Arkansas Administrative Code
Agency 005 - DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Division 28 - Division of Elementary and Secondary Education
Rule 005.28.24-014 - DESE Rule Governing Educator Licensure
Universal Citation: AR Admin Rules 005.28.24-014
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 Division of Elementary and Secondary 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, 25-15201 et
seq..
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. § 6-17402;
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 Division 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.
1-2.0
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 Occupational Therapy Program" means an occupational
therapy program that is offered by an accredited college or university, and the
program is:
1-2.02.1 Nationally accredited by
the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE)
or
1-2.02.2 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 School Psychology
Program" means a program of study for school psychology that is offered
by an accredited college or university, and the program is:
1-2.03.1 Nationally accredited in school
psychology by the Commission on Accreditation of the American Psychological
Association; or
1-2.03.2 Approved
by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP); or
1-2.03.3 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 Speech-Language
Pathology Program" means a speech language pathology program that is
offered by an accredited college or university, and the program is:
1-2.04.1 Nationally accredited by the Council
on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association; or
1-2.04.2 Nationally accredited by an
accrediting organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the
Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
1-2.05
"Accredited Approved Educator
Preparation Program" means an educator preparation program that is:
1-2.05.1 Accredited by an accrediting
organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for
Higher Education Accreditation; and
1-2.05.2 Approved by the licensing authority
of a state government.
1-2.06
"Additional Licensure Plan
(ALP)" means a plan approved by the Office of Educator Licensure that
allows an individual holding a License to accept employment or assignment in an
out-of-area position.
1-2.07
"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.
1-2.08 "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.
1-2.09
"Alternate Assessment Plan
(AAP)" means a plan submitted by a building or district level
administrator approved by the Office of Educator Licensure on behalf of an
applicant for a standard license in a first-time licensure area who has not
demonstrated competency in their subject matter content with a passing score on
a State Board approved content area assessment. (See the Division's website for
first time licensure areas.)
1-2.10
"Alternative Educator Preparation Program" means a program of
study approved by the Division for candidates who have a bachelor's degree and
are preparing for licensure as teachers and leaders in public schools in this
state.
1-2.11
"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 excluding an administrator's endorsement. (See the Division's website for
ancillary licensure areas.)
1-2.12
"Aspiring Teacher" means an individual enrolled in an approved
educator preparation program.
1-2.13
"Aspiring Teacher Permit"
means up to one year only permit issued to an intern or resident that meets
eligibility requirements in a traditional educator preparation program allowing
the recipient to assume the role of a Teacher of Record under the supervision
of an experienced mentor teacher.
1-2.14
"Building-Level
Administrator" means a principal, assistant principal, or vice principal
in an educational entity.
1-2.15
"Candidate" means an individual who has been admitted into an
educator licensure program.
1-2.16
"Clinical 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.
1-2.17
"Clinical Internship"
means a culminating clinical practice that takes place in an authentic
educational setting where teacher candidates engage in the pedagogical work of
the profession of teaching, closely integrated with educator preparation
instruction and supported by a formal school-educator preparation partnership.
Placements must reflect the subject area and grade level of the license being
sought.
1-2.18
"Core Academic
Subject Areas" means:
Elementary Education (K-6);
English Language Arts;
Mathematics;
Science;
Social Studies;
Art;
Music; and
Foreign Language
1-2.19
"District-Level
Administrator" means a superintendent, assistant/associate
superintendent, or deputy superintendent.
1-2.20
"Division" means the
Arkansas Department of Education Division of Elementary and Secondary
Education.
1-2.21
"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 Division.
1-2.22
"Educator" means any
individual holding a license issued by the State Board, specifically including,
without limitation, teachers, administrators, library media specialists, and
counselors.
1-2.22.1 "Educator" also includes
a nonlicensed person employed under the educational entity's waiver of
licensure.
1-2.23
"Educator Preparation Program" means a planned sequence of
academic courses and experiences leading to a recommendation for licensure by
the State Board.
1-2.24
"Educator Preparation Program Completer" means a person who has
completed all coursework/modules and program requirements of a state approved
program of study and is eligible for an Arkansas educator's provisional or
standard license.
1-2.25
"Effective Teacher" means a teacher or leader who demonstrates the
concepts outlined in the state approved evaluation framework.
1-2.26
"Endorsement" means any
licensure area or licensure level that may be added only to an existing
Standard License.
1-2.27
"Exception Area Endorsement" means an endorsement that is not
available by testing out.
1-2.28
"Experienced Mentor Teacher" means a teacher with a minimum of
three years of teaching experience, has an annual rating of effective or
higher, and has received mentor coaching training. It is preferred that the
teacher have a Lead or Master designation.
1-2.29
"Good standing" means,
for the purpose of reciprocity, that:
1-2.29.1
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;
1-2.29.2 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
1-2.29.3 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.
1-2.30
"Level of Licensure" or "Licensure Level" means the
grade/age level parameter of the educator license. (See the Division's website
for areas and levels of licensure.)
1-2.31
"Licensure Content Area"
means a particular content field as recognized by the State Board. (See the
Division's website for licensure content areas.)
1-2.32
"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;
1-2.33
"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.
1-2.34
"One Year Supervised
Residency" means an experience in a school setting alongside an
experienced mentor teacher not to exceed one (1) academic year or two (2)
consecutive semesters.
1-2.35
"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.
1-2.36 "Passing Score" for a
state-mandated assessment for licensure means the cut score on the assessment
approved by the State Board.
1-2.36.1 A
passing score on a licensure assessment approved by the State Board before the
currently approved version of an assessment will be accepted for five (5) 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.
1-2.37
"Primary Partnership" means a partnership that meets all the
requirements of a state-recognized partnership while also requiring established
and explicit processes for identifying and responding to educational entities
areas of need(e.g., ESL or Special Education teachers); collaborative
development of candidate selection criteria; collaborative design of
high-quality, need-based clinical experiences; and collaborative implementation
of high-quality clinical experiences with engagement of both partners
throughout the partnership.
1-2.38
"Private Credential Evaluation Agency" means an independent agency
approved by the Division that:
1-2.38.1 Is
located in the United States; and
1-2.38.2 Provides an educational background
assessment that:
1-2.38.2.1 Contains a
course-by-course evaluation of the applicant's transcript;
1-2.38.2.2 Indicates the applicant's major
area of study and documents the candidate's cumulative grade point
average;
1-2.38.2.3 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;
1-2.38.2.4 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, occupational therapy, or school
psychology program;
1-2.38.2.5
Indicates the areas of licensure represented by the out-of-country license;
and
1-2.38.2.6 Documents which
areas of licensure on the out-of-country license are equivalent to the areas of
licensure approved by the State Board.
1-2.39
"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 Division
or law.
1-2.40
"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
1-2.41
"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:
1-2.41.1 Provided by one
(1) or more accredited colleges or universities, or an alternative educator
preparation program;
1-2.41.2
Aligned with Arkansas Teaching Standards and the appropriate content knowledge
and pedagogical competencies for the respective licensure areas; and
1-2.41.3 Approved by the Division.
1-2.42
"Provisional
License" means a temporary license issued by the State Board that allows
the license holder to teach or work in Arkansas schools.
1-2.43
"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.
1-2.44
"Secondary
Partnership" means a partnership that meets all the requirements of a
state-recognized partnership with educational entities or accredited private
schools with which they do not have a primary partnership, but where enrolled
candidates are placed for clinical experiences.
1-2.45 "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 twelve- month academic year), the
Division and the educational entity will identify a semester
equivalent.
1-2.46
"SPED 101
Academy" means a three (3) credit hour course developed by institutions
of higher education based on competencies developed in collaboration with the
Division Educator Preparation Unit, Special Education Unit, and public school
districts, public charter schools, and education service
cooperatives.
1-2.47
"Standard License" means a five-year renewable license, issued by
the State Board, where a recipient has demonstrated content knowledge and
understanding of pedagogical practice required to perform professional
education services for the licensure content area and licensure level specified
on the license.
1-2.48
"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.
1-2.49
"State
Board" means the Division of Elementary and Secondary State Board of
Education.
1-2.50
"State-Recognized Partnership" means a partnership that
establishes the roles and responsibilities of educator preparation faculty
educational entities or accredited private schools, including clinical
educators and supervisors, and establishes clear expectations regarding the
delivery of candidate support and evaluation.
1-2.51
"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 DESE Rules Governing Background
Checks.
1-2.52
"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 Division of Career and Technical Education for a Career-Technical Permit.
