Arkansas Administrative Code
Agency 005 - DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Division 01 - Division of Fiscal and Administrative Services
Rule 005.01.18-011 - Rules Governing Educator Licensure, Rules Governing the Public School Choice Act of 2015, Rules Governing Student Permanent Records, and Rules Governing Instructional Materials

Universal Citation: AR Admin Rules 005.01.18-011

Current through Register Vol. 49, No. 9, September, 2024

CHAPTER 1:

REGULATORY AUTHORITY - PURPOSE - DEFINITIONS

1-1.0 REGULATORY AUTHORITY AND PURPOSE

1-1.01 These Rules shall be known as Arkansas Department of Education Rules Governing Educator Licensure.

1-1.02 The State Board of Education enacts these Rules pursuant to its authority as set forth in Ark. Code Ann. §§ 6-11-105, 6-15-1004, 6-15-1703, 6-17-401 et seq., 6-17-422, 6-17-2601 et seq., 6-20-2204, 6-20-2305, 6-41-609, 6-61-133, 25-15-201 et seq., and Acts 294, 416, 564, 588, and 1063 of 2017.

1-1.03 The purposes of these Rules are to:

1-1.03.1 Establish requirements and procedures for the issuance, licensure, re-licensure, and continuance of licensure of educators in the public schools of this state, as required by Ark. Code Ann. § 6-17-402;

1-1.03.2 Provide for the acceptance of educator licenses by reciprocity, as required by Ark. Code Ann. § 6-17-403;

1-1.03.3 Implement as a prerequisite to licensure the requirement of assessments adopted by the State Board of Education, as required by Ark. Code Ann. §§ 6-17-402, 6-17-601, and 6-15-1004;

1-1.03.4 Implement as a prerequisite to licensure the requirement of college-level coursework in Arkansas History for certain educators, as required by Ark. Code Ann. § 6-17-418;

1-1.03.5 Provide for the issuance of Provisional Licenses, as required by Ark. Code Ann. §§ 6-17-403 and 6-17-418;

1-1.03.6 Provide for the issuance of provisional and standard licenses through alternative educator preparation programs, under Ark. Code Ann. § 6-17-409; and

1-1.03.7 Provide for a Lifetime Teaching License, under Ark. Code Ann. § 6-17-2601 et seq.

1-1.04 Provide the minimum requirements for Department approval of educator preparation programs offered by an institution of higher education in Arkansas and alternative educator preparation programs based on the recommendations of the Professional Licensure Standards Board under Ark. Code Ann. § 6-17-422.

1-1.05 It is further the purpose of these rules to provide a framework for the multiple tiers of licensure under an Educator Career Continuum, beginning January 1, 2019 with the 2018-2019 school year. The Educator Career Continuum is designed to provide teacher support and development that is needed to recruit new teachers into the profession and provide opportunities for teachers to grow into new roles for leadership and outstanding achievement as effective teachers without leaving teaching, to meet the state's goal of ensuring that all students have access to effective educators.

1-2.0 DEFINITIONS

For the purposes of these Rules:

1-2.01 "Accredited College or University" means an institution of higher education that is regionally or nationally accredited by an accrediting organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

1-2.02 "Accredited School Psychology program" means a program of study for school psychology that is offered by an accredited college or university, and the program is:

1-2.02.1 Nationally accredited in school psychology by the Commission on Accreditation of the American Psychological Association; or

1-2.02.2 Approved by the National Association of School Psychologists; or

1-2.02.3 Nationally accredited by an accrediting organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

1-2.03 "Accredited Speech-Language Pathology Program" means a speech-language pathology program that is offered by an accredited college or university, and the program is:

1-2.03.1 Nationally accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association; or

1-2.03.2 Nationally accredited by an accrediting organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

1-2.04 "Accredited Educator Preparation Program" means an educator preparation program that is:

1-2.04.1 Accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP);

1-2.04.2 Accredited by an accrediting organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation; or

1-2.04.3 Approved by the licensing authority of a state government.

1-2.05 "Additional Licensure Plan (ALP)" means a plan approved by the Office of Educator Licensure that allows an individual holding a Standard License or Provisional License (by reciprocity only) to accept employment or assignment in an out-of-area position, prior to completion of the requirements for the required endorsement, licensure content area, or level of licensure, for no more than six (6) consecutive semesters.

1-2.06 "Administrator License" means an endorsement to a standard five (5)-year renewable license, issued by the State Board, which allows the license holder to serve as an administrator in an educational entity.

1-2.07 "Administrator Licensure Completion Plan (ALCP)" means a plan approved by the Office of Educator Licensure that allows an individual holding a Standard License to accept employment as an administrator, prior to completion of the requirements for an Administrator License, for no more than six (6) consecutive semesters.

1-2.08 "ADE-recognized external micro-credential" means a single or a stacked micro-credential that meets the following criteria and is designated by the Department as recognized for the applicable license:

1-2.08.1 Is developed by a state, regional, or national non-profit educational organization;

1-2.08.2 Is based on peer-reviewed education research;

1-2.08.3 Utilizes national standards or competencies;

1-2.08.4 Contains rigorous requirements for research, performance (including submission of artifacts), and self-reflection;

1-2.08.5 Requires demonstration of a shift in practice that is observable; and

1-2.08.6 Requires reviewer feedback;

1-2.09 "Alternative Educator Preparation Program" means a program of study approved by the Department of Education for candidates who have a bachelor's degree and are preparing for licensure as teachers and leaders in public schools in this state.

1-2.10 "Ancillary License" means a five (5)-year renewable license, issued by the State Board, that does not require prior classroom teaching experience, and which allows the license holder to practice in Arkansas public schools in a licensure area identified on Appendix A, excluding an administrator's endorsement.

1-2.11 "Approved Professional Development" means the continuing learning experiences for educators that meet the standards and focus areas under the Department's Rules Governing Professional Development.

1-2.12 "Approved Program for Educator Preparation" means an educator preparation program that is approved by the Arkansas Department of Education to prepare candidates for a license issued by the State Board of Education.

1-2.13 "ArkansasIDEAS" means Internet Delivered Education for Arkansas Schools, a partnership between the Department and the Arkansas Educational Television Network (AETN) to provide through the AETN access to high-quality, online professional development for Arkansas licensed educators.

1-2.14 " Arkansas Professional Pathway to Educator Licensure Program (APPEL)" means the alternative educator preparation program administered by the Department, whose participants hold a minimum of a baccalaureate degree (and have passed the appropriate state-mandated assessments) and are allowed to teach with a Provisional License. The program requirements consist of two (2) years of teaching and instructional modules, which must be completed within three (3) years.

1-2.15 "Building-Level Administrator" means a principal, assistant principal, or vice principal in an educational entity.

1-2.16 "CAEP" means the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.

1-2.17 "Candidate" means an individual who has been admitted into an educator licensure program.

1-2.18 "Charter School" includes an open-enrollment public charter school, conversion public charter school, or other type of public charter school authorized under Arkansas law.

1-2.19 "Core Academic Subject Areas" means the following areas approved by the State Board:

Elementary Education (K-6);

English Language Arts;

Mathematics;

Science;

Social Studies;

Art;

Music; and

Foreign Language

1-2.20 "Curriculum/Program Administrator" means a school leader who is responsible for program development and administration, and who may be responsible for employment evaluation decisions, in content areas approved by the State Board;

1-2.21 "Data literacy" means the knowledge and skill in accessing, generating, and analyzing data from a variety of sources to facilitate instruction and decisionmaking.

1-2.22 "Department" means the Arkansas Department of Education.

1-2.23 "District-Level Administrator" means a superintendent, assistant/associate superintendent, or deputy superintendent.

1-2.24 "Educational Entity" means a public school district, a charter school, an education service cooperative, or other public entity that is assigned a local education agency number by the Arkansas Department of Education.

1-2.25 "Educator" means any individual holding a license issued by the State Board, specifically including, without limitation, teachers, administrators, library media specialists, and counselors.

1-2.25.1 "Educator" also includes a nonlicensed person employed under the educational entity's waiver of licensure.

1-2.26 "Educator preparation program" means a planned sequence of academic courses and experiences leading to a recommendation for licensure by the State Board.

1-2.27 "Effective Leader" has the meaning given that term in the state's plan adopted under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, Pub. L. No. 89-10, as reauthorized by the Every Student Succeeds Act, Pub. L. No. 114-95.

1-2.28 "Effective Teacher" has the meaning given that term in the state's plan adopted under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, Pub. L. No. 89-10, as reauthorized by the Every Student Succeeds Act, Pub. L. No. 114-95.

1-2.29 "Endorsement" means any licensure area or licensure level that may be added only to an existing Standard License.

1-2.30 "Exception area endorsement" means an endorsement that is not available by testing out.

1-2.31 "Field experiences" means the activities for candidates in educator preparation programs that allow early and ongoing practice opportunities to apply content and pedagogical knowledge, such as observations, tutoring, assisting teachers and administrators, and practicums.

1-2.32 "Good Standing" means, for the purpose of reciprocity, that:

1-2.32.1 There are no ethics proceedings or proceedings on criminal offenses for which the license would be subject to sanctions in Arkansas pending against a licensee;

1-2.32.2 The licensee has not been sanctioned for an ethics violation or criminal offense for which the license would be subject to sanction in Arkansas during the three (3) most recent years of teaching experience, if any; and

1-2.32.3 The license has not been revoked by or is not currently under suspension in the licensing state or country based on an offense for which the license would be subject to sanction in Arkansas.

1-2.33 "Ineffective Leader" has the meaning given that term in the state's plan adopted under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, Pub. L. No. 89-10, as reauthorized by the Every Student Succeeds Act, Pub. L. No. 114-95.

1-2.34 "Ineffective Teacher" has the meaning given that term in the state's plan adopted under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, Pub. L. No. 89-10, as reauthorized by the Every Student Succeeds Act, Pub. L. No. 114-95.

1-2.35 "Level of Licensure" or "Licensure Level" means the grade/age level parameter of the educator license as identified in Appendix A, Areas and Levels of Licensure.

1-2.36 "Licensure Content Area" means a particular content field as recognized by the State Board. Licensure content areas are listed in Appendix A, Areas and Levels of Licensure.

1-2.37 "Licensed teaching experience" means teaching in a K-12 public or private school while holding a standard or provisional teaching license, or the equivalent if the applicant is seeking licensure reciprocity. Teaching experience under a licensure exception does not count as licensed teaching experience;

1-2.38 "Licensure exception" is an exception (formerly a 'waiver') from the legal requirement that a position at an educational entity must be filled by a person holding the appropriate license issued by the State Board. Licensure exceptions approved by the State Board are identified in Chapter 7 of these rules.

1-2.39 "NCATE" is the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.

1-2.40 "Out-of-Area Position" means a licensed position requiring a particular license, endorsement, licensure content area, or level of licensure that the employee filling the position does not currently hold.

1-2.41 "Passing Score" for a state-mandated assessment for licensure means the cut score on the assessment approved by the State Board.

1-2.41.1 A passing score on a licensure assessment approved by the State Board before the currently approved version of an assessment will be accepted for three (3) years after the date the State Board discontinued or replaced the assessment provided the passing score was achieved before the date the assessment was discontinued or replaced.

1-2.42 "Private Credential Evaluation Agency" means an independent agency approved by the Department that:

1-2.42.1 Is located in the United States; and

1-2.42.2 Provides an educational background assessment that:

1-2.42.2.1 Contains a course-by-course evaluation of the applicant's transcript;

1-2.42.2.2 Indicates the applicant's major area of study and documents the candidate's cumulative grade point average;

1-2.42.2.3 Documents whether the applicant's out-of-country degree is equivalent to one that would have been completed at an accredited college or university in the United States;

1-2.42.2.4 Documents whether the out-of-country professional preparation program is equivalent to one that would have been completed at an approved educator preparation program or accredited speech-language pathology or school psychology program;

1-2.42.2.5 Indicates the areas of licensure represented by the out-of-country license; and

1-2.42.2.6 Documents which areas of licensure on the out-of-country license are equivalent to the areas of licensure approved by the State Board.

