This rule amendment serves four purposes: 1) Adopt new Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) competencies and skills, effective October 1, 2015, for the following FTCE subject area examinations: Business Education 6–12 and Spanish K–12; ...

 

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

State Board of Education

RULE NO.:RULE TITLE:

6A-4.0021Florida Teacher Certification Examinations

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: This rule amendment serves four purposes: 1) Adopt new Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) competencies and skills, effective October 1, 2015, for the following FTCE subject area examinations: Business Education 6-12 and Spanish K-12; 2) Adopt new passing scores effective January 1, 2015, for the following examinations: General Knowledge Test (all 4 subtests), Computer Science K-12, Elementary Education K-6 (all 4 subtests), English 6-12, Middle Grades English 5-9, and Technology Education 6-12; 3) Adopt new testing, scoring, and reporting formats and fees effective January 1, 2015, for the following FTCE subject area examinations: English 6-12 and Middle Grades English 5-9; and 4) Simplify rule language establishing passing scores for various assessments without revising passing scores. The effect will be changes to the affected FTCE competencies and skills; new testing, scoring, and reporting formats and fees for the affected examinations; and new passing score requirements for the affected examinations. In addition, the Department will be updating rule language to provide greater specificity in terminology as it relates to standard setting and passing scores.

SUMMARY: The rule is proposed for amendment to adopt the “Competencies and Skills Required for Teacher Certification in Florida, Twenty-First Edition.” In addition, new passing score requirements for five (5) FTCE subject area examinations and the General Knowledge Test will be adopted. Further, new testing, scoring, and reporting formats and fee changes are proposed for two (2) FTCE subject areas.

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: 1) no requirement for SERC was triggered under Section 120.541(1), F.S., and; 2) no new or increased regulatory costs are associated with revised competencies and skills or with new passing scores. The revised fee structure is designed to reduce regulatory costs for the impacted subject areas. Although an indeterminate increase in the number of examinees who are required to retake the examinations is predicted, the expected number of examinees and the resulting fees for the examinations will not approach the threshold for legislative ratification.

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: 1012.56(4), 1012.56(9), 1012.59(1) FS.

LAW IMPLEMENTED: 1012.56(4), 1012.56(9), 1012.59(1) FS.

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

DATE AND TIME: November 18, 2014, 8:30 a.m.

PLACE: Seminole State College, Heathrow Campus, 1055 AAA Drive, Heathrow, FL 32746

THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE IS: Phil Canto, Chief, Bureau of Postsecondary Assessment, Office of Assessment, Division of Accountability, Research, and Measurement, 325 W. Gaines Street, Suite 414, Tallahassee, FL 32399, [phone]

 

THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:

 

6A-4.0021 Florida Teacher Certification Examinations.

(1) Scope. This rule governs the written examinations for teacher certification. Additional requirements for certification are specified in Chapter 6A-4, F.A.C.

(2) Description of the examinations and competencies to be demonstrated.

(a) The Florida Teacher Certification Examinations shall be developed by the Commissioner of Education.

(b) The written examinations shall include subtests of English language skills, reading, writing, mathematics, professional skills, and subject area specialty. These examinations may contain multiple-choice questions and questions requiring the examinee to write an answer or demonstrate a proficiency.

(c) The following competencies are to be demonstrated by means of the written examinations:

1. Before October 1, 2015, July 1, 2013, the general knowledge competencies and skills contained in the publication “Competencies and Skills Required for Teacher Certification in Florida, Eighteenth Edition,” (http://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-01498), which is incorporated by reference and made part of this rule effective July 1, 2013. Beginning March 1, 2014, the general knowledge competencies and skills contained in the publication “Competencies and Skills Required for Teacher Certification in Florida, Nineteenth Edition,” (http://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-02390), which is incorporated by reference and made part of this rule effective March 1, 2014. Beginning April 1, 2014, the general knowledge competencies and skills contained in the publication “Competencies and Skills Required for Teacher Certification in Florida, Twentieth Edition,” (http://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-03636), which is incorporated by reference and made part of this rule effective April 1, 2014. Beginning October 1, 2015, the general knowledge competencies and skills contained in the publication “Competencies and Skills Required for Teacher Certification in Florida, Twenty-First Edition,” (INSERT LINK), which is incorporated by reference and made part of this rule effective October 1, 2015. These publications may be obtained by contacting the Division of Accountability, Research and Measurement, Department of Education, 325 West Gaines Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0400.