Career-Technical Permits are available in the following areas:
|
Advanced Manufacturing |
Foundational Career- Principles of Engineering |
|
Advertising Design |
Foundational Career-Intro to Engineering Design |
|
Automotive Collision Repair |
Foundational Career-Human Body Systems |
|
Automotive Service Technology |
Foundational Career-Principles of Biomedical |
|
Aviation Flight Technology |
Furniture Cabinet Making |
|
Aviation Mechanics |
Geo Spatial Technology |
|
Biomedical |
Graphic Communication |
|
Biomedical Science |
Heating Vent A/C |
|
Career Computer Software Engineer |
Horticulture |
|
Career-Aerospace Engineer |
Industrial Control Technology |
|
Career-Biomedical Engineering |
Industrial Cooperative Training |
|
Career-Civil Engineering & Architecture |
Industrial Equipment Maintenance |
|
Career-Computer Integrated Manufacturing |
Instrumentation |
|
Career-Digital Electronics |
Japanese |
|
Career-Energy & the Environment |
Junior ROTC |
|
Career-Flight & Space |
Latin |
|
Career-Green Architecture |
Legal Services |
|
Career-Magic of Electrons |
Machine Tool Technology |
|
Career-Medical Detectives |
Major Tool Technology |
|
Career-Medical Interventions |
Major Appliance Repair |
|
Career-Science of Technology |
Mandarin Chinese |
|
Cashier/Checker Instruction |
Major Tool Technology |
|
Child Care |
Major Appliance Repair |
|
Commercial Photography |
Mandarin Chinese |
|
Communications |
Marine Mechanics |
|
Computer Engineering |
Meat Processing |
|
Computer Science & Software Engineering |
Medical Professions |
|
Construction Technology |
Performing Arts |
|
Cosmetology |
Petroleum Production |
|
Criminal Justice |
Piano Tuning |
|
Culinary Arts and Preparation |
Power Equipment Tech |
|
Diesel Mechanics |
Power Sports |
|
Drafting and Designing |
Pre-Engineering |
|
Dry-Cleaning Laundry |
Pulp and Paper Science |
|
Electronics |
Radio and Television Broadcasting |
|
Exploratory Trades and Industry |
Renewable Energy Technology |
|
Exploring Industrial Technology Education |
Robotics |
|
Food Production Management and Services |
Sports Medicine |
|
Forestry |
Surveying |
|
Foundational Career Design & Modeling |
|
|
Foundational Career- Automation & Robotics |
|
|
Television Broadcasting |
|
|
Textiles |
|
|
Truck Driving |
|
|
Welding |
|
|
Computer Science & Software Engineering |
Medical Professions |
|
Construction Technology |
Performing Arts |
|
Cosmetology |
Petroleum Production |
|
Criminal Justice |
Piano Tuning |
|
Culinary Arts and Preparation |
Power Equipment Tech |
|
Diesel Mechanics |
Power Sports |
|
Drafting and Designing |
Pre-Engineering |
|
Dry-Cleaning Laundry |
Pulp and Paper Science |
|
Electronics |
Radio and Television Broadcasting |
|
Exploratory Trades and Industry |
Renewable Energy Technology |
|
Exploring Industrial Technology Education |
Robotics |
|
Food Production Management and Services |
Sports Medicine |
|
Forestry |
Surveying |
|
Foundational Career Design & Modeling |
|
|
Foundational Career- Automation & Robotics |
|
|
Television Broadcasting |
|
|
Textiles |
|
|
Truck Driving |
|
|
Welding |
2-1.02
A person applying for a Career-Technical Permit shall submit to the Division:
2-1.02.1 A completed application for
licensure with payment of the non-refundable application fee;
2-1.02.2 Documentation that the applicant has
successfully completed all background checks required by the Division's Rules
Governing Background Checks;
2-1.02.3 Verification by the Division of
Career and Technical Education that the applicant has completed the Department
of Career Education requirements for the career-technical permit area including
without exception:
2-1.02.3.1 Transcript
evidencing the awarding of a bachelor's or higher degree in the career or
technical area to be taught; or
2-1.01.3.2 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
2-1.03 Documentation of the completion of the
professional development identified in Appendix B, which may be obtained from
the applicant's educator preparation program, or by another method of delivery
approved by the Division under the Rules Governing Professional
Development
2-2.0
ANCILLARY LICENSE
2-2.01 An
Ancillary License is a license to provide specific services to students and
does not require prior classroom teaching experience. (See the Division's
website for ancillary licensure areas.)
2-2.02 The Division shall issue an Ancillary
License in a licensure area identified on the Division's website upon receipt
of the following from an applicant, whether or not the applicant is licensed in
another state:
2-2.02.1 A completed
application for licensure, with payment of the non-refundable application
fee;
2-2.02.2 Documentation that
the applicant has successfully completed all background checks required by the
Division's Rules Governing Background Checks;
2-2.02.3 An official score report reflecting
passing scores on the specialty area assessment for licensure area as mandated
by the State Board; and
2-2.02.4
For a first-time license, documentation of the completion of the professional
development identified in Appendix B.
2-2.02.5 An applicant for an ancillary
license in Occupational Therapy shall also submit an official transcript
documenting an awarded bachelor's and master's or higher degree, from an
accredited college or university, in Occupational Therapy, and:
2-2.02.5.1 Successful completion of a
graduate-level, accredited Occupational Therapy program, or a degree with
equivalent competencies; and
2-2.02.5.2 Licensed to provide occupational
therapy services from the American Occupational Therapy Association;
2-2.02.6 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:
2-2.02.6.1 Successful completion of a
graduate-level, accredited Speech-Language Pathology program, or a degree with
equivalent competencies; or
2-2.02.6.2 Certification of Clinical
Competence in Speech- Language Pathology from the American Speech-
Language-Hearing Association; or
2-2.02.7 An applicant for an ancillary
license in School Psychology shall also submit an official transcript
documenting an awarded master's or higher degree that includes 60 hours of
graduate level coursework in the area, from a NASP accredited state-approved
college or university, in:
2-2.02.7.1 School
Psychology; or
2-2.02.7.2
Psychology and documenting the applicant's successful completion of a
graduate-level, accredited School Psychology program.
2-2.03 Other licensure areas for
an Ancillary License shall require:
2-2.03.1
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
2-2.03.2 Successful completion of the
licensure content area assessment, if one is approved by the State Board for
the licensure content area.
2-2.04 A licensure content area, endorsement,
or level of licensure may be added to an existing Ancillary License by
completing requirements as referenced in Section 6-4.0 of these
rules.
2-3.0
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR A 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.
2-3.02 The Division shall issue a Provisional
License for up to three (3) years to an applicant upon submission of the
following:
2-3.02.1 A completed application
form for the Provisional License and
2-3.02.2 One of the following:
2-3.02.2.1 Official transcript(s) documenting
eighteen (18) credit hours in the specific content area with content GPA of
3.00 or higher on 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 (See Appendix C);
or
2-3.02.2.2 For out-of-country
candidates, an official college transcript evaluation from a private credential
evaluation agency recognized by the Division;
2-3.02.2.3 An official score report
evidencing passing scores on the state- required assessments for the licensure
content area in which the applicant seeks to teach; or
2-3.02.2.3.1 An applicant may also be
eligible for the Alternate Assessment Plan for specific areas as referenced in
Section 2-6.02.3.2.
2-3.02.4 An official score report evidencing
passing alternate scores on the state-required assessment for the licensure
content area in which the applicant seeks to teach.
2-3.02.5 An offer of employment in a position
as a teacher of record at an educational entity or approved accredited private
school in Arkansas teaching a minimum of three (3) hours per day in the
appropriate licensure area(s);
2-3.02.6 Documentation of the completion of
the professional development, as identified in Appendix B;
2-3.02.7 Documentation of the successful
completion of professional educator ethics training that meets the guidelines
established by the Professional Licensure Standards Board.
2-3.02.7.1 The Division may deny a
provisional license to an applicant who has been determined to have an ethics
violation under the Division's Rules Governing the Code of Ethics for Arkansas
Educators.
2-3.02.8
Before a candidate may enter a public school classroom, evidence that the
applicant successfully completed the background checks required under the
Division's Rules Governing Background Checks.
2-3.02.9 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:
2-3.02.9.1 SPED 101 Academy or
course aligned to the SPED 101 educator competencies;
2-3.02.9.2 Three (3) credit hours in special
education; and
2-3.02.9.3 The
appropriate content area assessments for special education.
2-3.03 A Provisional
License under this Section is issued to a participant in one (1) licensure
content area based upon the areas and levels of teaching assignment has been
approved by the State Board, except as follows:
2-3.03.1 A Middle Childhood (4-8) participant
may license in one (1) 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 at (K-12) or (4-8).
2-3.03.2 A Secondary (7-12) participant must
successfully complete one (1) secondary licensure content area and may have one
(1) endorsement; (7- 12), (K-12), or (4-12) level.
2-3.03.3 A participant must have a teaching
assignment in each licensure content area of the Provisional License;
2-3.04 A provisional license may
be extended for up to three (3) years after the applicant completes an educator
preparation program if the applicant is working to meet the requirements for a
standard license
2-3.05 The
Provisional License may be converted to a Standard License upon completion of
the remaining requirements for a Standard License.