1-2.43 "Professional Development" means a coordinated set of planned, learning development activities for teachers that are based on research, are standards-based and that meet the focus areas for professional development required by the Department.

1-2.44 "Program of Study" means a curriculum that requires a candidate to demonstrate and document competency in the specific knowledge, skills, and dispositions for a particular endorsement to an educator's license, a licensure content area, or level of licensure, and is:

1-2.44.1 Provided by one (1) or more accredited colleges or universities, or an alternative educator preparation program;

1-2.44.2 Aligned with Arkansas Teaching Standards and the appropriate content knowledge and pedagogical competencies for the respective licensure areas; and

1-2.44.3 Approved by the Department.

1-2.45 "Provisional License" means a temporary license issued by the State Board that allows the license holder to teach or work in Arkansas schools.

1-2.46 "Reciprocity" means the recognition of a teaching license from another state or country based on these Rules or the terms of the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) Interstate Agreement for Educator Licensure.

1-2.47 "Semester" means the fall or spring of an academic year. If an educational entity uses a different method of academic year scheduling (such as a twelvemonth academic year), the Department and the educational entity will identify a semester equivalent.

1-2.48 "SPED 101 Academy" means a three (3) credit hour course developed by institutions of higher education based on competencies developed in collaboration with the Department's Educator Preparation Unit, Special Education Unit, and public school districts, public charter schools, and education service cooperatives.

1-2.49 "Stacked micro-credential" means a series of micro-credentials, each of which builds upon a previous micro-credential in the series;

1-2.50 "Standard License" means a five-year renewable license, issued by the State Board, which allows the license holder to perform professional education services for the licensure content area and licensure level specified on the license.

1-2.51 "Standard License Equivalent" means a current, unrestricted, non-probationary, non-provisional teaching license that allows an individual to work as a teacher, administrator, counselor, or library media specialist in another state's public schools and is in good standing with the licensing state.

1-2.52 "State Board" means the Arkansas State Board of Education.

1-2.53 "Successful completion of background checks" means that the individual cleared both the state and federal criminal history checks and cleared the Child Maltreatment Central Registry check as provided under the ADE Rules Governing Background Checks.

1-2.54 "Supervised clinical practice" means pre-service teaching or internship in a school setting that provides candidates with extensive opportunities to develop and demonstrate competence in the professional roles for which they are preparing, completed under the guidance and supervision of licensed practicing school personnel and college or university supervisory personnel. This includes internships and student teaching.

1-2.55 "Teacher of Record" means an individual (or individuals in co-teaching assignments) who has been assigned the lead responsibility for a student's learning in a subject/course with aligned performance measures.

CHAPTER 2:

TYPES OF PERMITS AND LICENSES

2-1.0 CAREER-TECHNICAL PERMIT

2-1.01 A Career-Technical Permit authorizes the permit holder to teach in an identified career or technical content area. An applicant must meet the requirements of the Department of Career Education for a Career-Technical Permit.

2-2.0 ANCILLARY LICENSE

2-2.01 An Ancillary License is a license to provide specific services to students in areas identified on Appendix A, and that does not require prior classroom teaching experience.

2-3.0 PROVISIONAL LICENSE

2-3.01 A Provisional License is a temporary license issued in specific circumstances approved by the State Board under which an applicant for a Standard License has not completed all of the requirements for the Standard License. A Provisional License authorizes the license holder to teach in the identified licensure level and content areas during the term of the license.

2-4.0 STANDARD LICENSE

2-4.01 A Standard License is a five-year renewable license that authorizes the license holder to teach or lead at the licensure level and in the licensure content areas identified on the license, and to which the licensee may add endorsement areas.

2-4.02 Effective January 1, 2019, to implement the Educator Career Continuum, the Department will issue a Standard License based on recommendations for licensure requirements from the Professional Licensure Standards Board as follows:

2-4.02.1 Early Career Professional Educator License: The Early Career Professional Educator License is a first-time Standard License. Requirements for the license are as provided in these rules for a Standard License. The licensee may renew the license or seek a Career Professional Educator License after meeting the requirements for the Career Professional Educator License.

2-4.02.2 Career Professional Educator License: The educator holding this license will be recognized as a career professional with a strong commitment to the teaching profession. The requirements for a Career Professional License will include at a minimum that the applicant meets the requirements for an Early Career Professional Educator license, has completed a minimum of three (3) years of teaching experience, and provides verification that the educator has performed at the level of an Effective Teacher, as defined in the state's ESSA Plan, or an equivalent measure if the applicant is not employed by an Arkansas public school at the time of application.

2-4.02.3 Lead Professional Educator License: The Lead Professional Educator License allows an educator who aspires to a leadership role to do so without leaving the classroom. Examples of some of these roles include: leading professional learning among staff, mentoring, involvement in committee decisions impacting the building/district, improving community relations and building support. The requirements for a Lead Professional Educator License will include at a minimum the requirements of the Career Professional Educator License, has a minimum number of years of teaching experience, and provides verification that the educator has performed at the level of an Effective Teacher, as defined in the state's ESSA Plan, or an equivalent measure if the applicant is not employed by an Arkansas public school at the time of application. The applicant will also meet the additional requirements for demonstrating competency in teacher leadership found in Section 4-11.0.

2-4.02.4 Master Professional Educator License: An educator holding a Master Professional Educator License is recognized in the educational community as a high achiever in the field of education. An applicant will demonstrate that he or she has attained a high level of academic achievement in the field of education, makes contributions to education outside of the school environment at regional, state and national levels, and elevates the teaching profession through recruitment, teacher support, and advocacy. The requirements for a Master Professional Educator License will include at a minimum the requirements of the Career Professional Educator License, that the applicant has a minimum number of years of teaching experience, and provides verification that the educator has performed at the level of an Effective Teacher, as defined in the state's ESSA Plan, or an equivalent measure if the applicant is not employed by an Arkansas public school at the time of application. The applicant will also meet the additional requirements for the license found in Section 4-11.0.

2-4.02.5 An applicant may apply for licensure at any level when the applicant meets the requirements for the level. If the applicant applies at the time of license renewal, no application fee is required in addition to the non-refundable applicable fee for the renewal.

2-4.02.6 Each license will be renewable for five (5) years.

2-5.0 STANDARD LIFETIME TEACHING LICENSE

2-5.01 A Standard Lifetime Teaching License is issued to an applicant based on age or retirement eligibility requirements as set forth in these rules, and entitles the license holder to a release from annual professional development requirements (subject to employment requirements) and from license renewal requirements.

CHAPTER 3:

PREPARATION FOR LICENSURE

3-1.0 APPROVED PROGRAM OR PATHWAY REQUIRED

3-1.01 All applicants for licensure shall complete an approved educator preparation program or an approved pathway for a licensure level and content area.

3-1.02 An applicant should consult the Department's website for the most recently approved program of study or pathway requirements for each permit or license available.

3-1.03 An educator preparation program shall apply to the Department for approval based on these rules and the Department's protocol for program approval.

3-1.03.1 Programs shall include curriculum that addresses the licensure requirements in these rules, and requirements established by Arkansas statutes governing educator preparation and these rules. At a minimum, educator preparation programs for a first-time Arkansas standard license shall provide instruction in:

3-1.03.1.1 The state-approved Arkansas Teaching Standards and the appropriate content knowledge and pedagogical competencies for the respective licensure areas;

3-1.03.1.2 Science of Reading Instruction. Beginning with the 2022-2023 school year, an educator preparation program shall publish on its website information describing its program to prepare teachers in applicable licensure areas to teach reading using scientific reading instruction;

3-1.03.1.3 Child maltreatment, under Ark. Code Ann. § 6-61-133;

3-1.03.1.4 Parental involvement, under Ark. Code Ann. § 6-15-1705;

3-1.03.1.5 Teen suicide awareness and prevention, under Ark. Code Ann. § 6-17-708; and

3-1.03.1.6 Dyslexia professional awareness of the characteristics of dyslexia and evidence-based interventions and accommodations for dyslexia, under Ark. Code Ann. § 6-41-609.

3-1.03.2 Programs shall engage candidates in substantial, quality participation in field experiences (such as observations and practicums) and, if the competencies require it, supervised clinical practice (such as student teaching and internships), in the applicable licensure level and content area.

3-1.03.2.1 The educator preparation program shall demonstrate in its program proposal and revisions that candidates will be provided a combination of field experiences and supervised clinical practice across the entire grade level of the license being sought.

3-1.03.2.2 Field experiences and supervised clinical practice for teacher licensure areas for grades K-12, for school administration, or for other non-teaching licensure areas, shall be completed in:

3-1.03.2.2.1 Public K-12 school settings that are accredited by the Department;

3-1.03.2.2.2 Accredited private or other public school settings where candidates experience educator effectiveness and district support for teacher or leader professional growth and development; or

3-1.03.2.2.3 Innovative educational settings approved by the Department that engage candidates in culturally responsive teaching.

3-1.03.2.3 Field experiences and supervised clinical practice in a B-K licensure program shall be completed in:

3-1.03.2.3.1 An early childhood education setting accredited by the Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education of the Department of Human Services as a Better Beginnings Level 3 or higher program; or

3-1.03.2.3.2 Other early childhood education setting having state accreditation similar to the Arkansas accreditation for a Better Beginnings Level 3 or higher program.

3-1.03.2.4 An undergraduate educator preparation program shall first obtain permission from the Department for the placement of a candidate for field experience or internship into a district receiving intensive support under the state's accountability system adopted pursuant to the ESSA Arkansas State Plan.

3-1.03.2.5 Before allowing a candidate to begin a supervised clinical practice, a program shall require candidates to successfully complete the state and federal criminal records checks and the Child Maltreatment Central Registry check in accordance with the Department of Education Rules Governing Background Checks.

3-1.04 An approved educator preparation program is subject to annual review by the Professional Licensure Standards Board and the Department for program quality and reporting to include without limitation submission of:

3-1.04.1 The report required under Title II of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA);

3-1.04.2 Candidate scores on state-mandated licensure assessments; and

3-1.04.3 The minority graduate report under Ark. Code Ann. § 6-61-124.

3-1.05 An educator residency program shall meet the requirements for the approval of educator preparation or educational leader preparation programs under these rules. Any specific additional requirements for educator residency programs will be recommended by the Professional Licensure Standards Board, approved by the State Board, and appended to these rules.

3-2.0 UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS

3-2.01 An undergraduate educator preparation program that leads to licensure offered by an institution of higher education in Arkansas must meet the following requirements:

3-2.01.1 Prior to implementation of an undergraduate educator preparation program, a public institution of higher education in Arkansas and an out-of-state institution of higher education offering programs (including programs with online coursework) to candidates in Arkansas shall be approved by the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board (AHECB) to offer certificate and degree programs leading to educator licensure in Arkansas;

3-2.01.2 An institution of higher education that offers programs in Arkansas leading to educator licensure shall be accredited by a national or regional accrediting agency that is recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA);

3-2.01.3 An educator preparation program provider is considered eligible by the Department to provide professional education programs leading to educator licensure in Arkansas if it:

3-2.01.3.1 Is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) or the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE); and

3-2.01.3.2 Complies with the protocol for approval of educator preparation programs approved by the State Board; and

3-2.01.4 If a provider is not yet accredited by CAEP, it must be identified by CAEP either as accreditation eligible or as a candidate for accreditation before the Department can approve any of its programs for educator licensure.

3-3.01 ALTERNATIVE EDUCATOR PREPARATION PROGRAMS

3-3.01.1 An alternative educator preparation program that leads to licensure in Arkansas at the post-baccalaureate level shall meet the requirements of Section 3-1.0 and of the Department's protocol for program approval approved by the State Board.

3-3.01.2 An alternative educator preparation program may place the candidate as a teacher of record with a Provisional License, or in supervised clinical practice as a culminating experience of the candidate's program before licensure.

3-3.01.2.1 If a program intends to use distance learning technology for any portion of the supervised clinical practice, the program shall describe the use in its application for program approval.

3-4.0 EDUCATIONAL LEADER PREPARATION PROGRAMS

3-4.01 An educational leadership preparation program that leads to an administrator's license shall demonstrate in its program proposal and revisions for approval the program's methods of preparing candidates for competency in the educational leadership standards adopted by the State Board.

