Report of Regents P-12 Education/Higher Education Joint Meeting Committee to The Board of Regents

Your P-12 Education and Higher Education Committees held their scheduled meeting on April 10, 2018.  All members were present, except for Vice Chancellor Brown and Regent Tilles, who were excused.

MATTERS NOT REQUIRING BOARD ACTION

Grade-Level Extensions for Certain Candidates who hold a Students with Disabilities Generalist Teaching Certificate [P-12/HE (D) 1]

The Committees discussed proposed amendments to regulations relating to grade-level extensions for certain candidates who hold a Students with Disabilities Generalist certificate.  Discussion focused on the four different extension certificates proposed for current holders of Students with Disabilities Generalist certificates.  By extending the grade bands in which qualified teachers of students with disabilities may teach, the Department believes this will help to address the shortage of teachers of students with disabilities.  Following the 60-day public comment period, several comments were made on the proposed amendment previously discussed in December 2017. In response to those comments and other comments received from the field, the Department recommends making additional revisions to add an extension for teachers holding a Students with Disabilities Generalist certificate in grades 5-9. It is anticipated that the proposed amendment will be presented to the Board of Regents for adoption at its May 2018 meeting. 

Creation of Limited Extensions for Teachers Holding a Students with Disabilities Generalist Certificate Who Teach a Special Class in Grades 7-12 and a Statement of Continued Eligibility for Teachers Holding a Students with Disabilities Generalist Certificate Who Teach a Special Class in Grades 7- 12 and Were Previously Allowed to Teach in Another Content Area by School Districts Using the HOUSSE Rubric for Federal Aid Purposes under the No Child Left Behind Act [P-12/HE (D) 2]

The Department is proposing two options for teachers who hold the students with disabilities generalist in grades 7- 12 certificate and are assigned to teach special classes, but do not hold the specific subject area certificate(s).  Following the 60-day public comment period required under the State Administrative Procedure Act, it is anticipated that the proposed amendment will be presented to the Board of Regents for adoption at its July 2018 meeting.