2-3.05.1 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.
2-4.0
PROVISIONAL PROFESSIONAL TEACHING
LICENSE (PPTL)
2-4.01 The Division
shall issue a Provisional License for three (3) years to an applicant who is
seeking licensure through the Professional Provisional Teaching License pathway
upon meeting the requirements of section 2-3.0 and submission of the following:
2-4.01.1 Verification of a minimum of three
(3) years of working experience in the licensure content area of the class to
be taught;
2-4.01.2 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 except for Special
Education, Elementary Education (K-6), and Guidance and Counseling; (See the
Division's website for first-time license content areas.)
2-4.01.3 One (1) letter of justification from
the applicant expressing the relevance of the applicant's credentials to teach
the subject in question; and
2-4.01.4 Two (2) professional letters of
recommendation submitted by references to the Division.
2-4.02 The Provisional License will be issued
for each licensure content area the applicant is assigned to teach, as verified
by the applicant's superintendent.
2-4.03 The applicant shall complete training
in pedagogy as determined by the Division.
2-4.03.1 The hours of training in pedagogy
are in addition to and not considered a part of the annual professional
development requirement.
2-4.04 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.
2-5.0
OUT-OF-COUNTRY RECIPROCITY
2-5.01 The Division shall issue a two-year
Provisional License to an applicant who holds an out-of-country license or its
equivalent and who meets the requirements of section 2-3.0 and:
2-5.01.1 Submits a completed application for
a Provisional License;
2-5.01.2 Is
not a United States citizen and provides evidence satisfactory to the Division
that the applicant meets the criteria of an exception under
8 U.S.C. §
1621 for the state to issue a professional
license;
2-5.01.3 Submits
documentation of the successful completion of a Division- approved assessment
of English-language skills; or
2-5.01.3.1 Has
completed a master's degree or higher at an accredited college or university in
the United States.
2-5.01.3.2 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;
2-5.01.4 Submits an official
college transcript evaluation from a private credential evaluation agency
recognized by the Division;
2-5.01.5 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;
2-5.01.6 Submits documentation that the
applicant has successfully completed all background checks required by the
Division's Rules Governing Background Checks;
2-5.01.7 Submits a copy of the out-of-country
license(s) held by the applicant;
2-5.01.8 Submits certification from the
country that issued the license that the license has been in good standing for
the most recent three (3) years.
2-5.02 To convert the Provisional License to
a Standard License the applicant shall submit to the Division:
2-5.02.1 An application for a Standard
License, including the required nonrefundable application fee;
2-5.02.2 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 (3)
college credit-hours in Arkansas History at an accredited college or university
or an approved learning pathway.;
2-5.02.3 Submission of an official score
report reflecting passing scores, as approved by the State Board, on the
appropriate content-area assessments as mandated by the State Board;
and
2-5.02.4 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.
2-5.02.4.1 The Division 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.
2-5.03 Licensure content areas, levels, and
endorsements listed on an out-ofcountry license may be recognized for
reciprocity in accordance with the credential evaluation required in Section
2-2.02.4 of these Rules.
2-5.03.1 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.
2-5.03.2 The
Division 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.
2-5.04 The Division 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.
2-6.0
STANDARD LICENSE
2-6.01 A Standard License is a five-year
renewable license, issued by the State Board, where a recipient has
demonstrated content knowledge and understanding of pedagogical practice
required to perform professional education services for the licensure content
area and licensure level specified on the license.
2-6.02 A person in-state 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
Division:
2-6.02.1 A completed application for
licensure with payment of the non-refundable application fee.
2-6.02.2 Documentation that the applicant has
successfully completed all background checks required by the Division's Rules
Governing Background Checks.
2-6.02.3 An official score report reflecting
passing scores, as approved by the State Board, on the appropriate content-area
assessments as mandated by the State Board.
2-6.02.3.1 Applicants for an Elementary
Education (K-6) or a Special Education (K-12) license shall pass a stand-alone
assessment that examines the acquisition of knowledge of essential components
of beginning reading instruction based on the science of reading.
2-6.02.3.2 An applicant may be eligible for
an Alternate Assessment Plan if the candidate meets the following criteria:
2-6.02.3.2.1 Has a score within minus two
(-2) standard error of measurement (SEM) based on the national standard or an
approved score by the State Board on the content area assessment or a passing
score on a performance-based assessment; and
2-6.02.3.2.2 Has Completed an educator
preparation program or is enrolled in an approved alternate route program for
licensure; and
2-6.02.3.2.3 Has
verification of employment in an accredited P-12 Arkansas school.
2-6.02.3.2.4 To complete the Alternate
Assessment Plan the applicant must:
2-6.02.3.2.4.1 Have at least three years of
relevant teaching experience in the content area as demonstrated through
successful TESS evaluations and the definition of effective teacher found under
1-2.25.
2-6.02.4 An official transcript from an
accredited college or university documenting an awarded bachelor's degree or
higher;
2-6.02.4.1 If the applicant's degree
is from a non-accredited college or university outside of the United States,
the applicant shall have his or her credentials evaluated by a private
credential evaluation agency recognized by the Division.
2-6.02.5 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.
2-6.02.5.1 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.
2-6.02.5.2 The verification shall be
submitted in the manner and form prescribed by the Division.
2-6.02.5.2.1 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.
2-6.02.6 If an applicant does not meet the
assessment requirements of this section, as outlined above, the applicant may
receive a renewable provisional teaching license provided that the applicant
meets the requirements as outlined in section 2-3.0 of these rules.
2-6.02.7 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:
2-6.02.7.1
Three (3) college credit-hours in Arkansas History at an accredited institution
of higher education; or
2-6.02.7.2
If the applicant completed an alternative educator preparation program or
pathway, either:
2-6.02.7.2.1 Three (3)
college credit-hours in Arkansas History at an accredited institution of higher
education; or
2-6.02.7.2.2 An
approved learning pathway.
2-6.02.8 Documentation of the completion of
the professional development identified in Appendix B.
2-6.02.9 The Division 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:
2-6.02.9.1 Met all
other requirements except for:
2-6.02.9.1.1
Completion of the Arkansas History requirement, if applicable;
2-6.02.9.1.2 If applicable, the stand-alone
reading test;
2-6.02.9.1.3 If
applicable, the pedagogy test.
2-6.02.10 To convert a Provisional License
issued under 2-6.02.9, an applicant shall complete the missing requirements
before the Provisional License expires.
2-6.02.11 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 Division 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.
2-6.02.12 A first-time Arkansas standard
license issued under this section will be designated as an Early Career
Professional Educator Designation, unless the applicant qualifies for a
standard license for the Career Professional Educator Designation under Section
6-7.0.
2-6.02.13 The Division 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:
2-6.02.13.1 A valid, Standard
License (or Standard License Equivalent) that:
2-6.02.13.1.1 Was issued in another state;
and
2-6.02.13.1.2 Has been in good
standing during the most recent three (3) years of the applicant's teaching
experience;
2-6.02.13.2
If applicable a completed application for licensure with payment of the
non-refundable application fee;
2-6.02.13.3 Documentation that the applicant
has successfully completed all background checks required by the Division's
Rules Governing Background Checks; and
2-6.02.13.4 Documentation that the applicant
has completed at least three (3) years of teaching under the out-of-state
license.
2-6.02.13.4.1 An applicant who has
not completed three (3) years of teaching under the out-of-state license shall
also submit an official score report:
2-6.02.13.4.1.1 Reflecting passing scores on
the appropriate content-area assessments required by the licensing state,
including for licensure in Elementary Education (K-6) or Special Education
(K-12) the standalone reading assessment, as adopted by the State Board;
or
2-6.02.13.4.1.2 If the licensing
state does not require such assessments, reflecting passing scores, as approved
by the State Board, on the appropriate 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;
2-6.02.13.4.1.2.1 The Division
may issue a Provisional License for up to three (3) years for an applicant who
has not completed the stand-alone reading assessment;
2-6.02.13.4.1.3 An out-of-state applicant may
also be eligible for the Alternate Assessment Plan as referenced in section
26.02.3.2.
2-6.02.14 For an applicant whose out-of-state
license is expired, an official score report reflecting passing scores, as
approved by the State Board, on 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.
2-6.02.14.1 The Division may issue a
Provisional License for up to three (3) years for an applicant who has not
completed the stand-alone reading assessment;
2-6.02.15 An official transcript documenting
an awarded bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or
university;
2.6.02.16 Documentation
of one (1) of the following:
2-6.02.16.1
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;
2-6.02.16.2 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,
2-6.02.16.3 If the applicant is a National
Board Certified Teacher, documentation of current certification from the
National Board of Professional Teaching Standards.