3-4.02 By the Fall of 2020, to obtain and maintain state approval, educational leadership programs must document in the program's application for approval:

3-4.02.1 Rigorous admission requirements for candidates; and

3-4.02.2 Partnerships with one (1) or more school districts for internship experiences that include site-based and in-person interaction among school supervisors, program faculty, and candidates. Programs shall include meaningful leadership interactions throughout the program with school personnel, students, and community members, with the support of program faculty.

3-5.0 SUSPENSION OR DISCONTINUANCE OF PROGRAM APPROVAL

3-5.01 State approval of an educator preparation program provider is immediately suspended if:

3-5.01.1 The institution fails to obtain approval by the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board to offer certificate and degree programs leading to educator licensure in Arkansas, or the AHECB approval is discontinued;

3-5.01.2 The institution fails to obtain national or regional accreditation, or the national or regional accreditation is discontinued; or

3-5.01.3 The educator preparation provider fails to achieve initial CAEP accreditation or CAEP accreditation is discontinued.

3-5.02 If state approval is immediately suspended, the PLSB shall submit a recommendation to the State Board for discontinuance of the authority of the institution to offer a program of study for educator licensure.

3-5.02.1 Within thirty (30) days of the occurrence of any of the events under Section 3-5.01, an educator preparation provider shall inform current students in its programs and shall post on its website the institution's or the provider's accreditation or state approval status.

3-5.02.2 The institution may request a hearing before the State Board on the recommendation by providing a written request to the PLSB within thirty (30) days of receiving the notice from the PLSB.

3-5.02.3 The written request for a hearing shall be accompanied by the institution's written objections to the recommendation and any evidence the institution will present to the State Board.

3-5.02.4 Hearings shall be conducted pursuant to rules of the State Board and the Arkansas Administrative Procedure Act, Ark. Code Ann. §§ 25-15-201 et seq.

3-5.02.5 After an educator preparation program's approval is discontinued by the State Board, the program shall not admit any new student into the program. However, the Department may allow candidates already enrolled to complete the program.

CHAPTER 4 : APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

4-1.0 APPLICATION FOR A CAREER-TECHNICAL PERMIT

4-1.01 A person applying for a Career-Technical Permit shall submit to the Department:

4-1.01.1 A completed application for licensure, with payment of the nonrefundable application fee;

4-1.01.2 Documentation that the applicant has successfully completed all background checks required by the Department's Rules Governing Background Checks;

4-1.01.3 Verification by the Department of Career Education that the applicant has completed the Department of Career Education requirements for the career-technical permit area, including without limitation:

4-1.01.3.1 Transcript evidencing the awarding of a bachelor's or higher degree in the career or technical area to be taught; or

4-1.01.3.2 A high school diploma or high school equivalency credential and a minimum of four (4) years of experience in the career or technical area to be taught; and

4-1.01.4 Documentation of the completion of the following professional development, which may be obtained on ArkansasIDEAS, from the applicant's teacher education program, or by another method of delivery approved by the Department under the Rules Governing Professional Development:

4-1.01.4.1 Two (2) hours of parental involvement;

4-1.01.4.2 Two (2) hours of child maltreatment training;

4-1.01.4.3 Two (2) hours of teen suicide awareness and prevention; and

4-1.01.4.4 Dyslexia awareness.

4-2.0 APPLICATION FOR A STANDARD LICENSE - IN-STATE APPLICANTS

4-2.01 A person applying for a first-time Arkansas Standard License who does not hold a current, valid educator license from Arkansas or another state or country shall submit to the Department:

4-2.01.1 A completed application for licensure, with payment of the nonrefundable application fee;

4-2.01.2 Documentation that the applicant has successfully completed all background checks required by the Department's Rules Governing Background Checks.

4-2.01.3 An official score report reflecting passing scores, as approved by the State Board, on the appropriate pedagogical and content-area assessments as mandated by the State Board.

4-2.01.3.1 An applicant for an Elementary Education (K-6) or a Special Education (K-12) license who begins a program of study or pathway for licensure in or after the Fall semester of the 2017-2018 academic year shall provide an official score report reflecting passing scores on the stand-alone reading assessment, as approved by the State Board;

Source: Act 416 of 2017

4-2.01.4 An official transcript from an accredited college or university documenting an awarded bachelor's degree or higher;

4-2.01.4.2 An applicant whose degree is from a non-accredited college or university outside of the United States, shall have his or her credentials evaluated by a private credential evaluation agency recognized by the Department.

4-2.01.5 Verification by the educator preparation program that the applicant has completed the approved program of study or approved pathway for the licensure level and content area.

4-2.01.5.1 For purposes of a licensure pathway that is completed at a public school district or charter school, the superintendent or director shall serve as the licensure officer.

4-2.01.5.2 The verification shall be submitted in the manner and form prescribed by the Department.

4-2.01.5.2.1 An applicant who has never been licensed and whose most recent licensure content area degree or educator preparation program was completed more than ten (10) years before the date of application shall be required to complete current licensure assessments and requirements;

4-2.01.6 An applicant seeking licensure in Early Childhood (P-4), Elementary Education (K-6), Middle Childhood Social Studies (4-8), or Secondary Social Studies (7-12) shall provide documentation of the successful completion of:

4-2.01.6.1 Three (3) college credit-hours in Arkansas History at an accredited institution of higher education; or

4-2.01.6.2 If the applicant completed an alternative educator preparation program or pathway, either:

4-2.01.6.2.1 Three (3) college credit-hours in Arkansas History at an accredited institution of higher education; or

4-2.01.6.2.2 The 45-hour professional development in Arkansas History offered through ArkansasIDEAS.

4-2.01.6.3 The reference to Early Childhood (P-4) here applies only to an applicant who entered a P-4 teacher education program before Fall 2015.

4-2.01.7 Documentation of the completion of the following professional development, which may be obtained on ArkansasIDEAS, from the applicant's teacher education program, or by another method of delivery approved by the Department under the Rules Governing Professional Development:

4-2.01.7.1 Two (2) hours of parental involvement;

4-2.01.7.2 Two (2) hours of child maltreatment training;

4-2.01.7.3 Two (2) hours of teen suicide awareness and prevention; and

4-2.01.7.4 Dyslexia awareness.

Source: Ark. Code Ann. §§ 6-17-418, 6-17-703, 6-17-709

4-2.01.8 The Department may issue a one-year Provisional License to an applicant for a Standard License who submits proof of employment with an Arkansas educational entity in a position that requires an educator license and has:

4-2.01.8.1 Met all other requirements except for:

4-2.01.8.1.1 Completion of the Arkansas History requirement, if applicable;

4-2.01.8.1.2 Submission of an official score report reflecting passing scores, as approved by the State Board, on the appropriate pedagogical assessment; or

4-2.01.8.1.3 If applicable, the stand-alone reading test; or

4-2.01.8.2 Completed an educator preparation program or pathway for licensure in Middle Childhood (4-8) and has completed one (1) of the two (2) required content assessments. The applicant must submit proof of employment with an Arkansas educational entity in a position that requires an educator license in the area in which the applicant has completed the content area assessment. The Provisional License will be issued only for the content area for which the content area assessment is completed.

4-2.01.9 To convert a Provisional License issued under 4-2.01.8, an applicant shall complete the missing requirements before the Provisional License expires.

4-2.01.10 If an applicant for first-time licensure or administrator licensure or for the addition of a licensure content area, endorsement, or level of licensure, was enrolled in a program of study prior to the effective date of these rules, and meets all other requirements for licensure, the Department may reference and utilize the licensure content areas, endorsements, or levels of licensure that were recognized by the State Board immediately prior to the effective date of these Rules.

4-2.01.11 On and after January 1, 2019, a first-time Arkansas standard license issued under this section will be designated as an Early Career Professional Educator License, unless the applicant qualifies for a standard license for the Career Professional Educator License under Section 4-11.01.

4-3.0 APPLICATION FOR A STANDARD LICENSE - OUT-OF-STATE APPLICANTS (RECIPROCITY)

4-3.01 The Department shall grant reciprocity to a person who holds a current or expired Standard License (or Standard License Equivalent) from another state upon receipt of the following:

4-3.01.1 A valid, Standard License (or Standard License Equivalent) that:

4-3.01.1.1 Was issued in another state; and

4-3.01.1.2 Has been in good standing during the most recent three (3) years of the applicant's teaching experience;

4-3.01.2 A completed application for licensure, with payment of the nonrefundable application fee;

4-3.01.3 Documentation that the applicant has successfully completed all background checks required by the Department's Rules Governing Background Checks;

4-3.01.4 Documentation that the applicant has completed at least three (3) years of teaching under the out-of-state license.

4-3.01.4.1 An applicant who has not completed three (3) years of teaching under the out-of-state license shall also submit an official score report:

4-3.01.4.1.1 reflecting passing scores on the appropriate pedagogical and content-area assessments required by the licensing state, including for licensure in Elementary Education (K-6) or Special Education (K-12) the stand-alone reading assessment, as adopted by the State Board; or

4-3.01.4.1.2 if the licensing state does not require such assessments, reflecting passing scores, as approved by the State Board, on the appropriate, pedagogical, and content-area assessments as mandated by the State Board, including for licensure in Elementary Education (K-6) or Special Education (K-12) the stand-alone reading assessment, as adopted by the State Board;

4-3.01.4.2.1 The Department may issue a Provisional License for up to three (3) years for an applicant who has not completed the stand-alone reading assessment;

4-3.01.5 For an applicant whose out-of-state license is expired, an official score report reflecting passing scores, as approved by the State Board, on the appropriate pedagogical and content-area assessments as mandated by the State Board, including for licensure in Elementary Education (K-6) or Special Education (K-12) the standalone reading assessment, as adopted by the State Board.

4-3.01.5.1 The Department may issue a Provisional License for up to three (3) years for an applicant who has not completed the stand-alone reading assessment;

4-3.01.6 An official transcript documenting an awarded bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university;

4-3.01.7 Documentation of one (1) of the following:

4-3.01.7.1 Successful completion of a program of teacher education at a nationally or regionally accredited institution of higher education, but only if the applicant possesses a Standard License Equivalent;

4-3.01.7.2 Successful completion of an educator preparation program that is nationally accredited by an accrediting organization recognized by the United States Department of Education, the Council for Higher Education, or the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP); or

4-3.01.7.3 If the applicant is a National Board Certified Teacher, documentation of current certification from the National Board of Professional Teaching Standards.

4-3.01.8 For applicants seeking licensure in Early Childhood (P-4), Elementary Education (K-6) or for any elementary licensure level that includes a grade within K-6, Middle Childhood Social Studies (4-8), or Secondary Social Studies (7-12), documentation of the successful completion of three (3) college credit-hours in Arkansas History at an accredited college or university or a 45-hour professional development piece in Arkansas History through ArkansasIDEAS;

4-3.01.8.1 The Department may issue a one-year Provisional License for an applicant who has not completed the Arkansas history requirements of 4-3.01.8;

4-3.01.9 Documentation of the completion of the following professional development through the Arkansas IDEAS Portal:

4-3.01.9.1 Two (2) hours of parental involvement;

4-3.01.9.2 Two (2) hours of child maltreatment training;

4-3.01.9.3 Two (2) hours of teen suicide awareness and prevention; and

4-3.01.9.4 Dyslexia awareness.

4-3.01.10 The Department may issue a Provisional License for an applicant who has not completed the professional development under Section 4-3.01.9.

4-3.02 An out-of-state license that is provisional or less than a Standard License Equivalent in the issuing state will not be accepted for reciprocity.

4-3.03 Licensure content areas, levels, and endorsements listed on an out-of-state license shall be recognized for licensure through reciprocity, as follows:

4-3.03.1 Only the licensure content areas, levels, or endorsements specifically listed on an out-of-state license shall be recognized for a first-time Arkansas Standard License through reciprocity;

4-3.03.2 An out-of-state applicant shall receive the Arkansas-equivalent licensure content areas, endorsements, or levels of licensure provided all other licensure requirements have been met;

4-3.03.3 An applicant whose licensure content area, endorsement, or level is not recognized by Arkansas shall receive the licensure content area, endorsement, or level of licensure that most closely parallels their out-of-state licensure area, endorsement, or level; and

4-3.03.4 For the purpose of reciprocity, the Department may reference and utilize any licensure content area, endorsement, or level of licensure that has ever been recognized by the State Board in the past, regardless of whether the area, endorsement, or level is current.

