The purpose of this rule amendment is to adopt changes to the competencies and skills for the Physical Education K-12 and Health K-12 examination, effective January 1, 2012 and update processes related to the test delivery format, as well as other ...

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
State Board of Education

Rule No. : RULE TITLE :
6A-4.0021: Florida Teacher Certification Examinations
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose of this rule amendment is to adopt changes to the competencies and skills for the Physical Education K-12 and Health K-12 examination, effective January 1, 2012 and update processes related to the test delivery format, as well as other obsolete terminology present within the rule. The effect of these changes will be updated competencies and skills for the Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE).
SUMMARY: The rule is proposed for amendment to adopt the new edition of the Competencies and Skills Required for Teacher Certification in Florida, Sixteenth Edition, revise the test delivery format and removal of obsolete language.
SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COSTS: The Agency has determined that this will not have an impact on small business. An SERC has not been prepared by the agency.
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(9) FS.
LAW IMPLEMENTED: 1012.56 FS.
A HEARING WILL BE HELD AT THE DATE, TIME AND PLACE SHOWN BELOW:
DATE AND TIME: May 17, 2011, 8:30 a.m.
PLACE: St. Petersburg College, EpiCenter, Collaborative Labs, 13805 58th St. N., Largo, Florida
THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE IS: Phil Canto, Chief, Bureau of Postsecondary Assessment, Office of Assessment, 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 January 1, 2012 2011, the general knowledge competencies and skills as contained in the publication, “Competencies and Skills Required for Teacher Certification in Florida, Fifteenth Fourteenth Edition.” Beginning with the January 1, 2012 2011, test administration, the general knowledge competencies and skills as contained in the publication “Competencies and Skills Required for Teacher Certification in Florida, Sixteenth Fifteenth Edition.” Copies of these publications may be obtained from the Department’s web site at http://www.fldoe.org/asp/ftce/.

2. Before January 1, 2012 2011, the professional education test competencies and skills contained in the publication, “Competencies and Skills Required for Teacher Certification in Florida, Fifteenth Fourteenth,” (http://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-00248) which is hereby incorporated by reference and made a part of this rule. Beginning January 1, 2012 2011, the professional education test competencies and skills contained in the publication “Competencies and Skills Required for Teacher Certification in Florida, Sixteenth Fifteenth Edition,” (http://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-00247) which is hereby incorporated by reference and made a part of this rule. Copies of these publications may be obtained as described in subparagraph (2)(c)1. of this rule, and

3. Before January 1, 2012 2011, the subject area competencies and skills contained in the publication, “Competencies and Skills Required for Teacher Certification in Florida, Fifteenth Fourteenth,” (http://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-00248) which is hereby incorporated by reference and made a part of this rule. Beginning January 1, 2012 2011, the subject area competencies and skills contained in the publication “Competencies and Skills Required for Teacher Certification in Florida, Sixteenth Fifteenth Edition,” (http://www.flrules.org/Gateway/reference.asp?No=Ref-00247) which is hereby incorporated by reference and made a part of this rule. Copies of these publications may be obtained as described in subparagraph (2)(c)1. of this rule.

(d) Before July 1, 2002, the College Level Academic Skills Test or the Praxis I: Academic Skills Assessment as described in subsection (13) of this rule shall be used to demonstrate mastery of general knowledge for an individual who holds a bachelor’s or higher degree as specified in Rules 6A-4.004, 6A-4.050, and 6A-4.066, F.A.C.

(3) Administration of the examinations.

(a) The examinations shall be administered by a test administration agency or agencies under contract with the Florida Department of Education.

(b) The examinations shall be administered at least four (4) times each year. The Commissioner of Education shall establish the examinations’ dates each year which may include supplemental test administrations. The Commissioner of Education shall designate the registration deadlines, administration sites, and examinations dates available for the supplemental administrations.

(c) The examinations shall be administered at sites centers designated by the Commissioner of Education.

(d) An examinee may retake a failed examination provided at least thirty (30) days have elapsed since the previous administration of the failed examination.

(4) Registration, fees, late registration and refunds.

(a) Registration for the examinations shall be for the initial examinations or for one (1) or more examinations not previously passed. To register to take the examinations, an applicant shall submit a completed application to which shall be received by the test administration agency at least fifty (50) days preceding the examination date.

