To expand the options for acquiring the reading endorsement to include earning a certificate from an internationally recognized institution or passing the Reading Certification Exam.

 

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

State Board of Education

RULE NO.:RULE TITLE:

6A-4.0292Specialization Requirements for the Reading Endorsement - Academic Class

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: To expand the options for acquiring the reading endorsement to include earning a certificate from an internationally recognized institution or passing the Reading Certification Exam.

SUMMARY: Currently, the only pathway to the Reading Endorsement is coursework.

This revision adds 2 new pathways to existing rule:

1. Certificate from an internationally recognized organization that meets Florida Competencies (This change is because of amendments to section 1012.586(1)(b), F.S.)

2. Passing score on the Reading Certification Exam.

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 cost to evaluate an application for Reading Endorsement does not change and the existing pathway remains an option. These updates are not expected to have any adverse impact on economic growth, business competitiveness or any other factors listed in s. 120.541(2)(a), F.S., and will not require 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: 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: November 15, 2019, 9:00 a.m.

PLACE: Government Services Building, 1769 E. Moody Blvd, #2, Bunnell, FL 32110.

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

 

THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:

 

6A-4.0292 Specialization Requirements for the Reading Endorsement – Academic Class.

(1) A bachelor’s or higher degree with certification in an academic, degreed vocational, administrative, or specialty class coverage; and, one of the following options:

(a)(2) Fifteen (15) semester hours in reading coursework based upon scientifically based reading research with a focus on both the prevention and remediation of reading difficulties to include the areas specified below:

1.(b)  Six (6) semester hours in understanding reading as a process of student engagement in both fluent decoding of words and construction of meaning;

2.(c)   Three (3) semester hours in the administration and interpretation of instructional assessments to include screening, diagnosis, and progress monitoring with purposes of prevention, identification, and remediation of reading difficulties;

3. Three (3) semester hours in understanding how to prescribe, differentiate instruction, and utilize appropriate strategies and materials based upon scientifically based reading research in order to address the prevention, identification, and remediation of reading difficulties in order to increase reading performance; and,

4. Three (3) semester hours in a supervised practicum to obtain practical experience in increasing the reading performance of a student(s) with the prescription and utilization of appropriate strategies and materials based upon scientifically based reading research to address the prevention, identification, and remediation of reading difficulties.

(b) The completion of an approved certificate meeting the criteria of section 1012.586, F.S. The department will review such a certificate provided the following items are submitted by a program for review: 

1. Evidence the organization is internationally recognized for establishing standards for evidence-based interventions for struggling readers;

2. A thorough description of the competencies to be mastered in the specific certificate program to ensure these competencies are comparable to the Florida Reading Endorsement Competencies; and

3. A description of the clinical experience required to complete the certificate.

(c) A passing score on the Reading Certification Exam as determined by rule 6A-4.0021, F.A.C.

Rulemaking Authority 1001.02, 1012.55, 1012.56 FS. Law Implemented 1001.02, 1012.54, 1012.55, 1012.56, 1012.586 FS. History–New 7-30-02,

 

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

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

DATE PROPOSED RULE APPROVED BY AGENCY HEAD: October 11, 2019

DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAR: September 19, 2019