4-3.04 The Department may recommend to the State Board that a person's Arkansas Standard License issued by reciprocity be revoked, suspended, or placed on probation if the out-of-state license is revoked, suspended, or placed on probation, as applicable, by the issuing state for any reason that a Standard License may be revoked, suspended, or placed on probation in Arkansas.

4-3.05 The Department may rescind a license issued by reciprocity that was no longer in good standing at the time the Arkansas license was issued.

4-3.06 On and after January 1, 2019, a first-time Arkansas license issued under this section will carry the Educator Career Continuum designation for which the applicant is qualified under Section 4-2.11.

4-4.0 APPLICATION FOR THE STANDARD LIFETIME TEACHING LICENSE

4-4.01 Applicants for the Standard Lifetime Teaching License shall meet the following eligibility requirements:

4-4.01.1 Hold a current or expired Arkansas Standard License;

4-4.01.2 Be at least sixty-two (62) years of age or retired from active teaching under Ark. Code Ann. §§ 24-7-701, 24-7-702, or 24-7-704; and

4-4.01.3 Document that the applicant has either:

4-4.01.3.1 While maintaining an Arkansas teaching license, worked in an educational setting, including without limitation a public school, a private school, an institution of higher education, an education service cooperative, the Department, an adult education setting or for another agency/organization that employs licensed teachers for educational purposes; or

4-4.01.3.2 Made significant contributions to education, educational research, or the profession of teaching through scholarly endeavors, teaching experience, excellence in teaching, or educational innovation;

4-4.02 The Department shall issue a Lifetime Teaching License upon:

4-4.02.1 The applicant submitting to the Department a completed application requesting the Lifetime Teaching License, using the application form developed by the Department;

4-4.02.2 Documentation from the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System of retirement under Ark. Code Ann. §§ 24-7-701, 24-7-702, or 24-7-704; and

4-4.02.3 Documentation that the applicant has successfully completed all background checks required by the Department's Rules Governing Background Checks.

4-4.02.3.1 The required background check or Child Maltreatment Central Registry check cannot be older than one year at the time of application.

4-4.04 The Lifetime Teaching License shall reflect the applicant's licensure areas at the time of the application.

4-4.05 A teacher holding a Lifetime Teaching License is not required to renew his or her teaching license.

4-4.06 A Lifetime Teaching License is subject to the same laws for revocation as any Arkansas teaching license.

4-4.07 A Lifetime Teaching License holder is not subject to the requirements for annual professional development; however, if the license holder is employed at an educational entity in a position that requires a license issued by the State Board (including a position for which licensure was waived by the State Board), the license holder shall comply with the requirements for a professional growth plan and the educational entity's professional development requirements.

4-4.08 The Lifetime Teaching License shall terminate upon the death or legal incapacity of the license holder.

4-5.0 APPLICATION FOR A PROVISIONAL LICENSE - ALTERNATIVE EDUCATOR PREPARATION PROGRAM APPLICANTS

4-5.01 The Department shall issue a Provisional License for up to three (3) years to an applicant who is enrolled in an alternative educator preparation program that is approved by the Department upon submission of the following:

4-5.01.1 A completed application form for the Provisional License, verified by the educator preparation program;

4-5.01.2 Official transcript(s) documenting an awarded four-year college bachelor's degree or higher from an institution of higher education that is regionally or nationally accredited by an accrediting organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

4-5.01.2.1 For out-of-country candidates, an official college transcript evaluation from a private credential evaluation agency recognized by the Department;

4-5.01.3 An official score report evidencing passing scores on the state-required assessments for the licensure content area in which the applicant seeks to teach;

4-5.01.4 An offer of employment in a position as a teacher of record at an educational entity teaching a minimum of three (3) hours per day in the appropriate licensure area(s);

4-5.01.5 Documentation of the completion of the following professional development through the ArkansasIDEAS Portal:

4-5.01.5.1 Two (2) hours of parental involvement;

4-5.01.5.2 Two (2) hours of child maltreatment training;

4-5.01.5.3 Two (2) hours of teen suicide awareness and prevention; and

4-5.01.5.4 Dyslexia awareness;

4-5.01.6 Documentation of the successful completion of professional educator ethics training that meets the guidelines established by the Professional Licensure Standards Board.

4-5.01.6.1 The Department may deny a provisional license to an applicant who has been determined to have an ethics violation under the Department's Rules Governing the Code of Ethics for Arkansas Educators.

4-5.01.7 Before a candidate may enter a public school classroom, evidence that the applicant successfully completed the background checks required under the Department's Rules Governing Background Checks.

4-5.01.8 An applicant enrolled in a master's degree in teaching program (MAT, M.Ed., or MTLL) in Special Education shall document successful completion of the following before a Provisional License may be issued:

4-5.01.8.1 SPED 101 Academy;

4-5.01.8.2 Three (3) credit hours in special education; and

4-5.01.8.3 The appropriate content area assessments for special education.

4-5.02 A Provisional License under this Section 4-5.0 is issued to a participant in one (1) licensure content area based upon the areas and levels of teaching assignment approved by the State Board, except as follows:

4-5.02.1 A Middle Childhood (4-8) participant must license in two (2) or more of the four (4) middle childhood licensure content areas of math, science, social studies, and language arts, and may have one (1) or more endorsements.

4-5.02.1.1 During the term of the Provisional License, an applicant who has completed one (1) of the two (2) required content assessments may teach in the content area for which the Provisional License is issued. However, the applicant must successfully complete the second content assessment before the Provisional License may be converted to a Standard License;

4-5.02.2 A Secondary (7-12) participant must successfully complete one (1) secondary licensure content area and may have one (1) endorsement; and

4-5.02.3 A participant must have a teaching assignment in each licensure content area of the Provisional License;

4-5.03 The Department may extend the Provisional License for one (1) additional year for extenuating circumstances, as approved by the State Board, but in no event shall a Provisional License be issued for more than three (3) years.

4-5.04 The Provisional License may be converted to a Standard License upon completion of the remaining requirements for a Standard License.

4-5.04.1 An applicant who has completed the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence (ABCTE) program shall provide a recommendation for a Standard License from the applicant's superintendent.

4-6.0 APPLICATION FOR A PROVISIONAL LICENSE -PROFESSIONAL PROVISIONAL TEACHING LICENSE (PPTL) PATHWAY APPLICANTS

4-6.01 The Department shall issue a Provisional License for three (3) years to an applicant who is seeking licensure through the Professional Provisional Teaching License pathway upon submission of the following:

4-6.01.1 A completed application form for the Provisional License;

4-6.01.2 Official transcript(s) documenting an awarded four-year college bachelor's degree or higher from an institution of higher education that is regionally or nationally accredited by an accrediting organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

4-6.01.2.1 For out-of-country candidates, an official college transcript evaluation from a private credential evaluation agency recognized by the Department;

4-6.01.3 An official score report evidencing passing scores on the state-required assessments for the licensure content area in which the applicant seeks to teach;

4-6.01.4 Evidence that the applicant has successfully completed background checks required under the Department's Rules Governing Background Checks;

4-6.01.5 Documentation of the completion of the following professional development through the ArkansasIDEAS Portal:

4-6.01.5.1 Two (2) hours of parental involvement;

4-6.01.5.2 Two (2) hours of child maltreatment training;

4-6.01.5.3 Two (2) hours of teen suicide awareness and prevention; and

4-6.01.5.4 Dyslexia awareness;

4-6.01.6 Verification of a minimum of three (3) years of working experience in the licensure content area of the class to be taught;

4-6.01.7 Verification of an offer of employment to teach classes in an Arkansas educational entity in any first-time license content area for a standard license, as identified on Appendix A, except for Special Education, Elementary Education (K-6), and Guidance and Counseling;

4-6.01.8 One (1) letter of justification from the applicant expressing the relevance of the applicant's credentials to teach the subject in question; and

4-6.01.9 Two (2) professional letters of recommendation submitted by references to the Department.

4-6.02 The Provisional License will be issued for each licensure content area the applicant is assigned to teach, as verified by the applicant's superintendent.

4-6.03 The applicant shall complete twelve (12) hours each year of the Provisional License of training in pedagogy through ArkansasIDEAS as determined by the Department.

4-6.04.1 The hours of training in pedagogy are in addition to and not considered a part of the annual professional development requirement.

4-6.05 The Provisional License may be converted to a Standard License upon completion of the requirements for a Standard License and with a recommendation from the superintendent of the employing school district.

4-7.0 APPLICATION FOR A PROVISIONAL LICENSE - ARKANSAS PROFESSIONAL PATHWAY TO EDUCATOR LICENSURE (APPEL) APPLICANTS

4-7.01 The Department shall issue a Provisional License for up to three (3) years to an applicant who is seeking licensure through the Arkansas Professional Pathway to Educator Licensure (APPEL) program upon submission of the following:

4-7.01.1 A completed application form for the Provisional License, verified by the APPEL program;

4-7.01.2 Official transcript(s) documenting an awarded four-year college bachelor's degree or higher from an institution of higher education that is regionally or nationally accredited by an accrediting organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

4-7.01.2.1 For out-of-country candidates, an official college transcript evaluation from a private credential evaluation agency recognized by the Department;

4-7.01.3 An official score report evidencing passing scores on the state-required assessments for the licensure content area in which the applicant seeks to teach;

4-7.01.4 Evidence that the applicant has successfully completed the required background checks under the Department's Rules Governing Background Checks;

4-7.01.5 Verification of an offer of employment to teach classes in an Arkansas educational entity in a licensure content area identified by the APPEL program; and

4-7.01.6 Documentation of the completion of the following professional development through the ArkansasIDEAS Portal:

4-7.01.6.1 Two (2) hours of parental involvement;

4-7.01.6.2 Two (2) hours of child maltreatment training;

4-7.01.6.3 Two (2) hours of teen suicide awareness and prevention; and

4-7.01.6.4 Dyslexia awareness.

4-7.02 An applicant enrolled in the APPEL program shall adhere to and abide by all the policies and procedures as outlined in the published APPEL Program Handbook for the year of admission.

4-7.03 The Department may rescind the Provisional License for the licensee's failure to abide by APPEL policies and procedures or for the failure to meet any of the requirements for the Provisional License.

4-7.04 The Department may refuse to admit for enrollment in the APPEL program a person who has been dismissed from an educator preparation program at an institution of higher education.

4-8.0 APPLICATION FOR A PROVISIONAL LICENSE - OUT-OF-COUNTRY APPLICANTS

4-8.01 The Department shall issue a two-year Provisional License to an applicant who holds an out-of-country license or its equivalent and who:

4-8.01.1 Submits a completed application for a Provisional License;

4-8.01.2 Is not a United States citizen and provides evidence satisfactory to the Department that the applicant meets the criteria of an exception under 8 U.S.C. § 1621 for the state to issue a professional license;

4-8.01.3 Submits documentation of the successful completion of a Department-approved assessment of English-language skills.

4-8.01.3.1 The Department may waive this requirement for an applicant whose out-of-country Standard License Equivalent is issued by a country whose official language and the language of instruction in higher education is English;

4-8.01.4 Submits an official college transcript evaluation from a private credential evaluation agency recognized by the Department;

4-8.01.5 Submits proof of employment with an Arkansas public school district, charter school, or other agency or organization in a position that requires an educator license;

4-8.01.6 Submits documentation that the applicant has successfully completed all background checks required by the Department's Rules Governing Background Checks;

4-8.01.7 Submits a copy of the out-of-country license(s) held by the applicant;

4-8.01.8 Submits certification from the country that issued the license that the license has been in good standing for the most recent three (3) years;

4-8.01.9 Submits documentation of the completion of the following professional development through the ArkansasIDEAS Portal:

4-8.01.9.1 Two (2) hours of parental involvement;

4-8.01.9.2 Two (2) hours of child maltreatment training;

4-8.01.9.3 Two (2) hours of teen suicide awareness and prevention; and

4-8.01.9.4 Dyslexia awareness.