2-6.02.17 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 an approved learning pathway;
2-6.02.17.1 The Division may issue a one-year
Provisional License for an applicant who has not completed the Arkansas History
requirements of Section 2-5.02.2;
2-6.02.18 Documentation of the completion of
the professional development, identified in Appendix B.
2-6.02.19 The Division may issue a
Provisional License for an applicant who has not completed the professional
development under Section 25.02.2.
2-6.03 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.
2-6.04 Licensure content areas, levels, and
endorsements listed on an out-of-state license shall be recognized for
licensure through reciprocity, as follows:
2-6.04.1 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;
2-6.04.2 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;
2-6.04.3 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-ofstate licensure area, endorsement, or level;
and
2-6.04.4 For the purpose of
reciprocity, the Division 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.
2-6.05 The
Division may recommend to the State Board that a person's Arkansas Standard
License issued by reciprocity be revoked, suspended, surrendered 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.
2-6.06 The Division may
rescind a license issued by reciprocity that was no longer in good standing at
the time the Arkansas license was issued.
2-6.07 A first-time Arkansas license issued
under this section will carry the Educator Career Continuum designation for
which the applicant is qualified under Section 2-6.02.12.
2-7.0
STANDARD LIFETIME TEACHING
LICENSE
2-7.01 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.
2-7.02 Applicants for the Standard Lifetime
Teaching License shall meet the following eligibility requirements:
2-7.02.1 Hold a current or expired Arkansas
Standard License;
2-7.02.2 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
2-7.02.3 Document that the
applicant has either:
2-7.02.3.1 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 Division, an adult
education setting or for another agency/ organization that employs licensed
teachers for educational purposes; or
2-7.02.3.2 Made significant contributions to
education, educational research, or the profession of teaching through
scholarly endeavors, teaching experience, excellence in teaching, or
educational innovation.
2-7.02.4 The Division shall issue a Lifetime
Teaching License upon:
2-7.02.4.1 The
applicant submitting to the Division a completed application requesting the
Lifetime Teaching License;
2-7.02.4.2 Documentation from the Arkansas
Teacher Retirement System of retirement (if 62 years of age, no verification is
needed) under Ark. Code Ann. §§
24-7-701, 24-7702, or 24-7- 704;
and
2-7.02.4.3 Documentation that
the applicant has successfully completed all background checks required by the
Division's Rules Governing Background Checks.
2-7.02.5 The required background check or
Child Maltreatment Central Registry check cannot be older than one (1) year at
the time of application.
2-7.03 The Lifetime Teaching License shall
reflect the applicant's licensure areas at the time of the
application.
2-7.04 A teacher
holding a Lifetime Teaching License is not required to renew his or her
teaching license.
2-7.05 A Lifetime
Teaching License is subject to the same laws for revocation as any Arkansas
teaching license.
2-7.06 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.
2-7.07 The Lifetime
Teaching License shall terminate upon the death or legal incapacity of the
license holder.
2-8.0
HIGHLY QUALIFIED PROFESSOR
2-8.01 The Division shall issue a Standard
License to an applicant who is seeking licensure in a first time licensure area
listed on the Division's website through the Highly Qualified Professor (HQP)
pathway upon submission of the following:
2-8.01.1 A completed application form for the
Standard License.
2-8.01.2 Official
transcript(s) documenting an awarded masters 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.
2-8.01.2.1 For out-of-country candidates, an
official college transcript evaluation from a private credential evaluation
agency recognized by the Division.
2-8.01.3 Verification of a minimum of three
(3) years of teaching experience in the licensure content area at an accredited
institution of higher education.
2-8.01.4 Evidence of pedagogical competence
through one of the following:
2-8.01.4.1
Documentation of successful teaching experience teaching in the grade level to
be licensed; or
2-8.01.4.2
Pedagogical competence by completion of twelve (12) hours of pedagogy
professional development per Appendix B or the DESE Rules Governing
Professional Development; or
2-8.01.4.3 An official report evidencing
passing scores on a current Principles of Learning and Teaching exam.
2-8.01.5 If seeking licensure in
Elementary Education (K-6) or Special Education (K-12), evidence of an official
score report reflecting passing scores on the stand-alone reading assessment
for licensure in Elementary Education (K-6) or Special Education (K-12) as
adopted by the State Board.
2-8.01.6 Evidence that the applicant has
successfully completed background checks required under the Division's Rules
Governing Background Checks;
2-8.01.7 Documentation of the completion of
professional development per Appendix B or the DESE Rules Governing
Professional Development.
2-8.01.7.1 A
one-year provisional license may be issued while the applicant is completing
the required professional development.
2-9.0
Special
Education Personnel Qualifications and Alternate Certifications
2-9.1 The Department is responsible for
establishing and maintaining qualifications to ensure that special education
educators are appropriately and adequately prepared and trained. Qualifications
may be demonstrated by a candidate that holds at least a bachelor's degree and:
2-9.1.1 Has obtained a state license as a
special education teacher; or
2-9.1.2 Is in the process of completing an
approved alternate route for licensure with emphasis in special education.
Alternate program candidate must:
2-9.1.2.1
Receive high quality professional development that is sustained, intensive, and
classroom-focused in order to have a positive and lasting impact on classroom
instruction, before and while teaching;
2-9.1.2.2 Participate in a program of
intensive supervision that consists of structured guidance and regular ongoing
support for the teacher (mentoring);
2-9.1.2.3 Assume the function as a teacher
not to exceed three (3) years; and
2-9.1.2.4 Demonstrate satisfactory progress
towards full certification
2-9.1.3 Holds a teaching license in another
area and has demonstrated knowledge and skills by passing the state special
education licensing exam (testing out).
2-9.1.3.2 The district must follow the first
year special education mentoring plan (see protocol);
2-9.1.3.3 The educator must complete Special
Education 101 modules provided by the Office of Special Education.
2-9.1.3.4 The educator must demonstrate
awareness in Science of Reading in year 1 and proficiency within 3 years if
applicable to job.
2-9.1.4 An educator who is licensed and
actively participating in an additional licensure plan through course work in
higher education.
2-9.1.5 Holds an
ancillary license in a field of work directly related to providing educational
services identified by the Division (e.g. speech pathology, dyslexia, school
psych., OT)
2-9.1.5.1 District must follow
first year special education mentoring per protocol.
2-9.1.5.2 Educator must complete Special
Education 101.
2-9.1.5.3 Educator
must demonstrate awareness in Science of Reading year 1 and proficiency within
three (3) years if applicable to job; and
2-9.1.5.4 Educator must pass content
assessments as identified by the Division; or
2-9.1.6 Holds a Bachelor's degree in a field
of work directly related to providing educational services approved by the
Division (Counseling, Occupational Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology, Hearing
Impaired, Visually Impaired, Math, English/Literature for Special Education
K-12; Early Childhood Education for PreK Special Education)
2-9.1.6.1 District must follow first year
special education mentoring per protocol;
2-9.1.6.2 Educator must complete Special
Education 101 modules provided by the Office of Special Education.
2-9.1.6.3 Educator must demonstrate awareness
in Science of Reading in year 1 and proficiency within 3 years if applicable to
job; and
2-9.1.6.4 Educator must
pass content assessment approved by the Division; or
2-9.1.7 Holds a literacy or math specialist
license position with advanced degree
2-9.1.7.1 District must follow first year
special education mentoring plan;
2-9.1.7.2 Educator must complete Special
Education 101.
2-9.1.7.3 Educator
must demonstrate proficiency in Science of Reading within 3 years if applicable
to job.
2-9.2
A Special Education Teaching Apprentice must:
2-9.3.1 Hold a bachelor's degree;
2-9.3.2 Complete Special Education 101;
and
2-9.3.3 Complete customized
training protocol (see Division website).
2-9.3 A Special Education Teaching Apprentice
may work under the direction of a journeyman (licensed special educator) who
has at least three (3) years experience and has earned a master or lead
designation. Journeymen may apply for incentive funding from the Division. The
licensed educator is responsible for oversight of instruction, due process, and
Individualized Education Plans required for students to receive FAPE.
2-9.3.1 The Journeyman may have no more than
two (2) apprentices as outlined in protocol. Each apprentice may allow for an
increased caseload above what is specified in the Division's rules regarding
Special Education, Section 17.03.1.2, for the Journeyman. The following chart
illustrates the maximum increase allowable:
|
Possible Caseload Increase |
Special Class |
All Other Areas |
|
Journeyman w/one apprentice |
+5 |
+10 |
|
Journeyman w/two apprentice |
+10 |
+20 |
Special Education Teaching Apprentice
2-9.4 Due to the requirements to develop and
maintain appropriately and adequately licensed special education teachers
through alternate pathways, school districts should provide compensation that
reflects the job responsibility of an apprentice. Special Education Teaching
Apprentices should receive a competitive progressive salary and 190-day
contract.
