(a) A GaPSC-approved educator preparation provider may seek state approval to offer this field as either a stand-alone endorsement program or as an endorsement program embedded in a GaPSC-approved initial preparation program or an advanced (degree-only) preparation program. In addition to meeting all applicable approval requirements and standards, embedded endorsement programs must meet requirements specified in paragraph (e) 3. (ix) of GaPSC educator preparation rule 505-3-.01, REQUIREMENTS AND STANDARDS FOR APPROVING EDUCATOR PREPARATION PROVIDERS AND EDUCATOR PREPARATION PROGRAMS.
(b) To receive approval, a GaPSC-approved educator preparation provider shall offer a preparation program described in program planning forms, catalogs, and syllabi addressing the following standards:
1. Foundations of PBIS. Providers will prepare candidates who demonstrate the following competencies:
(i) Understanding the role of school culture and climate in student success and effective behavior management;
(ii) Knowledge of interconnected systems framework (e.g., mental health, trauma-informed care, suicide prevention);
(iii) Understanding of behavioral principles, including, but not limited to, schedules of reinforcement and punishment, operant conditioning, and teaching strategies of proactive behavior management; and
(iv) Knowledge of the origins of the tiered public health prevention model and its connection to a tiered behavior supports framework.
2. School Wide Positive Behavior Interventions and Support (SWPBIS). Providers will prepare candidates who demonstrate the following competencies:
(i) Team-based implementation in the context of tiered systems across the continuum of supports;
(ii) Discipline through the PBIS lens of teaching expected behaviors first in all interventions;
(iii) Identification of critical features of School-Wide Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports through the Critical Features as outlined by the Association for Positive Behavior Supports; and
(iv) Assessment of Critical Features at the school-wide level (e.g., Tiered Fidelity Inventory (TFI), Self-Assessment Survey (SAS), School-wide Evaluation Tool (SET)).
3. Data-Based Decision-Making. Providers will prepare candidates who demonstrate the following competencies:
(i) An understanding of data collection systems and/or use of current student information systems (e.g., School-Wide Information System (SWIS), Infinite Campus, PowerSchool, etc.);
(ii) Use of data to determine the impact of intervention on behavioral outcomes;
(iii) Understanding of behavior in context, including the development of precision statements based upon classroom, school-wide and district data; and
(iv) Knowledge of methods of analyzing discipline data (office referrals, out of school suspension and in school suspension) to address disproportionality.
4. Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS). Providers will prepare candidates who demonstrate the following competencies:
(i) At the Universal tier: Candidates will demonstrate skills required for positive school-wide, classroom, and individual behavior management as it relates to the curriculum (or Tier 1 plan) including:
(I) Definition and rationale;
(II) Evidence-based practices; and
(III) Assessment practices and outcomes.
(ii) At the Targeted tier: Candidates will demonstrate an understanding of the process for identifying concerns, developing strategies and targeting students who require behavior support and instruction beyond the Tier I level including:
(I) Definition and rationale;
(II) Evidence-based practices;
(III) Assessment practices and outcomes; and
(IV) Progress monitoring and evaluation.
(iii) At the Intensive tier: Candidates will demonstrate the application of "functional behavioral assessment" and "behavior support planning" in the context of Intensive Systems including:
(I) Definition and rationale;
(II) Evidence-based practices;
(III) Assessment practices and outcomes; and
(IV) Progress monitoring and evaluation.
5. Creating Positive Learning Environments. Providers will prepare candidates who demonstrate the following competencies:
(i) Competencies for PBIS classroom management include:
(I) Maximize structure;
(II) Teach expectations, rules and procedures;
(III) Actively engage students;
(IV) Acknowledge appropriate behavior; and
(V) Respond to inappropriate behavior.
(ii) Competencies for culturally responsive practices include:
(I) Use students' cultures and experiences to enhance their participation in the classroom culture; and
(II) Provide all students with access to effective instruction and adequate resources for learning.