4-8.02 The Department may rescind the Provisional License for the licensee's failure to meet any of the requirements for the Provisional License.

4-8.03 To convert the Provisional License to a Standard License the applicant shall submit to the Department:

4-8.03.1 An application for a Standard License, including the required nonrefundable application fee;

4-8.03.2 For applicants seeking licensure in Elementary Education (K-6), Middle Childhood Social Studies (4-8), or Secondary Social Studies (7-12), documentation of the successful completion of three college credit-hours in Arkansas History at an accredited college or university or a 45-hour professional development piece in Arkansas History through ArkansasIDEAS;

4-8.03.3 Submission of an official score report reflecting passing scores, as approved by the State Board, on the appropriate pedagogical and content-area assessments as mandated by the State Board; and

4-8.03.4 For applicants seeking licensure in Elementary Education (K-6) or Special Education (K-12), or grade levels within the range of Elementary Education (K-6) or Special Education (K-12), an official score report reflecting passing scores on the stand-alone reading assessment, as adopted by the State Board.

4-8.03.4.1 The Department may extend the Provisional License for an out-of-country applicant who has not completed the stand-alone reading assessment at the time of application for a Standard License.

4-8.04 Licensure content areas, levels, and endorsements listed on an out-of-country license may be recognized for reciprocity in accordance with the credential evaluation required in Section 4-8.01.4 of these Rules.

4-8.04.1 An applicant whose licensure content area, endorsement, or level is not recognized by Arkansas shall receive the licensure content area, endorsement, or level of licensure that most closely parallels their out- of-state licensure area, endorsement, or level.

4-8.04.2 The Department may license the applicant to teach his or her native language upon the applicant providing an official score report reflecting passing scores, as approved by the State Board, on the appropriate state-mandated content area exam and pedagogy exam.

4-8.05 The Department may recommend to the State Board that a person's Arkansas Standard License issued to an out-of-country applicant be revoked, suspended, or placed on probation if the out-of-country license is revoked, suspended, or placed on probation, as applicable, by the issuing country for any reason that a Standard License may be revoked, suspended, or placed on probation in Arkansas.

4-9.0 APPLICATION FOR ANCILLARY LICENSE

4-9.01 The Department shall issue an Ancillary License in a licensure area identified on Appendix A, excluding an administrator's endorsement, upon receipt of the following from an applicant, whether or not the applicant is licensed in another state:

4-9.01.1 A completed application for licensure, with payment of the nonrefundable application fee;

4-9.01.2 Documentation that the applicant has successfully completed all background checks required by the Department's Rules Governing Background Checks;

4-9.01.3 An official score report reflecting passing scores, as approved by the State Board, on the specialty area assessment for licensure area as mandated by the State Board; and

4-9.01.4 For a first-time license, documentation of the completion of the following professional development through the ArkansasIDEAS Portal:

4-9.01.4.1 Two (2) hours of parental involvement;

4-9.01.4.2 Two (2) hours of child maltreatment training;

4-9.01.4.3 Two (2) hours of teen suicide awareness and prevention; and

4-9.01.4.4 Dyslexia awareness.

4-9.01.5 An applicant for an ancillary license in Speech-Language Pathology shall also submit an official transcript documenting an awarded bachelor's and master's or higher degree, from an accredited college or university, in Speech Language Pathology, and either:

4.9.01.5.1 Successful completion of a graduate-level, accredited Speech-Language Pathology program, or a degree with equivalent competencies; or

4.9.01.5.2 Certification of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association; or

4-9.01.6 An applicant for an ancillary license in School Psychology shall also submit an official transcript documenting an awarded master's or higher degree, from an accredited college or university, in:

4-9.01.6.1 School Psychology, or

4-9.01.6.2 Psychology and documenting the applicant's successful completion of a graduate-level, accredited School Psychology program.

4-9.02 Other licensure areas for an Ancillary License shall require:

4-9.02.1 Either (a) a master's degree or higher in the licensure area or (b) a bachelor's degree or higher with post-baccalaureate course work or nationally recognized certification for the licensure area; and

4-9.02.2 Successful completion of the licensure content area assessment, if one is approved by the State Board for the licensure content area.

4-9.03 A licensure content area, endorsement, or level of licensure shall not be added to an existing Ancillary License, and the applicant must first obtain a Standard License, except upon meeting the requirements for the following endorsements:

4-9.03.1 Curriculum/Program Administrator for Special Education endorsement to an Ancillary License in Speech-Language Pathology or School Psychology;

4-9.03.2 Dyslexia endorsement;

4-9.03.3 English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) endorsement; or

4-9.03.4 Another licensure area adopted by the State Board as an endorsement to an Ancillary License.

4-10.0 ADDING ENDORSEMENTS, AREAS, AND LEVELS OF LICENSURE

General Provisions

4-10.01 Endorsements may be added to a license through a program of study or by testing out, as provided in these rules. Endorsements that are not available by testing out are known as exception area endorsements. A list of Department approved endorsements is published on the Department's website.

4-10.02 The Department shall add an endorsement, licensure content area, or level of license to a Standard License upon receipt of the following from an applicant:

4-10.02.1 A completed application for addition of area or level;

4-10.02.2 An official score report reflecting passing scores, as approved by the State Board, on the appropriate licensure content area assessment and other applicable assessments mandated by the State Board; and

4-10.02.3 If an endorsement requires a program of study, (see Appendix A) an official transcript documenting successful completion of a program of study at an accredited approved educator preparation program, to include an internship if applicable in the licensure content area to be taught.

4-10.02.3.1 The successful completion of a program of study shall be recognized for licensure only if the institution's Licensure Officer signs and verifies the application for licensure;

4-10.02.4 For applicants seeking an endorsement for Elementary Education (K-6), Middle Childhood Social Studies (4-8), or Secondary Social Studies (7-12), documentation of the successful completion of three (3) college credit-hours in Arkansas History at an accredited college or university or a 45-hour professional development piece in Arkansas History through ArkansasIDEAS; and

4-10.02.5 For applicants seeking an endorsement for Elementary Education (K-6) or Special Education (K-12), or grade levels within the range of Elementary Education (K-6) or Special Education (K-12), an official score report reflecting passing scores on the standalone reading assessment, as adopted by the State Board.

4-10.03 To add a licensure level by testing out, the level to be added must be no more than one level above or one level below that of the first-time license, unless the applicant has completed three (3) years of teaching at the licensure level sought to be added.

4-10.03.1 Available licensure levels and areas that may be added to a license are provided on Appendix A.

4-10.04 An educator may not use an endorsement as a platform for testing out of other areas and levels of licensure.

4-10.05 An individual holding a Standard License first issued with a guidance and school counseling licensure area may add Building-Level Administrator by meeting the requirements of Section 6-1.0 of these rules.

4-10.06 To add a K-6 or 7-12 Special Education Resource endorsement by program of study, an applicant shall:

4-10.06.1 Hold a standard K-6 or 4-8 license, or a standard 7-12 license in a content area of English Language Arts, Mathematics, or Science;

4-10.06.2 Document successful completion of twelve (12) hours of an approved program of study in special education, to include:

4-10.06.2.1 SPED 101 Academy;

4-10.06.2.2 An additional nine (9) credit hours in special education except that three (3) college credit hours of a special education survey course successfully completed by the applicant in a previous program of study may count as three (3) of the nine (9) credit hours; and

4-10.06.3 Document successful completion of the special education content area assessments approved by the State Board.

4-10.06.4 The training or coursework, or in combination, under 4-10.06.2 shall include at a minimum multi-sensory reading instruction and classroom management for special education.

4-10.06.5 The successful completion of a program of study shall be recognized for licensure only if the institution's Licensure Officer signs and verifies the application for licensure.

Addition of Areas and Endorsements to an Arkansas Standard License by Reciprocity

4-10.07 The following applies to an applicant for an endorsement area who holds an Arkansas Standard License:

4-10.07.1 An applicant who completes coursework and testing out-of-state for the purpose of adding a licensure area to the Arkansas Standard License by reciprocity shall first have the areas added to the applicant's out-of-state license and then may apply for reciprocity to add the areas to the Arkansas license; and

4-10.07.2 An endorsement area that is identified by these rules as an exception area endorsement will not be added by testing out through reciprocity, unless the applicant provides documentation that the applicant has been employed in the area sought to be added for at least three (3) years.

4-10.07.3 On and after September 1, 2020, for applicants holding an Arkansas license who apply for an administrator endorsement by reciprocity, the program of study must meet substantially the same requirements as set forth in Section 3-4.02 of these rules.

4-10.07.3.1 The Department may seek a review of the program of study by the Professional Licensure Standards Board to determine the qualification under 4-10.7.3.

4-11.0 APPLICATION FOR AN EDUCATOR CAREER CONTINUUM DESIGNATION ON A STANDARD LICENSE

Application for Career Professional Educator License:

4-11.01 Effective on January 1, 2019, an applicant holding an Arkansas Early Career Professional Educator license in good standing may apply for the designation of Career Professional Educator by completing the appropriate online application, including the non-refundable application fee (unless simultaneously applying to convert a provisional license to a standard license or for renewal of a standard license), and providing the following with the online application:

4-11.01.1 Documentation of three (3) years of licensed teaching experience, which may include teaching with a provisional license; and

4-11.01.2 Verification from the applicant's last employer that the applicant has performed at the level of an Effective Teacher as evidenced by the applicant's most recent summative evaluation completed before applying for the license.

Application for Lead Professional Educator License - In-State or By Reciprocity:

4-11.02 Effective on January 1, 2019, an applicant may add the designation of Lead Professional Educator to an Arkansas standard license in good standing by completing the appropriate online application, including the non-refundable application fee (unless simultaneously applying for renewal of a standard license), and providing the following with the online application:

4-11.02.1 Documentation of three (3) years of licensed teaching experience; and

4-11.02.2 Verification from the applicant's last employer that the applicant has performed at the level of an Effective Teacher as evidenced by the applicant's most recent summative evaluation completed before applying for the license; and

4-11.02.3 Documentation of one of the following:

4-11.02.3.1 Official score report demonstrating passing score, as set by the State Board, on a performance assessment approved by the State Board for the Lead Professional Educator License; or

4-11.02.3.2 Successful completion of an ADE-recognized external micro-credential or stacked micro-credentials aligned with standards adopted by the State Board for the Lead Professional Educator License; or

4-11.02.3.3 Graduation from an ADE-recognized or approved teacher-leader academy, teacher-leader institute, or teacher-leader higher education program of study that:

4-11.02.3.3.1 Aligns with standards adopted by the State Board for the Lead Professional Educator License; and

4-11.02.3.3.2 Requires demonstration of the competency through performance.

Application for Master Professional Educator License - In-State or By Reciprocity:

4-11.03 Effective on January 1, 2019, an applicant may add the designation of Master Professional Educator to an Arkansas standard license in good standing by completing the appropriate online application, including the non-refundable application fee (unless simultaneously applying for renewal of the license), and providing the following with the online application:

4-11.03.1 Documentation of three (3) years of licensed teaching experience; and

4-11.03.2 Verification from the applicant's last employer that the applicant has performed at the level of an Effective Teacher as evidenced by the applicant's most recent summative evaluation completed before applying for the license; and

4-11.03.3 Documentation of one of the following:

4-11.03.3.1 Receipt of one of the following awards:

4-11.03.3.1.1 Arkansas Teacher of the Year;

4-11.03.3.1.2 National Teacher of the Year;

4-11.03.3.1.3 National Teacher of the Year Finalist;

4-11.03.3.1.4 Milken Educator Award; or

4-11.03.3.1.5 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching; or

4-11.02.3.2 Board certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards that is a current certification at the time of application; or

4-11.02.3.3 Successful completion of:

4-11.02.3.3.1 A master's degree or doctoral degree in the teacher's content area; and

4-11.02.3.3.2 An ADE-recognized external micro-credential or stacked micro-credentials aligned with standards adopted by the State Board for the Master Professional Educator License.

