To specify the acceptable advanced degrees earned by certification applicants that will satisfy the mastery of general knowledge requirement for a Professional Certificate per s. 1012.56, F.S. The effect of the rule change ....

 

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

State Board of Education

RULE NO.:RULE TITLE:

6A-4.003Degrees, Programs, and Credits

PURPOSE AND EFFECT: To specify the acceptable advanced degrees earned by certification applicants that will satisfy the mastery of general knowledge requirement for a Professional Certificate per s. 1012.56, F.S. The effect of the rule change is to provide an additional option for applicants to meet the mastery of general knowledge requirement to become eligible for a Florida Professional Certificate.

SUMMARY: Issuance of a Professional Certificate requires mastery of three (3) areas: general knowledge, subject area knowledge and professional preparation and education competence. Each mastery area has multiple means of meeting the requirement. After recent legislative changes, a sixth option has been added for demonstrating mastery of general knowledge. Applicants can satisfy the requirement by earning a master’s or higher degree. This amendment specifies the acceptable advanced degrees that applicants can earn to satisfy the mastery of general knowledge requirement to obtain a Professional Certificate and the required documentation of degree conferral.

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 modifies the existing eligibility requirements for a Professional Certificate.

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(1), (2)(n), 1012.55, 1012.56(13), F.S.

LAW IMPLEMENTED: 1012.55, 1012.56, 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, [phone].

 

THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:

6A-4.003 Degrees, Programs, and Credits.

Degrees, programs, and credits shall be determined acceptable for educator certification purposes based on the following:

(1) through (6) No change.

(7) Applicants who earned a Master’s or higher degree as specified in subparagraphs (3)(a)2.-4. of this rule from an accredited or approved institution per subsections (1) and (2) of this rule have met the mastery of general knowledge requirement per s. 1012.56, F.S. Documentation of degree conferral must be submitted to the department in accordance with subparagraph (2)(e) of this rule. 

Rulemaking Authority 1001.02, 1012.55, 1012.56 FS. Law Implemented 1001.02, 1012.55, 1012.56 FS. History–New 4-20-64, Amended 3-26-66, 4-8-68, 7-7-68, 4-11-70, 1-17-72, Repromulgated 12-5-74, Amended 6-22-76, 11-9-76, 10-12-77, 7-1-79, 1-3-82, 4-30-85, Formerly 6A-4.03, Amended 12-25-86, 9-12-89, 4-15-91, 11-25-97, 10-15-01, 3-22-05, 1-1-14, 6-23-16,

 

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 14, 2021

DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAR: October 29, 2021.