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
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