CHAPTER 5 :

LICENSE EFFECTIVE DATES, RENEWAL, REINSTATEMENT, AND CONVERSION

5-1.0 LICENSE EFFECTIVE DATES

5-1.01 A Standard License, Ancillary License, or Technical Permit is a renewable license, valid for a period of five (5) years.

5-1.02 A first-time license is effective from the first date issued through December 31 of the fourth full calendar year following the year of the issue date.

5-1.02.1 The first year of a first-time license issued after January 1 of the calendar year shall expire on December 31 even if the first year is not a full calendar year.

5-1.03 The addition of an endorsement, including an Administrator's License, licensure content area, or level of licensure to a license shall reflect the actual date of the addition and the same expiration date as the licensee's Standard License.

5-1.04 The renewal of a license, including all endorsements, licensure content areas, and levels of licensure for the license, is effective from January 1 of the year following the expiration date of the old license, or if the old license was expired for more than one (1) year, January 1 of the year renewed, and expires on December 31 of the fifth year from the year of renewal.

5-1.05 A Provisional License term is based on a school year, and is effective on the date of issuance stated on the license and expires on the last day of the Provisional License period.

5-2.0 LICENSE RENEWAL

5-2.01 Applications for license renewal may be submitted to the Department no earlier than January 1 of the year of expiration of the license.

5-2.02 An applicant for renewal of a license shall submit the following to the Department:

5-2.02.1 A completed online application for renewal with payment of the non-refundable application fee;

5-2.02.2 Documentation that the applicant has successfully completed all background checks required by the Department's Rules Governing Background Checks within the twelve-month period before the date of the application for renewal;

5-2.02.3 Documentation of the completion of professional development requirements, including years during which the applicant was not employed in an educational entity, as follows:

5-2.02.3.1 For an applicant holding a current license or a license expired for less than one (1) year:

5-2.02.3.1.1 For each school year during the five (5) years of the expiring license that the applicant was employed, documentation from each employing educational entity that the applicant completed thirty-six (36) hours of professional development approved by the Department under its Rules Governing Professional Development; and

5-2.02.3.1.2 For each school year during the five (5) years of the expiring license that the applicant was not employed by an educational entity, documentation that the applicant completed thirty-six (36) hours of professional development approved by the Department under its Rules Governing Professional Development.

5-2.02.3.3 For an applicant holding a license expired for more than one (1) year - documentation of the lesser of thirty-six (36) hours of professional development or the number of hours of professional development deficient for the five-year renewal period immediately preceding the date of application.

5-2.02.3.4 The Department may issue a one-year non-renewable Provisional License to any applicant who has not completed all professional development requirements for renewal.

5-2.03 For the renewal of a license that expires in 2021 and thereafter, an applicant shall also provide the following documentation for the first applicable license renewal only:

5-2.03.1 An applicant renewing a license for Elementary Education (K-6) or Special Education (K-12), or grade levels within the range of Elementary Education (K-6) or Special Education (K-12), shall provide the documentation required by the Department of the applicant's proficiency in the scientific instruction of reading, if the applicant has not previously completed the stand-alone reading assessment for licensure.

5-2.03.2 An applicant holding a license other than in Elementary Education (K-6) or Special Education (K-12) shall provide the documentation required by the Department of the applicant's awareness of best practices in the scientific instruction of reading, if the applicant has not previously demonstrated for licensure awareness of best practices in the scientific instruction of reading.

5-2.03.3 The Department may issue a Provisional License to a licensee who has not completed the required professional development for the scientific instruction of reading.

Source: Ark. Code Ann. § 6-17-429 (Act 1063)

5-2.04 An applicant holding an Arkansas teaching license that is expired for more than one (1) year and who obtained the license before state-mandated licensure assessments were required by law and by rule for licensure, and who has less than three (3) years of teaching experience may renew that teaching license by:

5-2.04.1 Passing the content-area assessment for the requested license; and

5-2.04.2 Completing the remaining requirements of this section 5-2.0 for renewal.

5-2.05 On and after January 1, 2019, every standard Arkansas educator's license will be renewed with an Educator Career Continuum designation for which the applicant qualifies under Section 4-11.

5-2.05.1 A standard Arkansas educator's license issued before January 1, 2019, will be renewed with a Career Professional Educator designation unless the applicant qualifies for the Lead Professional Educator or Master Professional Educator designation.

5-2.05.2 Only one (1) fee for the renewal of the license is required if an application is simultaneously submitted for an Educator Career Continuum designation.

5-3.0 REINSTATEMENT OF A SUSPENDED LICENSE

5-3.01 A licensee whose license is suspended shall apply for reinstatement of the license by providing the following:

5-3.01.1 Approval from the Professional Licensure Standards Board of the reinstatement from suspension based on its determination that the applicant has completed all conditions of the suspension and has paid the assessed fine.

5-3.01.2 For reinstatement from suspension requested before the year of renewal for the license, the applicant shall submit an application for reinstatement.

5-4.0 CONVERSION OF INITIAL OR PROVISIONAL LICENSES ISSUED UNDER OLD RULES

5-4.01 A licensee holding a current or expired "Initial Teaching License" issued by the State Board pursuant to the Department's Rules Governing Initial, Standard/Advanced Level and Provisional Teacher Licensure (eff. July 2010 or July 2007) may renew the license as a Standard License pursuant to these rules.

5-4.02 A licensee holding a current or expired "Initial Administrator License" issued by the State Board pursuant to the Department's Rules Governing Initial and Standard / Advanced Level Administrator and Administrator - Arkansas Correctional School Licensure (eff. August 2003 or November 2010) may renew the license as a standard Administrator License under the applicable provisions of Chapter 6 of these rules.

5-5.0 MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

5-5.01 A Standard or Ancillary License may reflect the highest earned degree awarded to the licensee in:

5-5.01.1 Education, if the degree was awarded by an accredited teacher education program;

5-5.01.2 Educational Leadership, if the degree was awarded by an accredited college or university;

5-5.01.3 Speech-Language Pathology, if the degree was awarded by an accredited speech-language pathology program;

5-5.01.4 School Psychology, Psychology, or Counseling, if the degree was awarded by an accredited school psychology program; or

5-5.01.5 A licensure content area, if the degree was awarded by an accredited college or university.

5-5.02 When a licensure content area assessment is not available for a specific licensure area, the Department may use a current Principles of Learning and Teaching exam or the Department may request that the State Board approve an alternative method of demonstrating subject matter content competency.

Source: Act 294 of 2017

5-5.03 An applicant who is not a U.S. citizen shall provide evidence satisfactory to the Department that the applicant meets the criteria of an exception under 8 U.S.C. § 1621 for the state to issue a professional license.

5-5.04 The Department may issue a duplicate of a current license upon application of a current license holder, with payment of the non-refundable application fee.

5-5.05 All information and documentation submitted for an Arkansas teaching license must be accurate, authentic, and unaltered. Any license issued as a result of a violation of this Section 5-5.05 will be null and void.

5-5.06 The Department, as authorized by the State Board, reserves the right to amend or rescind any license that has been issued in error.

5-5.07 If an applicant for first-time licensure or administrator licensure or for the addition of a licensure content area, endorsement, or level of licensure, was enrolled in a program of study prior to July 1, 2015, and meets all other requirements for licensure, the Office of Educator Licensure may reference and utilize the licensure content areas, endorsements, or levels of licensure that were recognized by the State Board immediately prior to the effective date of these Rules.

5-5.08 The Department shall not remove a licensure content area or level of licensure once a license is issued, unless issued in error.

5-5.09 Any license issued by the Department is subject to disciplinary action as provided by law, up to and including revocation by the State Board.

5-5.09.1 The Department may deny a license to an applicant who has been determined to have an ethics violation under the Department's Rules Governing the Code of Ethics for Arkansas Educators that is at a level equivalent to:

5-5.09.1.1 Suspension, for the period of the sanction, or

5-5.09.1.2 Revocation.

CHAPTER 6 :

ADMINISTRATOR ENDORSEMENT REQUIREMENTS

6-1.0 Building-Level Administrator Endorsement

6-1.01 The Department shall issue a Building-Level Administrator endorsement to a Standard License, and as specifically limited in these rules to an Ancillary License or Career-Technical Permit, as provided in these rules upon receipt of the following:

6-1.01.1 A completed application for licensure, with payment of the nonrefundable application fee;

6-1.01.2 An official transcript documenting an awarded master's or higher degree from an accredited college or university in:

6-1.01.2.1 Educational Leadership; or

6-1.01.2.2 In education or a licensure content area with the addition of a Department-approved program of study that includes coursework in Educational Leadership and an internship, with experiences at both the K-6 and 7-12 grade levels.

6-1.01.2.3 If an applicant is seeking to add a licensure level to an older Building-Level Administrator license that is for less than all levels K-12, the applicant must complete a current internship for the missing licensure levels.

6-1.01.2.4 An awarded degree or an approved program of study from an institution inside of Arkansas shall be recognized for licensure only if the institution's Licensure Officer and Education Leadership Chair sign and verify the application for licensure.

6-1.01.2.4 An applicant who has never received an administrator license and whose program of study in Educational Leadership was completed more than ten (10) years before the date of application shall be required to meet all current licensure requirements as determined by either the Department or an accredited educational leadership program;

6-1.01.3 An official score report reflecting passing scores, as approved by the State Board, on the appropriate administrative licensure assessment as mandated by the State Board, at the time of application;

6-1.01.4 Documentation of at least three (3) years of P-12 experience as an educator who holds a valid Standard License (not including an Ancillary License).

6-1.01.4.1 One (1) year of experience is defined as a minimum of one hundred sixty (160) days of full-time work in a single school year, either:

6-1.01.4.1.1 With a minimum of fifty percent (50%) of each day directly engaged in instruction with students in a classroom setting; or

6-1.01.4.1.2 As a guidance and school counselor or a library media specialist.

6-1.01.4.2 Up to two (2) years of the experience requirement may be satisfied by equivalent working experience, including without limitation employment with an education service cooperative or the Department.

6-1.01.4.3 Teaching experience in a career and technical education area as recognized by the State Board may satisfy this requirement only if the educator has obtained a bachelor's degree or higher in:

6-1.01.4.3.1 The career and technical education area taught by the educator; or

6-1.01.4.3.2 Another licensure content area that is related to the career and technical education area taught by the educator; and

6-1.01.5 Verification from the applicant's superintendent that the applicant is performing at the level of an Effective Teacher, or an equivalent measure if the applicant is not employed by an Arkansas public school.

6-2.0 Curriculum/Program Administrator Endorsement

6-2.01 The Department shall issue Curriculum/Program Administrator endorsement to the licenses specified below upon receipt of the following from the applicant:

6-2.01.1 A completed application for licensure, with payment of the nonrefundable application fee;

6-2.01.2 An official transcript documenting an awarded master's or higher degree from an accredited college or university in:

6-2.01.2.1 Educational Leadership;

6-2.01.2.2 Education; or

6-2.01.2.3 A licensure content area with the addition of a Department-approved program of study that includes coursework in Educational Leadership and an internship, with experiences at both the K-6 and 7-12 grade levels; or

6-2.01.2.4 A Career and Technical Education area recognized by the Arkansas Department of Career Education with the addition of a Department-approved program of study that includes coursework in Educational Leadership and an internship, with experiences at both the K-6 and 7-12 grade levels.

6-2.01.2.5 If an applicant is seeking to add a licensure level to an older Building-Level Administrator license that is for less than all levels K-12, the applicant must complete a current internship for the missing licensure levels.

6-2.01.2.6 An awarded degree or an approved program of study from an Arkansas institution shall be recognized for licensure only if the institution's Licensure Officer and Education Leadership Chair sign and verify the application for licensure.

