock hours or three quarter hours (two semester hours) of course work approved by the professional educator standards board which will consist of the following course outcomes in which candidates will:

(A) Demonstrate an understanding of school and special education laws and policies (national, state, and local) and their application to decision-making processes in the educational setting;

(B) Understand and demonstrate knowledge of working within the culture of the schools, creating an environment that fosters safety, health, and learning for the students;

(C) Demonstrate knowledge of appropriate resources in the school setting;

(D) Demonstrate knowledge of collaboration with team members which may include parents, teachers, administrators, and others to support learning outcomes for all students;

(E) Demonstrate knowledge of how to support the outcomes for all students through strategies such as scientifically based practices, collaborative teaming, and ethical decision making;

(F) Use professional standards to inform professional growth planning;

(G) Demonstrate an understanding of the use of human, community, and technological resources. Provided, that an individual who meets all other requirements but who has not completed the required course work shall be issued a temporary permit valid for one year, unless prior to the expiration date the superintendent of public instruction determines the applicant is ineligible to receive a valid certificate or endorsement, which will allow the individual to practice in the role. The candidate shall verify to OSPI the completion of the required course work during the one hundred eighty-day period.

(b) Continuing.

(i) The candidate shall have completed the requirements for the initial certificate as a school physical therapist and have completed fifteen quarter hours (ten semester hours) of course work beyond the baccalaureate degree in physical therapy, other health sciences or education.

(ii) The candidate shall provide documentation of one hundred eighty days of full-time equivalent or more employment in the respective role with an authorized employer—i.e., school district, educational service district, state agency, college or university, private school, or private school system—and at least thirty days of such employment with the same employer.

(4) School speech-language pathologist or audiologist.

(a) Initial.

(i) The candidate shall have completed all course work (except special project or thesis) for a master's degree from a college or university program accredited by the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA) with a major in speech pathology or audiology. Such program shall include satisfactory completion of a written comprehensive examination: Provided, That if any candidate has not completed a written comprehensive examination, the candidate may present verification from ASHA of a passing score on the National Teacher's Examination in speech pathology or audiology as a condition for certification.

(ii) The candidate shall successfully complete thirty clock hours or three quarter hours (two semester hours) of course work approved by the professional educator standards board which will consist of the following outcomes in which candidates will:

(A) Demonstrate an understanding of school and special education laws and policies (national, state, and local) and their application to decision-making processes in the educational setting;

(B) Understand and demonstrate knowledge of working within the culture of the schools, creating an environment that fosters safety, health, and learning for the students;

(C) Demonstrate knowledge of appropriate resources in the school setting;

(D) Demonstrate knowledge of collaboration with team members which may include parents, teachers, administrators, and others to support learning outcomes for all students;

(E) Demonstrate knowledge of how to support the outcomes for all students through strategies such as scientifically based practices, collaborative teaming, and ethical decision making;

(F) Use professional standards to inform professional growth planning;

(G) Demonstrate an understanding of the use of human, community, and technological resources. Provided, that an individual who meets all other requirements but who has not completed the required course work shall be issued a temporary permit valid for one year, unless prior to the expiration date the superintendent of public instruction determines the applicant is ineligible to receive a valid certificate or endorsement, which will allow the individual to practice in the role. The candidate shall verify to OSPI the completion of the required course work during the one hundred eighty-day period.

(b) Continuing.

(i) The candidate shall hold a master's degree with a major in speech pathology or audiology.

(ii) The candidate shall provide documentation of one hundred eighty days of full-time equivalent or more employment in the respective role with an authorized employer—i.e., school district, educational service district, state agency, college or university, private school, or private school system—and at least thirty days of such employment with the same employer.

(5) School social worker.

(a) Initial.

(i) The candidate shall hold an MSW from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning.

(ii) The candidate shall successfully complete thirty clock hours or three quarter hours (two semester hours) of course work approved by the professional educator standards board which will consist of the following outcomes in which candidates will:

(A) Demonstrate an understanding of school and special education laws and policies (national, state, and local) and their application to decision-making processes in the educational setting;

(B) Understand and demonstrate knowledge of working within the culture of the schools, creating an environment that fosters safety, health, and learning for the students;

(C) Demonstrate knowledge of appropriate resources in the school setting;

(D) Demonstrate knowledge of collaboration with team members which may include parents, teachers, administrators, and others to support learning outcomes for all students;

(E) Demonstrate knowledge of how to support the outcomes for all students through strategies such as scientifically based practices, collaborative teaming, and ethical decision making;

(F) Use professional standards to inform professional growth planning;

(G) Demonstrate an understanding of the use of human, community, and technological resources. Provided, that an individual who meets all other requirements but who has not completed the required course work shall be issued a temporary permit valid for one year, unless prior to the expiration date the superintendent of public instruction determines the applicant is ineligible to receive a valid certificate or endorsement, which will allow the individual to practice in the role. The candidate shall verify to OSPI the completion of the required course work during the one hundred eighty-day period.

(b) Continuing.

