To create a certification endorsement for educators aligned to new civics curriculum and the Civic Literacy Excellence Initiative. The effect will be educators completing additional training in civics education to add an ....

 

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

State Board of Education

RULE NO.:RULE TITLE:

6A-4.0164Specialization Requirements for the Civics Seal of Excellence (Endorsement)

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: To create a certification endorsement for educators aligned to new civics curriculum and the Civic Literacy Excellence Initiative. The effect will be educators completing additional training in civics education to add an endorsement to their Florida educator certificates.

SUMMARY: The Florida Department of Education (FDOE) currently offers endorsements in ten (10) subject areas including gifted, ESOL, and reading. Educators complete either college coursework or a FDOE approved training program to become eligible for the endorsements, which must be added to a valid certificate with at least one full subject coverage. At this time, a separate civics endorsement is not one of the ten (10) subject areas. The new rule will create an endorsement specifically in the area of civics education and it will outline the available pathway for educators to meet the subject requirements to add the endorsement to their valid educator certificates.

SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COSTS AND LEGISLATIVE RATIFICATION:

The Agency has determined that this will not have an adverse impact on small business or likely increase directly or indirectly regulatory costs in excess of $200,000 in the aggregate within one year after the implementation of the rule. A SERC has not been prepared by the Agency.

The Agency has determined that the proposed rule is not expected to require legislative ratification based on the statement of estimated regulatory costs or if no SERC is required, the information expressly relied upon and described herein: The proposed rule amendment is not expected to have any adverse impact on economic growth or business competitiveness, or increase regulatory costs or any other factor set forth in s. 120.541(2), F.S. and will not require legislative ratification. This is based upon the nature of the proposed changes, which creates a new certification endorsement in the subject area of civics education.

Any person who wishes to provide information regarding a statement of estimated regulatory costs, or provide a proposal for a lower cost regulatory alternative must do so in writing within 21 days of this notice.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY: 1001.02, 1012.55, 1012.56, F.S.

LAW IMPLEMENTED: 1001.02, 1012.54, 1012.55, 1012.56, 1012.586, F.S.

A HEARING WILL BE HELD AT THE DATE, TIME AND PLACE SHOWN BELOW:

DATE AND TIME: February 9, 2022, 9:00 a.m.

PLACE: Tallahassee Community College, Student Union Ballroom, 444 Appleyard Dr., Tallahassee, FL 32304.

THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE IS: Daniel M. Moore, Bureau Chief, Educator Certification, 325 West Gaines Street, Ste. 201, Tallahassee, FL 32399, [phone].

 

THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:

6A-4.0164 Specialization Requirements for the Civics Seal of Excellence (Endorsement).

(1) In order to be eligible for the Civics Seal of Excellence Endorsement, an educator must:

(a)  Hold a valid Florida Educator Certificate issued by the Department of Education under Section 1012.56, F.S.; and

(b)  Complete a Department of Education civics and government training program aligned to Florida’s standards for Civics and Government adopted in Rule 6A-1.09401, F.A.C.

(2) The civics and government training program must consist of a minimum of fifty (50) contact hours and address the following:

(a) The philosophical underpinnings of the American Republic and the root foundation of American exceptionalism;

(b) The success of the United States and the success or failure of other nations’ governing philosophies to evaluate their past, present and likely future effects;

(c) The value of civic pride and regular participation by citizens in all levels of the government; and

(d) The rights and responsibilities of  citizens, including the process of advocating properly with government officials. 

(3) Educators must register to participate in the civics and government training program in a manner prescribed by the Department of Education.

(4) Upon successful completion of the civics and government training program, educators must submit an application per Rule 6A-4.0012, F.A.C., to the Department of Education Bureau of Educator Certification to add the Civics Seal of Excellence (Endorsement) to their valid Florida Educator Certificate.

Rulemaking Authority 1001.02, 1012.55, 1012.56 FS. Law Implemented 1001.02, 1012.54, 1012.55, 1012.56, 1012.586 FS. History–New

 

NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE: Daniel M. Moore, Bureau Chief, Educator Certification.

NAME OF AGENCY HEAD WHO APPROVED THE PROPOSED RULE: Richard Corcoran, Commissioner, Department of Education.

DATE PROPOSED RULE APPROVED BY AGENCY HEAD: December 21, 2021

DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAR: August 25, 2021