2. Before October 1, 2015, July 1, 2013, the professional education competencies and skills contained in the publication “Competencies and Skills Required for Teacher Certification in Florida, Eighteenth Edition,” (http://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-01498), which is incorporated by reference and made part of this rule. Beginning March 1, 2014, the professional education competencies and skills contained in the publication “Competencies and Skills Required for Teacher Certification in Florida, Nineteenth Edition,” which is incorporated by reference and made part of this rule. Beginning April 1, 2014, the professional education competencies and skills contained in the publication “Competencies and Skills Required for Teacher Certification in Florida, Twentieth Edition,” (http://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-03636), which is incorporated by reference and made part of this rule effective April 1, 2014. Beginning October 1, 2015, the professional education competencies and skills contained in the publication “Competencies and Skills Required for Teacher Certification in Florida, Twenty-First Edition,” (INSERT LINK), which is incorporated by reference and made part of this rule effective October 1, 2015. These publications may be obtained by contacting the Division of Accountability, Research and Measurement, Department of Education, 325 West Gaines Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0400.

3. Before October 1, 2015, July 1, 2013, the subject area competencies and skills contained in the publication “Competencies and Skills Required for Teacher Certification in Florida, Eighteenth Edition,” (http://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-01498), which is incorporated by reference and made part of this rule. Beginning March 1, 2014, the subject area competencies and skills contained in the publication “Competencies and Skills Required for Teacher Certification in Florida, Nineteenth Edition,” which is incorporated by reference and made part of this rule. Beginning April 1, 2014, the subject area competencies and skills contained in the publication “Competencies and Skills Required for Teacher Certification in Florida, Twentieth Edition,” (http://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-03636), which is incorporated by reference and made part of this rule effective April 1, 2014. Beginning October 1, 2015, the subject area competencies and skills contained in the publication “Competencies and Skills Required for Teacher Certification in Florida, Twenty-First Edition,” (INSERT LINK), which is incorporated by reference and made part of this rule effective October 1, 2015. These publications may be obtained by contacting the Division of Accountability, Research and Measurement, Department of Education, 325 West Gaines Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0400.

(3) through (4)(d) No change.

(e) Beginning January 1, 2015, registration fees for English 6–12 and Middle Grades English 5–9 shall be as follows:

First-Time Registration (Full Battery)	$200.00
Single Section Retake Registration	$150.00
Full Battery Retake Registration	$220.00

(f)(e) Refunds. Fees may be refunded provided written requests for refunds are received by the test administration agency at least twenty-four (24) hours preceding the examination date. Failure to appear for or to complete an examination shall result in forfeiture of fees.

(5) through (6) No change.

(7) Scoring the general knowledge subtests.

(a) Effective January 2004, the passing scores for the general knowledge subtests listed below shall be a scaled score of at least two hundred (200) for multiple-choice sections. The passing score for the Essay subtest shall be a total raw score of at least six (6). This These scaled score shall be equivalent to the following raw scores on the July 2002 test administration:

1.(a) General Knowledge Reading Subtest: 25 correct items.

2.(b) General Knowledge English Language Skills Subtest: 29 correct items.

3.(c) General Knowledge Mathematics Subtest: 26 correct items.

4.(d) General Knowledge English Essay Subtest: A total raw score of six (6).

(b) Effective January 2015, the passing scores for the general knowledge subtests listed below shall be a scaled score of at least two hundred (200) for multiple-choice sections. The passing score for the Essay subtest shall be a total raw score of at least eight (8). This scaled score shall be equivalent to the following raw scores on the test forms used for standard setting and administered in May 2014:

1. General Knowledge Essay Subtest: A total raw score of at least eight (8).

2. General Knowledge English Language Skills Subtest: twenty-seven (27) correct items.

3. General Knowledge Reading Subtest: twenty-six (26) correct items.

4. General Knowledge Mathematics Subtest: thirty-one (31) correct items.

(8) through (9)(q) No change.