1. A completed application shall consist of the following:

a. A completed application Form CG-20-04, Registration Application: Certification Examinations for Florida Educators, which includes the applicant’s signature. Form CG-20-04 is hereby incorporated by reference and made a part of this rule to become effective September 1, 2009. This form may be obtained without cost from the Bureau of Educator Certification, Department of Education, 325 West Gaines Street, Tallahassee, Florida 32399 or may be submitted online via the Florida Teacher Certification Examinations/Florida Educational Leadership Examination Program Web site at http://www.fldoe.org/asp/ftce/ http://www.fldoe.org/edcert/apply.asp.

b. Beginning January 1, 2009, a fifty (50) dollar fee for each first-time registration for a subject area specialty examination or any combination of subtests for a subject area specialty examination, each first-time registration for the professional education test, and each first-time registration for the general knowledge test or any combination of subtests for the general knowledge test. A fee of one hundred (100) dollars for each retake registration for a subject area specialty examination, the professional education test, or the general knowledge test, effective January 1, 2009.

(b)c. Beginning September 1, 2009, registration fees shall be as follows:

Examination	Fee
General Knowledge Test, First-Time Registration	$130.00
General Knowledge Test, Retake Registration	$150.00
Professional Education Test, First-Time Registration	$150.00
Professional Education Test, Retake Registration	$170.00
Subject Area Examination, First-Time Registration	$200.00
Subject Area Examination, Retake Registration	$220.00

 

d. A charge of one hundred (100) dollars in addition to the fees described in sub-subparagraph 6A-4.0021(4)(a)1.b. or 6A-4.0021(4)(a)1.c., F.A.C., for certification applicants taking a supplemental examination.

2. An incomplete application shall be returned to the applicant. Applications which are completed and resubmitted to the test administration agency after the fifty (50) day deadline shall be acceptable only if the applicant complies with requirements specified in paragraph 6A-4.0021(4)(b), F.A.C.

(b) Late registration for the examinations shall be for the initial examinations or for one (1) or more examinations not previously passed. An applicant who did not submit a completed application to the test administration agency within the fifty (50) day deadline may register for the examinations by completing the requirements listed in subparagraph 6A-4.0021(4)(a)1., F.A.C., and submitting a fifteen (15) dollar late charge for each registration for a subject area specialty examination or any combination of subtests for a subject area specialty examination; each registration for the professional education test; and each registration for the general knowledge examination or any combination of the general knowledge subtests. All items shall be received by the test administration agency at least thirty (30) days preceding the examination date. Late registrations shall be accepted on a space available basis.

(c) Refunds. Fees may shall be refunded provided written requests for refunds are received by the test administration agency at least twenty-four (24) hours thirty (30) days preceding the examination date. Failure to appear for or to complete an examination shall result in forfeiture of fees.

(5) Admission. The test administration agency shall provide each applicant with an admission ticket specifying the examination site, date, center and the time of the examination. The admission ticket and other identification are required for entrance into the examination site center. Additional The other identification shall be specified on the admission ticket. An applicant who arrives after the examination has begun shall not be admitted until the start of the next examination or subtest. An applicant, who has registered for multiple examinations or subtests for the same day and arrives late, shall only be admitted at the start of the next examination or subtest.

(6) Examinee with a disability. An applicant who is unable to complete the examinations under standard testing conditions because of a disability may request special arrangements. Such a request shall be made when the examination application is submitted. Lack of proficiency in the English language alone shall not be acceptable as a justifiable reason for requesting a reader or extra time for an examinee. Special arrangements shall be provided for applicants with disabilities.

(a) through (b) No change.

(c) Special test arrangements may include but are not limited to the following:

1. Flexible scheduling. The person may be administered an examination during several brief sessions, as so long as that examination is completed on the test administration date. Up to dDouble time may be allowed.

2. Flexible setting. The person may be administered an examination individually or in a small group setting by a proctor rather than in a classroom or auditorium setting.

3. Recording of answers. The person may mark answers in a test booklet, type the answers by machine, or indicate selected answers to a test proctor. The proctor may then transcribe the person’s responses onto a machine-scorable answer sheet or onto a computer. In instances where the proctor is required to mark the responses on behalf of the examinee, there will be a tape recording of the examinee’s selected responses. A large-block answer sheet may be provided. The person may use a word processor or typewriter to prepare any required essay or other written response. Technical support to operate the word processor or typewriter may will be provided.

4. Revised format. The person may use a large-print booklet, a Braille test booklet, or a magnifying device.

5. Auditory aids. A tape recorded version of the examination may be provided, the examination may be read by a narrator, or the examination may be provided via video tape with a narrator using oral language or sign language.

6. through (f) No change.

(g) This rule does not require the Department to provide individuals with disabilities with personal devices, such as wheelchairs;, individually prescribed devices, such as prescription eyeglasses or hearing aids; readers for personal use for study; or services of a personal nature including assistance in eating, toiletry, or dressing.

(h) Appeals procedure. An examinee who is denied test accommodations may appeal the denial to the Commissioner of Education. Such appeal may necessitate a later test date.