(i) The candidate shall have completed the requirements for the initial certificate as a school social worker and have completed an annual professional growth plan or fifteen quarter hours or one hundred fifty clock hours specific to the role of the school social worker since earning the initial certificate.

(ii) The candidate shall provide documentation of one hundred eighty days of full-time equivalent or more employment in the respective role with an authorized employer—i.e., school district, educational service district, state agency, college or university, private school, or private school system—and at least thirty days of such employment with the same employer.

(6) Beginning with continuing certificates first issued after July 1, 2015, continuing certificates for school nurses and school social workers include a requirement for suicide prevention training per RCW 28A.410.226 and again every five years after receiving the continuing certificate.

(7) The professional educator standards board will review courses for approval and reapproval/disapproval per the posted schedule. All providers of the initial ESA course must maintain current approval status to offer the course.

The following shall apply to initial and continuing certificates issued pursuant to this chapter:

(1) Initial certificate.

(a) Teachers.

An initial teacher certificate may be renewed for an additional three-year period on application and verification that the individual has completed all course work requirements from a regionally accredited institution of higher education as defined in WAC 181-78A-010(6) for continuing certification or has completed at least fifteen quarter credit hours (ten semester credit hours) since the certificate was issued or renewed. After August 31, 2000, provisions of WAC 181-79A-123 will apply.

(b) Administrators.

After June 30, 2004, provisions of WAC 181-79A-123(8) will apply.

(c) Educational staff associates.

After June 30, 2005, provisions of WAC 181-79A-123(9) will apply to school psychologists and school counselors.

(2) Continuing certificate.

(a) The continuing certificates of holders who were eligible for such certificates prior to August 31, 1987, and who applied for such certificates prior to July 1, 1988, or who would have been eligible for such certificates prior to August 31, 1987, but for one of the three-year experience requirement and who complete such requirement and apply for such certificate prior to August 31, 1988, will be valid for life. Holders of valid continuing certificates affected by this subsection shall be entitled to have such certificate reissued and subject to the terms and conditions applicable to certification at the time of reissuance including the continuing education requirements of chapter 181-85 WAC.

(b) All continuing certificates not affected by the exception stated in (a) of this subsection shall expire if the holder does not complete the continuing education requirement((,)) to include the filing requirement specified in chapter 181-85 WAC, or has kept the national American Speech-Language-Hearing Association certificate up to date. To reinstate such an expired continuing certificate the individual must complete the requirements for reinstatement stated within chapter 181-85 WAC and must meet the conditions stated in WAC 181-79A-253.

(1) School counselors may renew their residency certificate in one of the following ways:

(a) 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 residency 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.

(b) An individual school counselor who completes or intends to complete a National Board of Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) school counselor assessment but does not earn National Board Certification may use that completed assessment, or an affidavit of intention to complete, in order to renew the residency certificate one time for two years.

(c) Individuals who hold, or have held, a residency certificate who are not in the role of school counselor may have their residency certificates renewed for an additional five-year period by the completion of fifteen quarter credits (ten semester credits) of college credit course work from a regionally accredited institution of higher education or completion of one hundred fifty continuing education hours, directly related to the current performance-based standards as defined in WAC 181-78A-270(4) since the issuance of the residency certificate.

(2) Professional.

(a) For certificates issued under rules in effect prior to September 1, 2014, a valid professional certificate may be renewed for additional five-year periods by:

(i) 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(4); or

(ii) Completion of four professional growth plans that are developed annually since the certificate was issued.

(b) Beginning September 1, 2014, a valid professional certificate may be renewed for additional five-year periods for individuals in the role of a school counselor by completion of four professional growth plans developed annually since the certificate was issued.

(c) Renewal of the professional certificate.

(i) 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) 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 181-78A-540(2).

(iii) 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.

(iv) Provided, any educator holding a professional certificate which requires completion of four PGPs in five years, may renew the professional certificate for one time only by completing one hundred fifty continuing education credit hours as defined in chapter 181-85 WAC, or with completion of fifteen quarter credit hours related to job responsibilities, in lieu of completion of four professional growth plans as required by this chapter. Individuals with valid certificates must show completion of the hours as described in this section since the professional certificate was issued. Individuals with an expired professional certificate must complete the hours as described in this section within the five years prior to the date of the renewal application: Provided, That this section is no longer in effect after June 30, 2020.

(v) 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.

(vi) The one-time renewal option of using clock hours or credits in lieu of professional growth plans as required applies to any/all professional certificates an educator may hold, and is only available to the individual one time. This section is no longer in effect after June 30, 2020.

(vii) After July 1, 2015, professional certificates for school counselors, in addition to the requirements in this chapter, must attend professional educator standards board approved training in suicide prevention as per RCW 28A.410.226 for renewal of their certificate.

(d) Individuals not in the role of a school counselor may have their professional certificate renewed for an additional five-year period by:

(i) 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-540(2) from a regionally accredited institution of higher education taken since the issuance of the professional certificate; or

(ii) 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(2); or

(iii) Completion of four annual professional growth plans developed since the certificate was issued.