6-2.01.2.6.1 For applicants who entered a program of study for an administrator's license on and after the Fall of 2020, the program of study must meet the requirements of Section 3-4.02 of these rules;

6-2.01.2.6.2 An applicant who has never received an administrator license and whose program of study for curriculum/program administrator licensure was completed more than ten (10) years before the date of application shall be required to meet all current licensure requirements as determined by either the Department or an accredited educational leadership program;

6-2.01.3 An official score report reflecting passing scores, as approved by the State Board, on the appropriate administrative licensure assessment as mandated by the State Board, at the time of application;

6-2.01.4 Documentation of at least three (3) years of licensed experience under the terms of an approved teacher employment contract in the relevant licensure area as follows:

6-2.01.4.1 Special Education - Classroom teaching experience in special education, or experience in speech language pathology or school psychology, while employed by a public or private school under the terms of an approved teacher employment contract and not under a purchase-service contract;

6-2.01.4.2 Gifted and Talented Education - Classroom teaching experience in the area of gifted and talented education;

6-2.01.4.3 Career and Technical Education - Classroom teaching experience in one (1) or more career and technical education areas as recognized by the State Board, if the educator has obtained a bachelor's degree or higher in:

6-2.01.4.3.1 The career and technical education area taught by the educator; or

6-2.01.4.3.2 Another licensure content area that is related to the career and technical education area taught by the educator, as determined by the Department;

6-2.01.4.4 Content Area Specialist - Classroom teaching experience in a licensure content area;

6-2.01.4.5 Curriculum Specialist - Experience as a school counselor, library media specialist, or classroom teacher in any licensure content area or level of licensure; or

6-2.01.4.6 Adult Education - Classroom teaching experience in the area of adult education.

6-2.01.4.7 Up to two (2) years of the experience requirement maybe satisfied by equivalent working experience, including without limitation employment with an education service cooperative or the Department.

6-3.0 District-Level Administrator Endorsement

6-3.01 The Department shall issue a District-Level Administrator endorsement to a Standard License upon receipt of the following from an applicant holding a Building-Level or Curriculum/Program Administrator License:

6-3.01.1 A completed application for licensure, with payment of the nonrefundable application fee;

6-3.01.2 An official transcript documenting an awarded master's or higher degree from an accredited college or university in education, educational leadership, or a licensure content area;

6-3.01.2.1 An awarded degree or an approved program of study from an Arkansas institution shall be recognized for licensure only if the institution's Licensure Officer and Education Leadership Chair sign and verify the application for licensure;

6-3.01.3 An official transcript documenting successful completion of a Department-approved, graduate-level program of study, above and beyond a master's degree, reflective of the standards for district-level administrator licensure, to include an internship.

6-3.01.3.1 For applicants who entered a program of study for an administrator's license on and after the Fall of 2020, the program of study must meet the requirements of Section 3-4.02 of these rules;

6-3.01.3.2 An applicant who has never received a district-level administrator license and whose program of study for district-level administrator licensure was completed more than ten (10) years before the date of application shall be required to meet all current licensure requirements as determined by either the Department or an accredited educational leadership program;

6-3.01.4 An official score report reflecting passing scores, as approved by the State Board, on the appropriate administrative licensure assessment as mandated by the State Board, at the time of application; and

6-3.01.5 Documentation of at least one (1) year of experience under the terms of an approved administrator employment contract as a building-level or curriculum/program administrator.

6-3.01.6 This one-year experience requirement may be satisfied by experience with an education service cooperative or the Department, if the Department determines that the experience is substantially equivalent to building-level administration experience.

CHAPTER 7 :

LICENSURE EXCEPTIONS

7-1.0 LICENSURE EXCEPTIONS GENERALLY

7-1.01 Except as specifically allowed by law or regulation, no person shall be employed by a public school in an out-of-area position for more than thirty (30) instructional days unless the person meets one of the licensure exceptions of this Chapter 7.

7-1.02 The available licensure exceptions are:

Emergency Teaching Permit

Effective Teacher Licensure Exception

Additional Licensure Plan (ALP)

Administrator Licensure Completion Plan (ALCP)

Long-term Substitute Teacher

Waivers from Licensure Rules or Laws

7-1.03 Notwithstanding the other provisions of this Chapter 7, if the State Board or the Commissioner of Education orders the suspension or removal of a superintendent or school board under authority granted under Title 6 of the Arkansas Code, the State Board or Commissioner may appoint, subject to state law, one (1) or more individuals in out-of-area positions as district-level administrators for that public school district.

7-2.0 EMERGENCY TEACHING PERMIT

7-2.01 An emergency teaching permit authorizes the permit holder to be hired to fill a vacant teaching position without a license.

7-2.02 Upon submission by an educational entity of the application required by the Department, the Department may issue an Emergency Teaching Permit to a non-licensed person hired to fill a teaching vacancy under the following conditions:

7-2.02.1 An emergency teaching permit will expire upon the earlier of:

7-2.02.1.1 The date the permit holder leaves the employ of the educational entity that requested the permit; or

7-2.02.1.2 At the end of the school year for which the emergency teaching permit was issued, but may be extended for one (1) additional school year upon the Department's approval of the school district's application for the extension.

7-2.02.2 A person hired under an emergency teaching permit must have a bachelor's degree, and if teaching a core academic subject area, must meet the conditions for teaching under the Rules Governing Arkansas Qualified Teacher Requirements.

7-2.02.3 Before the permit holder begins employment, he or she shall successfully complete the state and federal criminal records checks and the Child Maltreatment Central Registry check in accordance with the Department of Education Rules Governing Background Checks.

7-2.02.4 The educational entity shall report the Emergency Teaching Permit as a licensure exception in the Department's data reporting system.

7-3.0 EFFECTIVE TEACHER LICENSURE EXCEPTION

7-3.01 An educational entity may allow a teacher who meets the definition of an Effective Teacher to teach a content area related to the teacher's current licensure area but for which the teacher is not currently licensed, under the following conditions:

7-3.01.1 The grade level being taught shall not be more than one (1) grade level above or one (1) grade level below the grade level that the teacher is currently teaching in as an Effective Teacher. For example: A teacher licensed for 4-8 teaching eighth-grade English Language Arts could teach a ninth-grade English Language Arts class; a teacher licensed for 7-12 teaching seventh-grade Math could teach a sixth-grade Math class.

7-3.01.2 The Effective Teacher Licensure Exception shall not be used for teaching special education.

7-3.01.3 The educational entity has determined that the teacher meets the definition of Effective Teacher;

7-3.01.4 The teacher continues to meet the definition of Effective Teacher for each school year the teacher teaches in an out-of-area assignment and for each content area taught, as reported by the educational entity to the Department; and

7-3.01.5 The licensure exception is valid until the educational entity determines that the teacher no longer meets the definition of Effective Teacher.

7-3.01.6 The educational entity is not required to obtain Department approval for this licensure exception but shall:

7-3.01.6.1 Report the Effective Teacher Licensure Exception in the Department's data reporting system; and

7-3.01.6.2 Maintain its records, under the educational entity's records retention policy, on the determination for meeting the requirements of this section 7-3.0, which shall be subject to Department monitoring.

7-4.0 ADDITIONAL LICENSURE PLAN (ALP)

7-4.01 The Department shall issue an ALP to an individual holding a Standard License and employed in an out-of-area position, upon the submission of a completed application for an ALP, Plan of Study, and Justification required by the Department.

7-4.01.1 An educator who holds a Provisional License is not eligible to be placed on an ALP, unless the Provisional License is issued by the Department under Section 4-3.0 for reciprocity.

7-4.02 An ALP is valid for a maximum of six (6) consecutive semesters and is not renewable.

7-4.02.1 An ALP requiring a Department-approved program of study shall remain valid only so long as the applicant successfully completes:

7-4.02.1.1 A minimum of three (3) hours of program-of-study coursework in the first year of the ALP; and

7-4.02.1.2 A minimum of six (6) hours of Department-approved program-of-study coursework in both the second and third years.

7-4.03 An ALP for testing out of a content area shall be completed as follows:

7-4.03.1 In the first year of the ALP, the teacher must attempt the content area assessment mandated by the State Board.

7-4.03.2 If the applicant does not successfully complete the attempted content area assessment within the first year, the educational entity may request an additional four (4) consecutive semesters.

7-4.03.2.1 Until the applicant successfully completes the content area assessment, the applicant shall complete a minimum of six (6) hours of Department-approved program-of-study coursework for each two-semester period remaining in the ALP.

7-4.03.2.2 By the end of the third year of the ALP, the educator must successfully complete the content area assessment.

7-4.04 An ALP that requires a program of study shall be completed within six (6) consecutive semesters.

7-4.05 If the person does not make the progress required under 7-4.02.1 complete the ALP within six (6) consecutive semesters, he or she is not eligible for another ALP in the same licensure content area.

7-4.06 If the person in the position for which the ALP was approved leaves the school district:

7-4.06.1 The ALP may transfer with the person as long as the person has complied with the terms of the ALP under these rules; and

7-4.06.2 The school district may request an ALP for another person to fill the position.

7-4.07 The Department may extend the ALP for up to two (2) additional consecutive semesters for extenuating circumstances, as approved by the State Board.

7-4.08 Except as provided below, a person holding a Provisional License shall not be granted an ALP.

7-4.08.1 An individual holding a Provisional License issued by reciprocity is eligible for an ALP subject to the remaining requirements for the ALP.

7-5.0 ADMINISTRATOR LICENSURE COMPLETION PLAN (ALCP)

7-5.01 The Department shall issue an Administrator Licensure Completion Plan (ALCP) to an individual employed in an out-of-area administrator position who:

7-5.01.1 Submits a completed application for an ALCP, Plan of Study, and Justification required by the Department, verified by the Educational Leadership Chair of the accredited college or university where the degree or program of study is offered;

7-5.01.2 Submits proof of employment with an Arkansas educational entity in a position that requires an Administrator License.

7-5.01.2.1 Employment must be verified by an authorized representative of the educational entity; and

7-5.01.3 Meets all of the requirements of these Rules for a Building-Level Administrator License, a Curriculum/Program Administrator License, or a District-Level Administrator License, except for:

7-5.01.3.1 Successful completion of an awarded master's or higher degree as required for the appropriate administrator's license under rules;

7-5.01.3.2 Successful completion of a graduate-level program of study as required for the appropriate administrator's license under these rules; or

7-5.01.3.3 Submission of an official score report reflecting passing scores on the appropriate administrator's license assessment under these rules.

7-5.02 An ALCP is valid for a maximum of six (6) consecutive semesters, is not renewable, and shall remain valid so long as the applicant:

7-5.02.1 Remains employed with an Arkansas educational entity, in a position that requires an Administrator License;

7-5.02.2 Holds the degree required for the appropriate administrator license, or remains enrolled and actively participates in the appropriate degree program; and

7-5.02.3 Has completed or remains enrolled and actively participates in the appropriate program of study required for the appropriate administrator license.

7-5.02.4 Active participation in a degree program or program of study means continuous enrollment in the program during the term of the ALCP.

7-5.03 The Department may extend the ALCP for up to two (2) additional consecutive semesters for extenuating circumstances, as approved by the State Board.

7-5.04 An educator who holds a Provisional License issued by the Department under Section 4-3.0 for reciprocity is eligible for placement under an Administrator Licensure Completion Plan (ALCP).

7-6.0 SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS

7-6.01 A person employed as a temporary substitute for a licensed teacher in an educational entity shall:

7-6.01.1 Be a high school graduate; or

7-6.01.2 Hold a high school equivalency test certificate.

7-6.02 No class of students in any public school shall be under the instruction of a substitute teacher for more than thirty (30) consecutive instructional days in the same class during a school year unless the substitute teacher instructing the class has:

APPENDIX A: LEVELS AND AREAS OF LICENSURE

7-6.02.1 A bachelor's or higher degree awarded by an accredited college or university; or

7-6.02.2 A license issued by the State Board of Education.

7-6.03 An educational entity shall request a long-term substitute waiver for each semester, not to exceed two (2) consecutive semesters to employ a substitute teacher whenever a class of students will be receiving instructions from the substitute teacher for longer than thirty (30) consecutive instructional days unless the substitute is fully licensed in Arkansas for areas in which the substitute is employed.

7-6.04 The district superintendent or charter school director shall send written notice of the assignment of a substitute teacher to an out-of- area position to the parent or guardian of each student in the teacher's classroom no later than thirty (30) consecutive instructional days after the date of the assignment.