(r) Effective January 1, 2012, the passing score for the subject area specialty examinations listed below shall be a scaled score of at least two hundred (200). This scaled score shall be equivalent to the following raw scores on the test forms used for standard setting and administered between March and April 2011:

SUBJECT	SCORE
Educational Media Specialist PK-12	85 correct items
Exceptional Student Education K-12	81 correct items
Social Science 6-12	87 correct items

Educational Media Specialist PK-12 examination shall be a scaled score of at least two hundred (200). This scaled score shall be equivalent to a raw score of eighty-five (85) correct items on the March 2011 and April 2011 test administrations.

(s) Effective September January 1, 2012, the passing score for the subject area specialty examinations listed below shall be a scaled score of at least two hundred (200). This scaled score shall be equivalent to the following raw scores on the test forms used for standard setting and administered between January 2011 and April 2012:

SUBJECT	SCORE
Biology 6-12	83 correct items
Chemistry 6-12	71 correct items
Earth-Space Science 6-12	83 correct items
Middle Grades General Science 5-9	84 correct items
Physics 6-12	60 correct items

Exceptional Student Education K-12 examination shall be a scaled score of at least two hundred (200). This scaled score shall be equivalent to a raw score of eighty-one (81) correct items on the April 2011 test administration.

(t) Effective September January 1, 2012, the passing score for the subject area specialty examinations listed below shall be a scaled score of at least two hundred (200). This scaled score shall be equivalent to the following raw scores on the test forms used for standard setting and administered between January and March 2012:

SUBJECT	SCORE
Health K-12	83 correct items
Physical Education K-12	85 correct items

Social Science 6-12 examination shall be a scaled score of at least two hundred (200). This scaled score shall be equivalent to a raw score of eighty-seven (87) correct items on the March 2011 test administration.

(u) Effective March September 1, 2012, the passing score for the subject area specialty examinations listed below shall be a scaled score of at least two hundred (200). This scaled score shall be equivalent to the following raw scores on the test forms used for standard setting and administered between May and August 2013:

SUBJECT	SCORE
English for Speakers of Other Languages K-12	81 correct items
Mathematics 6-12	48 correct items
Middle Grades Mathematics 5-9	52 correct items

Biology 6-12 examination shall be a scaled score of at least two hundred (200). This scaled score shall be equivalent to a raw score of eighty-three (83) correct items on the test form used for standard setting and administered between January 2011 and April 2012.

(v) Effective September 1, 2012, the passing score for the Chemistry 6-12 examination shall be a scaled score of at least two hundred (200). This scaled score shall be equivalent to a raw score of seventy-one (71) correct items on the test form used for standard setting and administered between January 2011 and April 2012.

(w) Effective September 1, 2012, the passing score for the Middle Grades General Science 5-9 examination shall be a scaled score of at least two hundred (200). This scaled score shall be equivalent to a raw score of eighty-four (84) correct items on the test form used for standard setting and administered between January 2011 and April 2012.

(x) Effective September 1, 2012, the passing score for the Earth-Space Science 6-12 examination shall be a scaled score of at least two hundred (200). This scaled score shall be equivalent to a raw score of eighty-three (83) correct items on the test form used for standard setting and administered between January 2011 and April 2012.

(y) Effective September 1, 2012, the passing score for the Physics 6-12 examination shall be a scaled score of at least two hundred (200). This scaled score shall be equivalent to a raw score of sixty (60) correct items on the test form used for standard setting and administered between January 2011 and April 2012.

(z) Effective September 1, 2012, the passing score for the Physical Education K-12 examination shall be a scaled score of at least two hundred (200). This scaled score shall be equivalent to a raw score of eighty-five (85) correct items on the test form used for standard setting and administered in January and February 2012.

(aa) Effective September 1, 2012, the passing score for the Health K-12 examination shall be a scaled score of at least two hundred (200). This scaled score shall be equivalent to a raw score of eighty-three (83) correct items on the test form used for standard setting and administered between January and March 2012.

(bb) Effective March 1, 2014, the passing score for the English for Speakers of Other Languages K-12 examination shall be a scaled score of at least two hundred (200). This scaled score shall be equivalent to a raw score of eighty-one (81) correct items on the test form used for standard setting and administered in May and June 2013.