(7) Scoring the general knowledge subtests. 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). These This scores shall be equivalent to the following raw scores on the July 2002 test administration:

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

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

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

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

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

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

(b) For subject area specialty examinations listed below, a score earned prior to May 1, 1990, shall be considered a passing score and shall be valid for certification in that subject area for a period of two (2) years from the test administration date. Effective August 1, 1990, a passing score for these subject area examinations will be a scaled score of at least two hundred (200). This scaled passing score will be equivalent to the following scores on the October, 1988 test administration:

SUBJECT	SCORE
Biology 6-12	70 correct items
Computer Science K-12	72 correct items
Earth-Space Science 6-12	70 correct items
Emotionally Handicapped K-12	87 correct items
Geography 6-12	105 correct items
Guidance and Counseling PK-12	83 correct items
History 6-12	89 correct items
Journalism 6-12	89 correct items
Mentally Handicapped K-12	63 correct items
Physical Education K-8	66 correct items
Physical Education 6-12	72 correct items
Physically Impaired K-12	79 correct items
Political Science 6-12	84 correct items
Reading K-12	69 correct items
School Psychologist PK-12	61 correct items
Specific Learning Disabilities K-12	78 correct items
Speech-Language Impaired K-12	79 correct items
Varying Exceptionalities K-12	80 correct items

 

(c) For subject area specialty examinations listed below, a score earned prior to October 1, 1990, shall be considered a passing score and shall be valid for certification in that subject area for a period of two (2) years from the test administration date. Effective October 1, 1990, a passing score for these subject area examinations will be a scaled score of at least two hundred (200). This scaled passing score will be equivalent to the following scores on the April, 1989 test administration:

SUBJECT	SCORE
Art K-12	63 correct items
Elementary Education 1-6	84 correct items
English 6-12	71 on a scale that weights the multiple choice section eighty (80) percent and the essay section twenty (20) percent
Hearing Impaired K-12	66 correct items
Mathematics 6-12	60 correct items
Music K-12	64 correct items
Primary Education K-3	88 correct items
Social Science 6-12	102 correct items

 

(d) through (o)1. No change.

2. Computer Science K-12 Examination. An examination raw score that results in an examinee passing rate of eighty-three (83) percent, which was the passing rate of teacher candidates who took the Computer Science K-12 specialty examination for the first time during the 2002-2003 examination administration year. In the event that fewer than fifty (50) examinees are tested in the July 2004 administration, the passing score shall be sixty-three (63) percent of the items.

(p) through (r) No change.

(10) Scoring of the College Level Academic Skills Test before July 1, 2002.

(a) The scoring of the College Level Academic Skills Test is described in subsection 6A-10.0311(3), F.A.C.

(b) The passing standards for the College Level Academic Skills Test are described in Rule 6A-10.0312, F.A.C.

(c) The College Level Academic Skills Test scores shall be reported through a score report mailed to the examinee and through a report to the Department of Education.

(d) If an individual has met the passing standards for the College Level Academic Skills Test, the individual will not be required to retake this examination to meet the requirements of paragraph 6A-4.0021(2)(d), F.A.C.

(10)(11) Score reports for the reading, writing, mathematics, professional skills, and subject area examinations.

(a) A properly authenticated score report is defined as the original score report issued directly by the test administration agency without any qualification, reservation, or irregularity.

(b) The examinee shall be sent an two (2) authenticated score reports as described in paragraph 6A-4.0021(10)(11)(a), F.A.C. In addition, a copy of the score report may be issued by the test administration agency without a fee to one (1) Florida college or university and to one (1) Florida school district provided the examinee identifies the recipient or recipients of the score report at the time of registration on either the CG-20-03A, Registration Application: Certification Examinations for Florida Educators or the CG-20-04, Registration Application: Certification Examinations for Florida Educators.

(c) Official documentation of scores earned on each examination for a temporary or for a professional certificate shall be the original authenticated score report as described in paragraph 6A-4.0021(10)(11)(a), F.A.C., or a duplicate authenticated score report as described in paragraph 6A-4.0021(10)(11)(e), F.A.C.

(d) through (e) No change.

(11)(12) Review.

(a) Requests for Manual Scoring and Verification. An examinee who fails one (1) or more examination(s) may file a written request with the test administration agency for manual scoring of the multiple-choice sections of the examination(s) failed. A written request may also be made to verify the scores for computer-based tests and performance components of failed examinations, including essays, short-answer sections, and verbal responses, to ensure that the examinations were scored scores assigned were recorded accurately. The request shall be filed within thirty (30) days of the date the score report was released mailed by the test administration agency. The fee for manual scoring, verification, or both, of one (1) or more examinations shall be twenty-five (25) dollars. The test administration agency shall notify the examinee of the results of the request within thirty (30) days of receipt of the request and fee.