Source: Ark. Code Ann. § 6-17-309

7-7.0 WAIVERS FROM LICENSURE RULES OR LAWS

7-7.01 The following waivers from state law or rules governing licensure granted to an educational entity under the applicable statute shall be reported by an educational entity as a licensure exception in the Department's reporting system:

7-7.01.1 Waivers granted in the original or amended charter of a public charter school under the Arkansas Charter Schools Quality Act of 2013, Ark. Code Ann. § 6-23-101 et seq.;

7-7.01.2 Waivers granted to a School of Innovation under the District of Innovation Program, § 6-15-2801, et seq.; or

7-7.01.3 Waivers granted to a school district under Ark. Code Ann. § 6-15-103 (Act 1240 of 2015, as amended).

7-7.02 Persons employed in positions under one of these waivers shall meet the requirements under the ADE Rules Governing Arkansas Qualified Teacher Requirements if teaching in a core subject area.

		ENDORSEMENTS
		CHART 1: LEVELS AND AREAS FOR A STANDARD OR PROVISIONAL LICENSE	Available for First-Time License	Exception Areas: Available By Program of Study Only Testing Out)	Available By Testing Out (See Chart 2 For Eligibility)
ADULT EDUCATION (POST SECONDARY	X	X
AGRICULTURE (7-12)	X	X
ALTERNATIVE LEARNING (K-12)	X
ART (K-12)	X	X
BIOLOGY/LIFE SCIENCE (7-12)	X	X
BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY (4-12)	X	X
CHEMISTRY (7-12)	X	X
COACHING (7-12)	X
COMPUTER SCIENCE (4-12)	X	X
DANCE (K-12)	X	X
DRAMA (7-12)	X	X
DRAMA / SPEECH (K-12)	X	X
DYSLEXIA (K-12)	X
EARTH SCIENCE (7-12)	X
EARLY CHILDHOOD/SPECIAL EDUCATION INTEGRATED (B-K)	X	X
EDUCATIONAL EXAMINER (K-12)	X
ELEMENTARY (K-6)	X	X
ENGLISH FOR SPEAKERS OF OTHER LANGUAGES (ESOL) (K-12)	X
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS - MIDDLE LEVEL (4-8)	X	X
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS - SECONDARY (7-12)	X	X
FAMILY & CONSUMER SCIENCES (7-12)	X	X
FOREIGN LANGUAGES - (K-12)	X	X
FOREIGN LANGUAGES - AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE (K-12)	X	X
GIFTED & TALENTED (K-12)	X
GUIDANCE & SCHOOL COUNSELING (K-12)	X	X
INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY (7-12)	X	X
INSTRUCTIONAL FACILITATOR (K-12)	X
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC (K-12)	X	X
JOURNALISM (7-12)	X
LIBRARY MEDIA SPECIALIST (K-12)	X
MARKETING TECHNOLOGY (7-12)	X	X
MATHEMATICS - MIDDLE LEVEL (4-8)	X	X
MATHEMATICS - SECONDARY (7-12)	X	X
ONLINE TEACHING (K-12)	X
PE & HEALTH (K-12)	X	X
PHYSICAL SCIENCE* (7-12) * ONLY AVAILABLE FOR APPLICANT ADMITTED TO PHYSICAL SCIENCE EDUCATOR PREPARATION PROGRAM BEFORE FALL 2016	X	X
PHYSICS (7-12)	X	X
PHYSICS/MATHEMATICS (7-12)	X	X
READING SPECIALIST (K-12)	X
SCIENCE - MIDDLE LEVEL (4-8)	X	X
SOCIAL STUDIES - MIDDLE LEVEL (4-8)	X	X
SOCIAL STUDIES - SECONDARY (7-12)	X	X
SPECIAL EDUCATION (K-12)	X	X
SPECIAL EDUCATION - HEARING SPECIALIST (K-12)	X
SPECIAL EDUCATION - VISUAL SPECIALIST (K-12)	X
SPECIAL EDUCATION RESOURCE - ELEMENTARY (K-6)	X
SPECIAL EDUCATION RESOURCE - ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS (7-12)	X
SPECIAL EDUCATION RESOURCE - MATH (7-12)	X
SPECIAL EDUCATION RESOURCE - SCIENCE (7-12)	X
SPEECH (7-12)	X	X
VOCAL MUSIC (K-12)	X	X
GRADE 5-6 ENDORSEMENT (FOR 7-12 TEACHER LICENSED IN MATH, SCIENCE, LANG ARTS OR SOCIAL STUDIES)	X
AGE 3-4 ENDORSEMENT (FOR TEACHERS HOLDING AN ELEMENTARY K-6 LICENSE)	X
AGE 3-4 SPECIAL EDUCATION ENDORSEMENT (FOR TEACHERS HOLDING A SPECIAL EDUCATION LICENSE)	X
CONTENT SPECIALIST (MATH, SCIENCE, AND LITERACY FOR TEACHERS HOLDING A K-6 LICENSE)	X
EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP:
DISTRICT-LEVEL ADMINISTRATOR (P-12)	X
BUILDING-LEVEL ADMINISTRATOR (P-12)	X
CURRICULUM/PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR (P-12)	X
CURRICULUM/PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR - ADULT EDUCATION (P-12)	X
CURRICULUM/PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR - CAREER TECH ED (P-12)	X
CURRICULUM/PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR - CONTENT SPECIALIST (P-12)	X
CURRICULUM/PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR - GIFTED & TALENTED (P-12)	X
CURRICULUM/PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR - SPECIAL EDUCATION (P-12)	X

CHART 2: ENDORSEMENT BY TESTING
	AN ENDORSEMENT BY TESTING MAY BE ADDED AT THIS LEVEL* (FOR ANY CONTENT AREA): * See the exception in Section 4-10.03 of these rules
	AGE 3-4 SpEd	K-6	4-8	4-12	7-12	K-12
IF THE FIRST-TIME LICENSURE LEVEL (IN ANY CONTENT AREA)
B-K	X	X
P-4*	X	X	X
K-6	X	X	X
1-6	X	X	X
4-8	X	X	X	X	X
4-12	X	X	X	X	X
7-12	X	X	X	X
P-8	X	X	X	X	X
K-12	X	X	X	X
K-12 SPECIAL EDUCATION	X	X	X	X	X	X

"This is for older P-4 licenses. For those entering a P-4 program after Fall 2015, this license is no longer available.

CHART 3: EDUCATOR LICENSURE LEVELS AND AREAS FOR AN ANCILLARY LICENSE		ENDORSEMENTS
		Exception Areas: Available By Program of Study Only (Not By Testing Out)	Available By Testing Out (See Chart 2 For Eligibility)
LICENSURE CONTENT AREA (GRADE LEVELS):
SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY SPECIALIST (K-12)	X	X
SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY (K-12)	X	X
DYSLEXIA (K-12)	X	X
ENGLISH FOR SPEAKERS OF OTHER LANGUAGES (ESOL) (K-12)	X	X

CHART 4: CAREER-TECHNICAL PERMIT AREAS & LEVELS* *MUST MEET ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF CAREER EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
616	ADVANCED MANUFACTURING	7-12
571	ADVERTISING DESIGN	7-12
567	AUTOMOTIVE COLLISION REPAIR	7-12
568	AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE TECHNOLOGY	7-12
627	AVIATION FLIGHT TECHNOLOGY	7-12
569	AVIATION MECHANICS	7-12
624	BIO MEDICAL	7-12
624	BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE	9-12
648	CAREER COMPUTER SOFTWARE ENGINEER	7-12
628	CAREER-AEROSPACE ENGINEERING	11-12
645	CAREER-BIOMEDICAL INNOVATION	9-12
629	CAREER-BIOTECHNICAL ENGINEERING	11-12
630	CAREER-CIVIL ENGINEERING & ARCHITECTURE	11-12
631	CAREER-COMPUTER INTEGRATED MANUFACTURING	11-12
632	CAREER-DIGITAL ELECTRONICS	11-12
636	CAREER-ENERGY & THE ENVIRONMENT	7-8
633	CAREER-ENGINEERING DESIGN & DEVELOPMENT	12
637	CAREER-FLIGHT AND SPACE	7-8
638	CAREER-GREEN ARCHITECTURE	7-8
639	CAREER-MAGIC OF ELECTRONS	7-8
640	CAREER-MEDICAL DETECTIVES	7-8
644	CAREER-MEDICAL INTERVENTIONS	9-12
641	CAREER-SCIENCE OF TECHNOLOGY	7-8
600	CASHIER/CHECKER INSTRUCTION	7-12
610	CHILD CARE	7-12
602	COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY	7-12
618	COMMUNICATIONS	7-12
572	COMPUTER ENGINEERING	7-12
648	COMPUTER SCIENCE & SOFTWARE ENGINEERING	9-12
570	CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY	7-12
573	COSMETOLOGY	7-12
603	CRIMINAL JUSTICE	7-12
580	CULINARY ARTS AND CHEF PREPARATION	7-12
574	DIESEL MECHANICS	7-12
575	DRAFTING AND DESIGNING	7-12
576	DRY-CLEANING LAUNDRY	7-12
577	ELECTRONICS	7-12
599	EXPLORATORY TRADES AND INDUSTRY	7-12
579	EXPLORING INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION	7-12
598	FOOD PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT AND SERVICES	7-12
605	FORESTRY	7-12
635	FOUNDATIONAL CAREER DESIGN & MODELING	7-8
634	FOUNDATIONAL CAREER-AUTOMATION & ROBOTICS	7-8
646	FOUNDATIONAL: CAREER - PRINCIPLES OF ENGINEERING	10-11
647	FOUNDATIONAL: CAREER- INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING DESIGN	9-10
643	FOUNDATIONAL: CAREER-HUMAN BODY SYSTEM	9-12
642	FOUNDATIONAL: CAREER-PRINCIPLES OF BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE	9-12
581	FURNITURE/CABINET MAKING	7-12
607	GEO SPACIAL TECHNOLOGY	7-12
582	GRAPHIC COMMUNICATION	7-12
578	HEATING VENT A/C	7-12
604	HORTICULTURE	7-12
583	INDUSTRIAL CONTROL TECHNOLOGY	7-12
584	INDUSTRIAL COOPERATIVE TRAINING	7-12
585	INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE	7-12
586	INSTRUMENTATION	7-12
623	JAPANESE	7-12
612	JUNIOR ROTC	7-12
622	LATIN	7-12
615	LEGAL SERVICES	7-12
587	MACHINE TOOL TECHNOLOGY	7-12
588	MAJOR APPLIANCE REPAIR	7-12
619	MANDARIN CHINESE	7-12
626	MANDARIN CHINESE	P-8
608	MARINE MECHANICS	7-12
589	MEAT PROCESSING	7-12
611	MEDICAL PROFESSIONS	7-12
613	PERFORMING ARTS	5-12
617	PERFORMING ARTS	P-4
620	PETROLEUM PRODUCTION	7-12
590	PIANO TUNING	7-12
593	POWER EQUIPMENT TECH	7-12
614	POWER SPORTS	7-12
606	PRE-ENGINEERING	7-12
609	PULP AND PAPER SCIENCE	7-12
591	RADIO AND TELEVISION BROADCASTING	7-12
621	RENEWABLE ENERGY TECHNOLOGY	7-12
592	ROBOTICS	7-12
625	SPORTS MEDICINE	7-12
594	SURVEYING	7-12
595	TELEVISION BROADCASTING	7-12
596	TEXTILES	7-12
601	TRUCK DRIVING	7-12
597	WELDING	7-12

APPENDIX B: APPLICATION FEES

The fees for the following applications are nonrefundable and must be paid at the time of application. If multiple requests are submitted on one application the educator is only required to pay one fee.

APPLICATIONS REQUIRING A FEE	FEE AMOUNT
First-time Five-Year Standard Educator's License (including by reciprocity)	$ 75.00
First-time Five-Year Ancillary License	$ 75.00
First-time Five-Year Career-Technical Permit	$ 75.00
Duplicate License	$ 25.00
Renewal of License	$ 75.00
NO-FEE APPLICATIONS:
Provisional License	N/A
Lifetime Teaching License	N/A
Adding Degree, Adding Area, Adding Level to Existing License	N/A
Name Change	N/A

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Arkansas may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.