FloridaState Spotlight

2013 Cohort

One Initiative We Have Been Working

OnSpecial Educator Certification Redesign -

Working to update the certification structure for special education (ESE)

There are multiple paths to certification in Florida.

Currently special education teachers in Florida participate in 3 postsecondary assessments: General Knowledge Exam The Pro-Education ExamSpecific subject area exam - K12 ESE

What We Have Accomplished

Convened ESE Certification Redesign Workgroup

SLT provided input throughout the processReport of recommendations provided to Florida’s

Commissioner of Education Recommendations include

Continue with current certification areaRequire specialized training for practicing

ESE teachers Require additional training for practicing general

education teachers

How We Achieved Our AccomplishmentWorkgroup Activities: Outlined current structure, and the mission of the workgroupDiscussion of strengths and weaknesses related to current certification structure Reviewed data related to students with disabilitiesDiscussion of all possibilities for redesign of the current structureNarrowed down to realistic possibilities with discussion of strengths and weaknesses of eachPossibilities were voted on by workgroupSLT devised a workable structure for implementing the recommendations and drafted report to Commissioner

Take Aways: Each possible option has unique

challenges for different stakeholdersTeacher preparation programs are limited

by amount of content needed to prepare teachers within program hours

Must be careful not to lose special education candidates due to requirements disproportionate to general education

Most general education teachers in Florida instruct students with disabilities

Our Next Steps

Provide additional information related to rationale and implementation of recommendations to FDOE leadership

If approved, SLT will guide the work to implement additional requirements

Collaborate with the FDOE Bureau of Postsecondary Assessment to update current K12 ESE subject area exam