2-9.5 Satisfactory
performance for three (3) years as a special education paraprofessional would
qualify the aspiring educator for a Professional Provisional Special Education
Apprenticeship. The educator must also:
2-9.5.1 Pass content assessments approved by
the Division.
2-9.5.2 Continue
Customized Training Protocol (see Division website).
CHAPTER 3: PREPARATION FOR FIRST-TIME LICENSURE - TRADITIONAL AND ALTERNATIVE
3-1.0
APPROVED PROGRAM OR PATHWAY
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
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 Division's website for the most recently approved program or
pathway requirements for each permit or license available.
3-1.03 An educator preparation provider shall
apply to the Division for approval based on these rules and the Division's
protocols 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 Coursework aligned to the
Arkansas Educator Competencies for the licensure areas offered; and
3-1.03.1.2 The state-approved Arkansas
Teaching Standards (ATS) and The Teacher Excellence and Support System
(TESS);
3-1.03.1.3 Scientific
Reading Instruction.
3-1.03.1.3.1 Completers
of first-time educator preparation programs leading to Elementary Education
(K-6) or Special Education (K-12) licensure cannot receive a standard license
if a prescribed pathway for proficiency credential has not been completed.
Completers of first- time educator preparation providers leading to all other
licensure areas cannot receive a standard license if a Prescribed Pathway for
Awareness Credential has not been completed.
3-1.03.1.3.2 An educator preparation provider
shall publish on its website information describing its program to prepare
teachers in applicable licensure areas to teach reading using scientific
reading instruction;
3-1.03.1.4 Child maltreatment, under Ark.
Code Ann. §
6-61-133;
3-1.03.1.5 Family and Community Engagement,
under Ark. Code Ann. § 615-1703;
3-1.03.1.6 Teen suicide and bullying
awareness and prevention, under Ark. Code Ann. §
6-17-708 and
6-17-711;
3-1.03.1.7 Dyslexia professional awareness of
the characteristics of dyslexia and evidence-based interventions and
accommodations for dyslexia, under Ark. Code Ann. §
6-41-609;
3-1.03.1.8 Human trafficking awareness under
Ark. Code Ann.§
6-17-710;
3-1.03.1.9 Code of Ethics training;
and
3-1.03.1.10 All other state
initiatives.
3-1.03.2 All
first-time licensure programs must include a method used to demonstrate
pedagogical competence.
3-1.03.3
All Educator Preparation Programs must establish:
3-1.03.3.1 State-Recognized Partnerships.
3-1.03.3.1.1 All educator preparation
providers must establish at least one primary partnership with the educational
entity or accredited private school of their choice where teacher candidates
are placed for any portion of their clinical experience.
3-1.03.3.1.2 Secondary Partnerships should be
established anywhere for any portion of their placement of clinical
experience.
3-1.03.4 Programs shall engage candidates in
substantial, quality participation in field experiences (such as observations
and practicums) and supervised clinical practice (such as student teaching,
residency, apprenticeships and internships), as applicable in the licensure
content area.
3-1.03.4.1 First-time licensure
programs must include a clinical internship of no less than one university
semester or equivalent. Candidates completing first-time licensure programs in
May 2027 and thereafter must have completed a one-year supervised residency
alongside an experienced mentor teacher in a school setting.
3-1.03.4.1.1 A candidate in a traditional
first-time educator preparation program with an Aspiring Teacher permit may
satisfy their residency requirement by serving as a teacher of record at an
education entity or accredited private school.
3-1.03.4.1.2 A candidate in an alternative
first-time educator preparation program with a provisional license may satisfy
their clinical internship or residency requirement by serving as a teacher of
record at an education entity or accredited private school.
3-1.03.4.2 Clinical experiences for teacher
licensure areas for grades K-12 or for other non-teaching licensure areas,
shall be completed in:
3-1.03.4.2.1 Public
K-12 school settings that are accredited by the Division;
3-1.03.4.2.2 Accredited private or other
public school settings where candidates experience educator effectiveness and
district support for teacher or leader professional growth and
development;
3-1.03.4.3
Clinical experiences in a B-K licensure program shall be completed in:
3-1.03.4.3.1 An early childhood education
setting accredited by the Division as a Better Beginnings Level 3 or higher
program; or
3-1.03.4.3.2 Other
early childhood education setting having state accreditation similar to the
Arkansas accreditation for a Better Beginnings Level 3 or higher
program.
3-2.0
TRADITIONAL PREPARATION
PROGRAMS
3-2.01 An IHE based
traditional educator preparation program that leads to licensure in Arkansas
must meet the following requirements:
3-2.01.1
Prior to implementation of an 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 IHE-based EPP is considered eligible
by the Division to provide professional education programs leading to educator
licensure in Arkansas if it meets standards and requirements set forth in the
Institutions of Higher Education Protocol for the Review and Approval of
Programs of Study Leading to Educator Licensure in Arkansas.
3-3.0
ALTERNATIVE
PREPARATION PROGRAMS
3-3.01 An
alternative provider educator preparation program that leads to first-time
licensure in Arkansas at the post-baccalaureate level must meet the following
requirements:
3-3.01.1 IHE-based EPP is
considered eligible by the Division to provide professional education programs
leading to educator licensure in Arkansas if it meets standards and
requirements set forth in the Institutions of Higher Education Protocol for the
Review and Approval of Programs of Study Leading to Educator Licensure in
Arkansas.
3-3.01.2 Non-IHE-based
EPP is considered eligible by the Division to provide professional education
programs leading to educator licensure in Arkansas if it meets standards and
requirements set forth in the Alternative Preparation Provider Protocol for the
Review and Approval of Programs of Study Leading to Educator Licensure in
Arkansas.
3-4.0
STATE REVIEW PROCESS
3-4.01 Approved educator preparation programs
shall regularly undergo a review process to determine if programs are meeting
continuous improvement indicators that are aligned with Arkansas education
workforce needs.
3-4.01.1 The State Review
shall, at a minimum, include:
3-4.01.1.1 An
annual audit of educator preparation providers;
3-4.01.1.2 An Science of Reading audit every
three years in accordance with the Right to Read Act and the Arkansas LEARNS
Act.
3-4.01.1.3 Onsite review of
Educator preparation provider;
3-4.01.1.3.1
Onsite reviews will be conducted by teams consisting of peer reviewers and
content and pedagogical specialists and scheduled every 6 years. Onsite reviews
may be conducted more frequently if areas for improvement require more frequent
examination.
3-4.01.1.4 A
process for the educator preparation providers to address areas needing
improvement;
3-4.01.2 The
framework for the review process will consist of domains that include, but are
not limited to, the evaluation of: candidate recruitment, program experience,
candidate assessment, employment, and completer effectiveness and
preparedness.
3-4.01.3 Common data
measures will be established by a committee of practitioners for the evaluation
of the domains.
3-4.01.4 Annual
reporting of progress will be shared with education preparation providers and
stakeholders.
3-5.0
SUSPENSION OR DISCONTINUANCE OF
PROGRAM APPROVAL
3-5.01 State approval
of an educator preparation 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 address areas needing improvement as
identified through the state review process.
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 3-4.01 an
educator preparation provider shall inform current students in its programs and
shall post on its website the institution's or the provider's 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 Division may allow
candidates already enrolled to complete the
program.
CHAPTER 4: ADDING AREAS TO A LICENSE
4-1.0
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR
ENDORSEMENT - EDUCATOR PREPARATION PROGRAMS
4-1.01 All applicants for licensure
endorsements shall complete an approved educator preparation program or an
approved pathway for a licensure level and content area.
4-1.02 An applicant should consult the
Division's website for the most recently-approved program or pathway
requirements for each permit or license available.
4-1.03 An educator preparation provider shall
apply to the Division for approval based on these rules and the Division's
protocol for program approval.
4-1.03.1
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 licensure endorsement shall provide instruction in:
4-1.03.1.1 Coursework aligned to the Arkansas
Educator Competencies for the licensure areas offered.
4-1.03.1.2 Scientific Reading Instruction.
4-1.03.1.2.1 Completers of endorsement
educator preparation programs leading to Elementary Education (K-6) or Special
Education (K-12) licensure cannot receive an endorsement to a standard license
if a prescribed pathway for proficiency credential has not been completed.
Completers of endorsement educator preparation providers leading to all other
licensure areas cannot receive an endorsement to a standard license if a
Prescribed Pathway for Awareness Credential has not been
completed.
4-1.03.2 Exception area endorsement programs
must include a clinical internship if required by the Arkansas Educator
Competencies for the licensure area.
4-1.03.3 IHE-based EPP is considered eligible
by the Division to provide professional education programs leading to educator
licensure in Arkansas if it meets standards and requirements set forth in the
Institutions of Higher Education Protocol for the Review and Approval of
Programs of Study Leading to Educator Licensure in Arkansas.