(b) Score Verification Sessions. An examinee who fails one (1) or more examination(s) may review only those incorrect test items contained within each examination that was failed and bring to the Florida Department of Education’s attention any scoring errors which may result in a passing score. The procedures for test review are listed below:

1. The examinee shall register for a score verification session within thirty (30) days of the date the score report was released mailed by the test administration agency. At least thirty (30) days shall have elapsed from the administration of the failed examination before an examinee may attend a score verification session.

2. through 6. No change.

7. An examinee may retake a failed examination that was reviewed provided at least thirty (30) days have elapsed since the date of the review. If an examinee takes any an examination, including a computer-based examination, that was reviewed within thirty (30) days of the test date, the examination will be invalidated.

(13) Administration of the Praxis Series: Professional Assessments for Beginning Teachers before July 1, 2002. These examinations shall be administered as described in the Praxis Series Registration Bulletin which may be obtained from Educational Testing Service, Post Office Box 6051, Princeton, New Jersey 08541-6051.

(14) Scoring of the Praxis Series: Professional Assessments for Beginning Teachers.

(a) The scores listed below shall be considered minimum passing scores for the following tests of the Praxis I: Academic Skills Assessments. Passing scores on the examinations may be used to satisfy the requirement of mastery of general knowledge, including the ability to read, write, and compute. Passing scores are required on one (1) subtest from each of the general knowledge areas of reading, writing, and mathematics. The list below shows the general knowledge areas, followed by the names of the subtests and the minimum passing scale scores. A passing score on either subtest for the area will meet the requirement.

Area/Subtest Reading Praxis I Pre-Professional Skills: Reading #5710 or 10710 Praxis I Computer-Based Academic Skills: Reading #0711 Writing Praxis I Pre-Professional Skills: Writing #5720 or 20720 Praxis I Computer-Based Academic Skills: Writing #0721 Mathematics Praxis I Pre-Professional Skills: Mathematics #5730 or 10730 Praxis I Computer-Based Academic Skills: Mathematics #0731

Scale Score     172 321     171 318     175   317

 

(b) The scale score listed below shall be considered the minimum passing score for the following examination of the Praxis II: NTE Programs Core Battery. A passing score on this examination may be used to satisfy the requirement of mastery of professional skills as referenced in Section 231.17(5), F.S.

 

Professional Education Professional Knowledge #0520

Scale Score 657

 

(c) The scale scores listed below shall be considered minimum passing scores for the following examinations of the Praxis II: Subject Assessments and NTE Specialty Area examinations. Passing scores on the examinations may be used to satisfy the requirement of mastery of the subject matter in the certification area as referenced in Section 231.17(4), F.S. The list shows the certification areas for which there are approved examinations, followed by the names of the examinations and the minimum passing scale scores. If there is more than one (1) examination listed for a certification area, a passing score on either examination will meet the requirement.

 

Certification Area/Examination Elementary Education 1-6 Education in the Elementary School #0010 Elementary Education: Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment #0011 Emotionally Handicapped K-12 Teaching Students with Emotional Disturbance #0370 Guidance and Counseling PK-12 School Guidance and Counseling #0420 Mathematics 6-12 Mathematics #0060 Mentally Handicapped K-12 Education of Students with Mental Retardation #0320 Middle Grades English 5-9 English Language, Literature, and Composition: Content Knowledge #0041 Middle Grades Mathematics 5-9 Mathematics #0060 Physical Education K-8 Physical Education #0090 Prekindergarten/Primary PK-3 Early Childhood Education #0020 Primary Education K-3 Early Childhood Education #0020 School Social Worker School Social Worker #0210 Social Science 6-12 Social Studies #0080 Social Studies: Content Knowledge #0081 Specific Learning Disabilities K-12 Teaching Students with Specific Learning Disabilities #0380 Varying Exceptionalities K-12 Special Education #0350

Scale Score   560   151   600   630 620   580   165 600 610   600 600 640 560 158   590 590

 

(15) Score reports for the National Teacher Examination Praxis examinations. A properly authenticated score report is defined as the original score report issued directly by the Educational Testing Service without any qualification, reservation, or irregularity.

Rulemaking Authority 1012.55(1), 1012.56, 1012.59 FS. Law Implemented 1012.56 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,__________.

NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE: Kris Ellington, Deputy Commissioner, Accountability, Research, and Measurement
NAME OF AGENCY HEAD WHO APPROVED THE PROPOSED RULE: Dr. Eric Smith, Commissioner, Department of Education
DATE PROPOSED RULE APPROVED BY AGENCY HEAD: March 31, 2011
DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAW: November 5, 2011