Board approves final rules relating to certification

New rules relating to teacher certification have begun to be implemented. The final rules were approved by the South Dakota Board of Education at its July meeting. Highlights are below.

New testing options

As of July 1, 2005, certified teachers may use the Praxis II content-area tests to add endorsements to their certificates.

Under the new rules, an elementary or middle school teacher may add a secondary content area by passing the specific Praxis II content test.

In addition, teachers with a content major in science or social science (or a passing Praxis score in one of those areas) may take the General Science or Social Science test. Passing the general test would allow them to add all the other endorsement content areas. For example, a teacher with a physics major who passed the General Science test could add biology, chemistry, earth and physical science endorsements to his or her certificate.

Finally, no individual may test out of a preparation program , including elementary education, special education, and birth to preschool education.

Certificate renewal

The rules for certificate renewal change as of Oct. 1, 2005. The new rules require that three of the six hours necessary for renewal must be college-transcripted credit hours. However, those who have advanced degrees may still use any combination of renewal credits, college-transcripted credits or CEUs to meet the six-hour renewal requirement. Advanced degrees include a master’s, doctorate, specialist or National Board Certification.

Flexibility – in the form of a one-year certificate – will be granted to individuals who miss the Oct. 1 deadline. This will allow them time to pursue the necessary college-transcripted credit hours. Individuals from out-of-state who have not taken the Praxis test necessary for certification also may be granted a one-year certificate, allowing them time to take the required test(s).

Questions can be directed to the department’s Office of Accreditation and Teacher Quality at (605) 773-3134.