4-1.03.4 Non-IHE-based EPP is considered
eligible by the Division to provide professional education programs leading to
educator licensure in Arkansas if it meets standards and requirements set forth
in the Alternative Preparation Provider Protocol for the Review and Approval of
Programs of Study Leading to Educator Licensure in
Arkansas.
4-2.0
EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP PREPARATION PROGRAMS
4-2.01 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.
4-2.02 To obtain
and maintain state approval, principal leadership programs must document in the
program's application for approval:
4-2.02.1
Rigorous admission requirements for candidates;
4-2.02.2 Primary partnerships with one (1) or
more educational entities; and
4-2.02.3 A clinical internship, residency, or
apprenticeship requirement that includes site-based and in-person interaction
among school supervisors, program faculty, and candidates.
4-2.03 Programs shall include meaningful
leadership interactions throughout the program with school personnel, students,
and community members, with the support of program
faculty.
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:
5-1.04.1 For a currently valid license,
January 1 of the following year through December 31 of the fifth year from the
expiration date of the existing license; or
5-1.04.2 For licenses that are expired at the
time of renewal, the date the expired license was renewed through December 31
of the fourth 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 Division 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 Division:
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 Division'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 as identified in Appendix B.
5-2.02.3.1 The Division 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 The Division may issue a
Provisional License to an employed applicant who has not completed the required
awareness credential.
5-2.04 Every
standard Arkansas educator's license will be renewed with an Educator Career
Continuum designation for which the applicant qualifies under Section 6-6.0.
5-2.04.1 A standard Arkansas educator's
license will be renewed with a Career Professional Educator designation unless
the applicant qualifies for the Lead Professional Educator or Master
Professional Educator 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
REINSTATEMENT OF A REVOKED
LICENSE
5-4.01 The State Board may
reinstate a revoked license if:
5-4.01.1 Ten
(10) years have passed since the date of revocation if the revocation was based
on a felony disqualifying offense under §
6-17-410 or an ethics violation
under §
6-17-428; or
5-4.01.2 Five (5) years have passed since the
date the license was revoked if the revocation was for any reason other than
those set forth in Section 5 4.01.1 of these Rules.
5-4.02 The State Board shall not reinstate a
revoked license when the reasons for the revocation concerned the:
5-4.02.1 Physical or sexual injury of another
person;
5-4.02.2 Physical or sexual
abuse of another person;
5-4.02.3
Physical mistreatment of another person resulting in death; or
5-4.02.4 Sexual mistreatment of another
person.
5-4.03 The State
Board may reinstate a revoked license with or without a hearing if the
applicant provides evidence from the Department of Human Services that the
Department has removed the applicant's name from the Child Maltreatment Central
Registry.
5-4.03.1 The item will be placed on
the Consent agenda for the State Board's next regularly scheduled monthly
meeting following the submission of a completed application and relevant
evidence.
5-4.03.2 The State Board
may remove the item from the consent agenda for further review as follows:
5-4.03.2.1 The State Board may move to
request that the item be placed on the action agenda for its next available
regularly scheduled monthly board meeting for review.
5-4.03.2.2 If the State Board removes the
item from the consent agenda, the Division shall notify the educator of the
following:
5-4.03.2.2.1 The State Board
elected to hold a hearing to review the educator's application;
5-4.03.2.2.2 The date, time, and location for
the hearing;
5-4.03.2.2.3 The
educator may appear in person, with or without an attorney, to present the
educator's case to the State Board and answer questions.
5-4.03.2.3 A representative from the Division
shall introduce the item at the review hearing.
5-4.03.2.4 The educator or his/her attorney
may elect to:
5-4.03.2.4.1 Appear at the
subsequent review meeting and have ten (10) minutes to present his or her case
to the State Board. Additional time may be granted at the discretion of the
board chair. The board members may ask questions of the educator or his/her
attorney or the representative of the Division.
5-4.03.2.5 If the educator does not appear
for the subsequent review or send his or her attorney to appear on behalf of
the educator, the State Board shall conduct the subsequent review without the
educator or his/her attorney and make a final decision.
5-4.04 An application for
reinstatement of revoked license must include the following:
5-4.04.1 A written request notifying the
Office of Educator Effectiveness and PLSB of intent to seek the reinstatement
of a revoked license;
5-4.04.2 An
updated criminal records background check. All associated costs are the
responsibility of the applicant;
5-4.04.3 A minimum of three (3) reference
letters from educational ' professionals attesting to the applicant's character
and fitness to serve as an educator. Each individual providing a reference must
submit the letter directly to the Office of Educator Effectiveness and PLSB.
The letter must include the notarized signature of the individual providing the
reference and his or her contact information including email address, mailing
address, and telephone number; and
5-4.04.4 Documentation of having completed
any and all requirements of any criminal sentence, made restitution if
applicable, paid any fine issued by the State Board of Education for ethics
violations and, does not pose a threat to the health, safety, and welfare of
public school students and public school employees.
5-4.04.5 The applicant must meet all current
certification requirements in place at the time of application for an initial
certification, including current testing requirements.
5-4.04.6 After receipt of a complete
application for reinstatement of a revoked license, the Division of Elementary
and Secondary Education shall send notice to the applicant that he or she may
request a hearing before the State Board. The applicant must request a hearing
within thirty (30) days of receipt of notice of a completed
application.
5-4.04.7 Reinstatement
of a Revoked License Hearing Procedures.
5-4.04.7.1 An individual whose teaching
license was revoked following an ethics complaint under 6- 17-428 shall release
to the State Board any confidential information regarding an ethics complaint
made against the individual upon the individual's application for reinstatement
of his or her revoked license. Any confidential information concerning student
information regardless of the format of the information, which may include, but
is not limited to, communications (physical and electronic); photographs
(physical and electronic); audio or video recordings (analog and digital) shall
be redacted and or edited to protect the identity of the person(s) that is
currently or was a student at the time of the incident.
5-4.04.7.2 Each party shall exchange exhibits
and witness lists not less than ten (10) calendar days before the scheduled
hearing date, unless both parties agree to a shorter period of time.
5-4.04.7.3 Requests for subpoenas must be
received in the Office of Legal Counsel not less than ten (10) calendar days
before the hearing date.
5-4.04.7.4
Each party will have the opportunity to present an opening statement of no
longer than five (5) minutes, beginning with the representative of the
Division. The Chairperson of the State Board may, only for good cause shown and
upon the request of either party, allow either party additional time to present
their opening statements.
5-4.04.7.5 Each party will have ten (10)
minutes to present their cases, beginning with the representative of the
Division. The Chairperson of the State Board may, only for good cause shown and
upon the request of either party, allow either party additional time to present
their cases.
5-4.04.7.6 Every
witness giving oral testimony must be sworn under oath by the Chair of the
State Board and shall be subject to direct examination, cross examination, and
questioning by the State Board.
5-4.04.7.7 For the purposes of the record,
documents offered during the hearing by the Division shall be clearly marked
"DESE' and numbered in sequential, numeric order (for example:
DESE-1).
5-4.04.7.8 For the
purposes of the record, documents offered during the hearing by the Educator
shall be clearly marked "Educator" and numbered in sequential, numeric order
(for example: Educator-1).
5-4.04.7.9 While the scope of each party's
presentation ultimately lies within the State Board Chairperson's discretion,
case presentation should be arranged in such a way as to avoid redundant
testimony.
5-4.04.7.10 After both
parties have presented their cases, the State Board may allow each party to
present limited rebuttal testimony.
5-4.04.7.11 Each party will be given five (5)
minutes to present a closing argument, ending with the Division.
5-4.05 After a hearing,
the State Board may take one (1) or more of the following actions:
5-4.05.1 Place or grant a license on
probationary status for a terminable period of time with the license to be
revoked or suspended if the probationary period is not successfully
completed;
5-4.05.2 Require a
licensee to complete appropriate professional development programs, education
courses, or both;
5-4.05.3 Impose
conditions or restrictions on the teaching or educational activities of the
applicant;
5-4.05.4 Impose any
other requirement or penalty as may be appropriate under the circumstances of
the case and which would achieve the State Board's desired disciplinary
purposes; or
5-4.05.5 Take no
action against a license.
5-4.05.6
After making its decision, the State Board shall reduce its decision to writing
and shall mail copies of the decision to each party and each party's
attorney.
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 Occupational Therapy, if the degree
was awarded by an accredited occupational therapy program;
5-5.01.4 Speech-Language Pathology, if the
degree was awarded by an accredited speech-language pathology
program;
5-5.01.5 School
Psychology, Psychology, or Counseling, if the degree was awarded by an
accredited school psychology program; or
5-5.01.6 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 Division may use
a current Principles of Learning and Teaching exam or the Division may request
that the State Board approve an alternative method of demonstrating subject
matter content competency.
