This rule is amended to revise the certification levels for Educational Leadership and School Principals and to align requirements to the new principal leadership standards adopted by the State Board of Education.

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
State Board of Education

RULE NO: RULE TITLE
6A-4.0081: Florida School Principal Certification
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: This rule is amended to revise the certification levels for Educational Leadership and School Principals and to align requirements to the new principal leadership standards adopted by the State Board of Education.
SUMMARY: The rule is revised to reflect two levels of certification for school leaders and to align the rule to the principal leadership standards approved by the State Board of Education. Technical changes are also made.
SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COSTS: No Statement of Estimated Regulatory Cost was prepared.
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.
SPECIFIC AUTHORITY: 1001.02, 1012.55, 1012.56 FS.
LAW IMPLEMENTED: 1001.02, 1012.55, 1012.56 FS.
A HEARING WILL BE HELD AT THE DATE, TIME AND PLACE SHOWN BELOW:
DATE AND TIME: May 15, 2007, 1:00 p.m.
PLACE: Orlando World Center Marriott, 8701 World Center Drive, Orlando, Florida
Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations to participate in this workshop/meeting is asked to advise the agency at least 7 days before the workshop/meeting by contacting: Office of Equity and Access, [phone]. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the agency using the Florida Relay Service, 1(800)955-8771 (TDD) or 1(800)955-8770 (Voice).
THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE IS: Beverly Gregory, [phone]

THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:

6A-4.0081 Florida School Leaders Principal Certification.

The Florida school leaders principal certification program shall be performance-based and shall include two three (3) levels of certification based on demonstrated knowledge, performance, and results. The subject area examination required for issuance of the professional certificate as specified in Section 1012.56(4)(c), Florida Statutes, subparagraph 6A-4.004(1)(a)11., F.A.C., shall be a requirement for Level 1 Certification.

(1) Level 1 Certification shall be designated Educational Leadership. Requirements for certification in educational leadership are listed in Rule 6A-4.0082, F.A.C., and include successful demonstration of knowledge in each of the principal leadership standards eight (8) areas of public school administration as described in subparagraph 6A-4.0082 (2)(3)(a), F.A.C. Documentation of knowledge in each of the areas shall be by comprehensive written examination administered under the direction of the Department.

(2) Level 2 Certification shall be designated School Principal. Requirements for certification as school principal are listed in Rule 6A-4.0083, F.A.C., and include successful performance of the duties of the school principalship as described in Rule 6A-4.0083, F.A.C. Documentation of successful performance shall be by a comprehensive performance appraisal system approved by the district school board and the Department.

(3) Level 3 Certification shall be designated Professional School Principal. Requirements for certification as professional school principal are listed in Rule 6A-4.0084, F.A.C., and require the applicant to achieve superior results for a period of three (3) years or more in the same district as described in Rule 6A-4.0084, F.A.C. Documentation of superior results shall be by a comprehensive performance appraisal system approved by the district school board and the Department.

(3)(4) The term principal as used in Rules 6A-4.0081 through 6A-4.0085, F.A.C., means a person assigned responsibility for administrative direction and instructional leadership and supervision at an individual school as prescribed in Section 1012.01(3)(c)1., 228.041(10)(b)1., Florida Statutes. This does not include persons assigned these responsibilities in the role of assistant, intern, or interim principal.

(4)(5) Educational Leadership may be shown on a temporary or professional certificate. School Principal and Professional School Principal may be shown on a professional certificate with other areas of certification or shown individually without other areas of certification.

(5)(6) Certification coverage of school principal and professional school principal shall cover all positions covered by certification in administration, supervision, administration and supervision and educational leadership.

(6) This rule shall become effective July 1, 2007.

Specific Authority 1001.02, 1012.55, 1012.56 229.053(1), 231.15(1), 231.17(1) FS. Law Implemented 1001.02, 1012.55, 1012.56 231.02, 231.0861, 231.087(3)(e), 231.15, 213.17 FS. History–New 7-1-86, Formerly 6A-4.081, Amended 7-1-86, 10-31-88, 7-1-07.

NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE: Beverly Gregory, Bureau Chief
NAME OF SUPERVISOR OR PERSON WHO APPROVED THE PROPOSED RULE: Pam Stewart, Deputy Chancellor
DATE PROPOSED RULE APPROVED BY AGENCY HEAD: April 4, 2007
DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAW: March 16, 2007