(cc) Effective March 1, 2014, the passing score for the Mathematics 6-12 examination shall be a scaled score of at least two hundred (200). This scaled score shall be equivalent to a raw score of forty-eight (48) correct items on the test form used for standard setting and administered in July and August 2013.

(dd) Effective March 1, 2014, the passing score for the Middle Grades Mathematics 5-9 examination shall be a scaled score of at least two hundred (200). This scaled score shall be equivalent to a raw score of fifty-two (52) correct items on the test form used for standard setting and administered in July and August 2013.

(v)(ee) Effective March 1, 2014, the passing score for the new Prekindergarten/Primary PK-3 subtests listed below shall be a scaled score of at least two hundred (200). This scaled score shall be equivalent to the following raw scores on the test forms used for standard setting and administered in July and August 2013:

1. Prekindergarten/Primary PK-3 Subtest 1: Developmental Knowledge: thirty-eight (38) correct items.

2. Prekindergarten/Primary PK-3 Subtest 2: Language Arts and Reading: forty-one (41) correct items.

3. Prekindergarten/Primary PK-3 Subtest 3: Mathematics: thirty-two (32) correct items.

4. Prekindergarten/Primary PK-3 Subtest 4: Science: thirty (30) correct items.

(w) Effective January 1, 2015, the passing score for the new Elementary Education K-6 subtests listed below shall be a scaled score of at least two hundred (200). This scaled score shall be equivalent to the following raw scores on the test forms used for standard setting and administered in May 2014:

1. Elementary Education K-6 Subtest 1: Language Arts and Reading: forty-two (42) correct items.

2. Elementary Education K-6 Subtest 2: Social Science: thirty-seven (37) correct items.

3. Elementary Education K-6 Subtest 3: Science: thirty-six (36) correct items.

4. Elementary Education K-6 Subtest 4: Mathematics: thirty-five (35) correct items.

(x) Effective January 1, 2015, the passing score for the new English 6-12 and Middle Grades English 5-9 multiple-choice sections shall be a scaled score of at least two hundred (200). The passing score for the writing sections shall be a total raw score of at least eight (8). This scaled score shall be equivalent to the following raw scores on the test forms used for standard setting and administered between March and June 2014:

SUBJECT	SCORE
English 6-12	56 correct items on the multiple-choice section and a total raw score of at least eight (8) on the writing section
Middle Grades English 5-9	58 correct items on the multiple-choice section and a total raw score of at least eight (8) on the writing section

(y) Effective January 1, 2015, the passing score for the subject area specialty examinations listed below shall be a scaled score of at least two hundred (200). This scaled score shall be equivalent to the following raw scores on the test forms used for standard setting and administered between April and June 2014:

SUBJECT	SCORE
Computer Science K-12	85 correct items
Technology Education 6-12	89 correct items

(z)(ff) The Commissioner of Education shall review the passing score for each of the General Knowledge Subtests, each of the subject area specialty examinations, and the professional education test not less than once every five (5) years and determine whether to recommend to the State Board of Education to maintain or change the existing passing scores.

(10) through (11) No change.

Rulemaking Authority 1012.55(1), 1012.56, 1012.59 FS. Law Implemented 1012.55, 1012.56, 1012.59 FS. History–New 8-27-80, Amended 1-11-82, 1-6-83, 5-3-83, 10-5-83, 10-15-84, Formerly 6A-4.021, Amended 12-25-86, 4-26-89, 4-16-90, 7-10-90, 4-22-91, 10-3-91, 8-10-92, 11-28-93, 4-12-95, 7-1-96, 9-30-96, 10-1-99, 7-17-00, 7-16-01, 3-24-02, 7-16-02, 3-24-03, 7-21-03, 12-23-03, 7-13-04, 5-24-05, 5-23-06, 5-21-07, 5-19-08, 7-21-08, 7-9-09, 6-22-10, 6-21-11, 11-22-11, 8-23-12, 5-21-13, 10-22-13, 2-25-14,__________.

 

NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE: Juan Copa, Deputy Commissioner, Division of Accountability, Research and Measurement

NAME OF AGENCY HEAD WHO APPROVED THE PROPOSED RULE: Pam Stewart, Commissioner, Department of Education

DATE PROPOSED RULE APPROVED BY AGENCY HEAD: October 13, 2014

DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAR: June 20, 2014