5-5.03
An applicant who is not a U.S. citizen shall provide evidence satisfactory to
the Division 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 Division shall
grant active duty service members, returning military veterans, and their
spouses automatic licensure pursuant to Act 135 of 2021.
5-5.05 The Division may issue a duplicate of
a current license upon application of a current license holder, with payment of
the non-refundable application fee.
5-5.06 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, per
Section 5-5.07, will be null and void.
5-5.07 The Division, as authorized by the
State Board, reserves the right to amend or rescind any license that has been
issued in error.
5-5.08 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, tests, endorsements, or levels of
licensure that were recognized by the State Board prior to the effective date
of these Rules.
5-5.09 The Division
shall not remove a licensure content area, or level of licensure, or
designation once a license is issued, unless issued in error.
5-5.10 Any license issued by the Division is
subject to disciplinary action as provided by law, up to and including
revocation by the State Board.
5-5.10.1 The
Division may deny a license to an applicant who has been determined to have an
ethics violation under the Division's Rules Governing the Code of Ethics for
Arkansas Educators that is at a level equivalent to:
5-5.10.1.1 Suspension, for the period of the
sanction; or
5-5.10.1.2
Revocation.
CHAPTER 6: REQUIREMENTS FOR ADDING AREAS, ENDORSEMENTS, AND DESIGNATIONS ADDING ADMINISTRATOR ENDORSEMENTS
6-1.0
Building-Level Administrator
Endorsement
6-1.01 The Division shall
issue a Building-Level Administrator endorsement to a Standard License, and as
specifically limited in these rules to a standard License or Career- Technical
Permit that requires a bachelor's degree, as provided in these rules upon
receipt of the following:
6-1.01.1 A completed
application for licensure;
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 from a
Division approved program; or 6-6-6-1.01.2.2 In education or a licensure area,
with the addition of a Division approved program of study that includes
coursework in Educational Leadership and an internship;
6-1.01.2.3 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 signs and verifies 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 Division or an accredited educational leadership
program;
6-1.01.3 An
official score report refiecting 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.
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 The experience requirement may be
satisfied by equivalent working experience, including without limitation
employment with an education service cooperative or the Division or
postsecondary institution.
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 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 of
effective performance as demonstrated on a performance evaluation if the
applicant is not employed by an Arkansas public
school.
6-2.0
Program Administrator Endorsement
6-2.01 The Division shall issue 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.
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 from a
DESE approved program;
6-2.01.2.2
Education;
6-2.01.2.3 In education
or licensure area with the addition of a Division approved program of study
that includes coursework in Educational Leadership and an internship;
6-2.01.2.4 A Career and Technical Education
area recognized by the Arkansas Division of Career and Technical education with
the addition of a Division approved program of study that includes coursework
in Educational Leadership and an internship;
6-2.01.2.5 An applicant with an older
Building-Level Administrator license that is for less than all levels K- 12 who
is seeking to add a licensure level shall complete a current internship for the
licensure levels missing from the existing license;
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 signs and verifies 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 2021, 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 assessment requirements.
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 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, occupational therapy, or school psychology, while employed
by a public or private school.
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 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 area that is
related to the career and technical education area taught by the educator, as
determined by the Division.
6-2.01.4.4
Curriculum-Program
Administrator - Experience as a school counselor, library media
specialist, or classroom teacher in any licensure area or level of licensure;
or
6-2.01.4.5
Adult
Education - Classroom teaching experience in the area of adult
education.
6-2.01.4.6 The
experience requirement may be satisfied by equivalent working experience,
including without limitation employment with an education service cooperative
or the Division or a postsecondary institution.
6-3.0
District-Level Administrator Endorsement
6-3.01 The Division shall issue a
District-Level Administrator endorsement to a Standard License upon receipt of
the following from an applicant holding a Building-Level or Program
Administrator License:
6-3.01.1 A completed
application for licensure.
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 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 sign and
verifies the application for licensure.
6-3.01.3 An official transcript documenting
successful completion of a Division-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 2021,
the program of study must meet the requirements of Section 3-4.02 of these
rules;
6-3.01.3.1.1 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 Division 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 program
administrator.
6-3.01.6 This
one-year experience requirement may be satisfied by experience with an
education service cooperative or the Division if the Division determines that
the experience is substantially equivalent to building-level administration
experience.
ADDING OTHER ENDORSEMENTS, AREAS, AND LEVELS OF LICENSURE
6-4.0
General
Provisions
6-4.01 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 Division approved endorsements is
published on the Division's website.
6-4.02 The Division shall add an endorsement,
licensure t area, or level of license to a Standard License upon receipt of the
following from an applicant:
6-4.02.1 A
completed application for addition of area or level;
6-4.02.2 Eighteen (18) hours in the content
area with a GPA of 3.0 or higher completed within the previous ten (10) years
or an official score report reflecting passing scores, as approved by the State
Board, on the appropriate licensure area assessment and other applicable
assessments mandated by the State Board; and
6-4.02.3 If an endorsement requires a program
of study (see Division's website), 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
area to be taught and an official score report reflecting passing scores, as
approved by the State Board, on the appropriate licensure area assessment and
other applicable assessments mandated by the State Board
6-4.02.3.1 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.
6-4.03 An applicant whose
program of study was completed more than ten (10) years before the date of
application shall be required to meet all current assessment requirements as
determined by either the Division or an accredited educational program; 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; and
6-4.04 For
applicants seeking an endorsement for Elementary Education (K-6) or Special
Education (K-12), or Special Education Resource (K-6) for those entering a
program after Fall 2023 and thereafter, an official score report reflecting
passing scores on the stand- alone reading assessment, as adopted by the State
Board, unless already proficient through an approved, prescribed
pathway.
6-4.05 To add an
Elementary Education (K-6), (7-12) English Language Arts, Mathematics, or
Science, (7-12) Special Education Resource endorsement by program of study, an
applicant shall:
6-4.05.1 Hold a standard
Elementary Education (K-6) or 4-8 license, or a standard 7-12 license in the
areas of English Language Arts, Mathematics, or Science;
6-4.05.2 Document successful completion of an
approved program of study in special education, to include:
6-4.05.2.1 SPED 101 Academy or course aligned
to the SPED 101 educator competencies.
6-4.05.3 Document successful completion of
the special education content area assessments approved by the State
Board.
6-4.05.4 The training or
coursework, or in combination, under Section 6-4.05.2 shall include at a
minimum multi-sensory reading instruction and classroom management for special
education.
6-4.05.5 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.
6-5.0
Addition of Areas and Endorsements to an Arkansas Standard License by
Reciprocity
6-5.01 The following
applies to an applicant for an endorsement area who holds an Arkansas Standard
License:
6-5.01.1 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
6-5.01.2 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 in the reciprocal state.
6-5.02 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 these
rules.
6-5.03 The Division may seek
a review of the program of study by the Professional Licensure Standards Board
to determine the qualifications.
6-6.0
Application for an Educator
Career Continuum Designation on a Standard License
6-6.01 The Division will issue a Standard
License based on recommendations for licensure requirements from the
Professional Licensure Standards Board as follows:
6-6.01.1 Early Career Professional Educator
Designation: The Early Career Professional Educator Designation is a first-time
standard or traditional license. The licensee may renew the license or seek a
Career Professional Educator Designation after meeting the requirements for the
Career Professional Educator Designation.
6-6.01.2 Career Professional Educator
Designation: The educator holding this standard license will be recognized as a
career professional with a strong commitment to the teaching profession. The
requirements for a Career Professional Educator Designation will include at a
minimum that the applicant meets the requirements for an Early Career
Professional Educator Designation, 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 outlined in the
state-approved evaluation framework, or an equivalent measure if the applicant
is not employed by an Arkansas public school at the time of application.
6-7.0
Application for Career Professional Educator Designation
6-7.01 An applicant holding an Arkansas Early
Career Professional Educator Designation in good standing may apply for the
designation of Career Professional Educator by completing the appropriate
online application in AELS, and providing the following with the online
application:
6-7.01.1 Documentation of three
(3) years of licensed teaching experience, which may include teaching with a
provisional license that is in good standing; and
6-7.01.2 Verification 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.
6-8.0
Lead Professional Educator Designation
6-8.01 The Lead Professional Educator
Designation provides opportunities for educators to assume leadership roles
without leaving the classroom and provides opportunities for an educator who
aspires to be in a leadership role can do so without leaving the
classroom.
6-8.02 The requirements
for a Lead Professional Educator Designation will include the requirements of
the Career Professional Educator Designation, and the applicant will also meet
the additional requirements for demonstrating competency in teacher leadership
by successfully completing an approved leadership pathway aligned with Learning
Forward's Teacher Leader Model Standards.
6-9.0
Application for Lead Professional
Educator Designation - In-State or By Reciprocity
6-9.1 An applicant may add the designation of
Lead Professional Educator to an Arkansas standard license in good standing by
completing the appropriate online application, and providing the following with
the online application:
6.9.1.1 Documentation
of three (3) years of licensed teaching experience; and
6.9.1.2 Verification that the applicant has
performed at the level of an Effective Teacher as evidenced by the most recent
summative evaluation, or equivalent completed in the last four (4) years before
applying for the license; and
6-9.1.3 Documentation of 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
Designation or a Division-approved program.
6-10.0
Master Professional Educator
Designation
6-10.01 The Master
Professional Educator Designation provides opportunities for educators to
assume leadership roles without leaving the classroom and provides
opportunities for an educator who aspires to be in a leadership role can do so
without leaving the classroom.
6-10.02 The requirements for a Professional
Educator Designation will include the requirements of the Career Professional
Educator Designation, and the applicant will also meet the additional
requirements for demonstrating competency in teacher leadership by successfully
completing an approved leadership pathway aligned with Learning Forward's
Teacher Leader Model Standards.
6-11.0
Application for Master
Professional Educator Designation - In-State or By Reciprocity:
6-.11.1 An applicant may add the designation
of Master Professional Educator to an Arkansas standard license in good
standing by completing the appropriate online application, and providing the
following with the online application:
6-11.1.1 Documentation of three (3) years of
licensed teaching experience; and
6-11.1.2 Verification 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
6-11.1.3 Documentation of one
of the following:
6-11.1.3.1 Receipt of one of
the following awards:
6-11.2.3.1.1 Arkansas
Teacher of the Year;
6-11.2.3.1.2
National Teacher of the Year;
6-11.2.3.1.3 Out of state Teacher of the
Year;
6-11.2.3.1.4 Milken Educator
Award;
6-11.2.3.1.5 Presidential
Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching;
6-11.2.3.1.6 Nationally approved award
recognized by the State Board;
6-11.2.3.1.7 Board certification from the
National Board for Professional Teaching Standards that is a current
certification at the time of application; or
6-11.2.3.1.8 Successful completion of:
6-11.2.3.1.8.1 A master's degree or higher in
the content area, or a Master's Degree or higher and eighteen (18) graduate
hours in the teacher's content area; and successful completion of a DESE-
approved program; or
6-11.2.3.1.8.2
Completion of an approved competency-based pathway aligned with standards
adopted by the State Board program.
CHAPTER 7: LICENSURE EXCEPTIONS
7-1.0
LICENSURE EXCEPTIONS
GENERALLY
7-1.01 Except as specifically
allowed by law, rule, or regulation, no person shall be employed by a public
school in an out-of-area position for more than sixty (60) 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 (ETP)
Effective Teacher Licensure Exception (ETL)
Additional Licensure Plan (ALP)
Administrator Licensure Completion Plan (ALCP)
Long-term Substitute Teacher (LTS)
Waivers from Licensure Rules or Laws
Aspiring Teacher Permit (ATP)
7-1.03 Notwithstanding the other provisions
of this Chapter 7, if the State Board or the Commissioner of Elementary and
Secondary 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 as teacher of record.
7-2.02 Upon submission by an educational
entity of the application required by the Division, the Division may issue an
Emergency Teaching Permit to a non-licensed person hired to fill a teaching,
school counseling, and library media 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 for extenuating
circumstances upon the Division's approval of the school district's application
for the extension. The school district's application must demonstrate that the
individual employed under the emergency teaching permit made progress in
acquiring licensure for the area covered by the emergency teaching
permit.
7-2.02.1.3 The emergency
teaching permit will end automatically if the individual employed under the
permit becomes licensed in the area covered by the emergency teaching
permit.
7-2.02.2 A
person hired under an emergency teaching permit must have relevant work
experience in the content area, a bachelor's degree from an accredited college
or university, and one of the following requirements:
7-2.02.2.1 The bachelor's degree or advanced
degree is in the content area in which the educator will teach;
7-2.02.2.2 The bachelor's degree or advanced
degree contains a minimum of eighteen (18) college credit hours in the content
area in which the educator will teach;
7-2.02.2.3 The educator has successfully
completed a content area assessment approved by the State Board of Education
for the content area in which the educator will teach;
7-2.02.2.4 The educator is a National Board
Certified Teacher for the content area in which the educator will
teach.
7-2.02.3 The
permit holder shall successfully complete the state and federal criminal
records checks and the Child Maltreatment Central Registry check in accordance
with the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education Rules Governing
Background Checks.
7-2.02.4 The
educational entity shall report the Emergency Teaching Permit as a licensure
exception in the Division's data reporting system.
7.2.02.5 The emergency teaching permit cannot
be issued for Special Education.
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 seeking to be taught
shall not be more than one (1) grade above or one (1) grade below the grade
level that the teacher is currently licensed in and has received an Effective
Teacher in summative rating.
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 Division; 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 Division approval for this licensure exception but shall:
7-3.01.6.1 Report the Effective Teacher
Licensure Exception in the Division'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 Division
monitoring.
7-4.0
ADDITIONAL LICENSURE PLAN
(ALP)
7-4.01 The Division shall issue
an ALP to an individual holding a Standard or Provisional 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 Division.
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 Division-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 Division-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 Division-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 to 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 Division 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
Division 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 Division, 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 license under rules;
7-5.01.3.2 Successful completion of a
graduate-level program of study as required for the appropriate administrator
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 Division 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 Division 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
sixty (60) consecutive instructional days in the same class during a school
year unless the substitute teacher instructing the class has:
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 (60) consecutive instructional days unless
the substitute is fully licensed in Arkansas for areas in which the substitute
is employed.
7-6.03.1 A substitute teacher may
not provide instruction to any student for longer than two
semesters.
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 sixty (60)
consecutive instructional days after the date of the assignment.
7-6.05 Before the long-term substitute (LTS)
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 Division of Elementary and Secondary Education Rules
Governing Background Checks. Prior to employment, a long-term substitute must
also provide proof that he or she has obtained a bachelor's degree. Proof of
the bachelor's degree must accompany the request sent to the Division of
Elementary and Secondary Education for approval of employment of a long-term
substitute.
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 Division's reporting system:
7-7.01.1 Waivers granted in the original or
amended charter of a public charter school under the Arkansas Quality Charter
Schools 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 Division Rules Governing Arkansas Qualified Teacher Requirements if
teaching in a core subject area.
7-7.03 The district superintendent or charter
school director shall send written notice of the assignment of a teacher on an
ALP, LTS, or emergency teaching permit to the parent or guardian of each
student in the teacher's classroom no later than sixty (60) consecutive
instructional days after the date of the assignment.
7-8.0
ASPIRING TEACHER PERMIT
7-8.01 An aspiring teacher permit authorizes
an aspiring teacher to be hired as a teacher of record for a teaching vacancy
but not as a temporary or long-term substitute.
7-8.02 Upon submission by an educational
entity of the application required by the Division, the aspiring teacher can be
hired under the following conditions:
7-8.02.1
The permit holder must be enrolled in a traditional educator preparation
program for the licensure area in which they will be teacher of
record;
7-8.02.2 The permit holder
must have met all requirements for internship/residency at the IHE and can
complete the internship/residency while employed as teacher of
record;
7-8.02.3 A Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) of support between the IHE and the school district has been
established and submitted to the Division;
7-8.02.3 Met all first-time licensure
requirements as referenced in 3-1.03.1
7-8.02.4 Passing scores on all content area
assessments required (including the stand-alone reading assessment for
elementary education K-6 and special education K-12)
7-8.02.3 The permit holder must have a
district-assigned experienced mentor teacher that meets the following
requirements:
7-8.02.3.1 A minimum of three
(3) years of licensed teaching experience;
7-8.02.3.2 Current effective teacher
summative evaluation;
7-8.02.3.3
Trained or enrolled in DESE approved mentor coaching; and
7-8.02.3.4 It is required that the
experienced mentor teacher have a Master or Lead teacher designation.
APPENDIX A: 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, Adding a Designation |
N/A |
|
Name Change |
N/A |
APPENDIX B: REQUIRED PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
* Child Maltreatment/Mandated Reporting per Ark. Code Ann. § 6-61-133
* Family and Community Engagement per Ark. Code Ann. § 6-15-1703
* Mental Health Awareness and Teen Suicide Awareness and Prevention per Ark. Code Ann. § 6-17-708
* Bullying Prevention per Ark. Code Ann. § 6-17-711
* Dyslexia per Ark. Code Ann. § 6-41-609
* Human Trafficking per Ark. Code Ann. § 6-17-710
* Arkansas History per Ark. Code Ann. § 6-17- 418
Please also see Ark. Code Ann. § 6-17-709 and the DESE Rules Governing Professional Development.
APPENDIX C: LICENSURE PATHWAYS CHART
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.
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