RICR Template

200-RICR-20-20-1

TITLE 200 – BOARD OF EDUCATION

CHAPTER 20 – COUNCIL ON ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

SUBCHAPTER 20 – EDUCATOR QUALITY AND CERTIFICATION

PART 1 – Certification of Educators in Rhode Island

1.1 Purpose, Scope, and Authority

A. Pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-11-1, the educators in Rhode Island public

schools are required to attain certification. Pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-60-4,

the responsibility for setting regulations for certification rests with the Council on

Elementary and Secondary Education (Council). The purpose of these

regulations is to update the requirements and procedures that govern educator

certification in Rhode Island. These regulations detail a comprehensive redesign

of the certification system that will go into effect as the Rhode Island Department

of Education (RIDE) creates supports necessary to implement the revisions.

B. All changes go into effect immediately, unless otherwise noted. The one-year

residency requirement for all teacher certificates will go into effect December 31,

2022 for all entering program candidates. RIDE will work in consultation with

preparation program providers to outline implementation details for the one-year

practical residency.

1.2 Definitions

A. As used in this Part the following words and terms have the following meaning.

1. “Administrator certificate” means a certification issued to educators whose

primary duties may include the supervision of programs or curriculum or

the supervision or management of a local educational agency, a school

building, a school program, or a school system.

2. “Administrative knowledge of field competencies” means the knowledge

and skills established by the applicable national professional association

as core competencies for administrators that define the range of

expectations for the specific certification administrative position(s)

addressed by the certification area.

3. “Administrator knowledge of field testing” is the use of assessments to

evaluate the knowledge of field and skills of a prospective administrator in

the specific administrator area.

4. “Advanced educator certificate” means the third and highest level in the

three-tier system of full certification. This level of certification is held by

educators who consistently demonstrate accomplished practice.

5. “Alternate route preliminary certificate” means a preliminary certificate

awarded to prospective educators who are enrolled in a Rhode Island

approved alternate route preparation program and who have been offered

a position in a district to serve as an educator of record while completing

certification requirements.

6. “Approved program route to educator certification” or “Approved program”

means a post-secondary educator preparation program that holds

approved status under the program approval standards of the Rhode

Island Department of Education.

7. “Building level administrator” means any individual responsible for the

administration of a PK-12 school, including principals, assistant principals,

and charter school chief administrators.

8. “Career and technical education preliminary certificate” means a

preliminary certificate awarded to prospective educators who have a high

school diploma and who have demonstrated that they have appropriate

work experience in their respective career and technical fields. These

prospective educators can seek employment as teachers of record in

employing agencies that are willing to employ them while the individuals

pursue full certification.

9. “Certificate” means a document issued by the Rhode Island Department of

Education that identifies the area(s) of certification held by an educator

and the date of issuance and date of expiration between which the

certificate is valid.

10. “Certification area” means the specific educational subject matter and

grade ranges that a teacher is qualified to teach, the specific level of

administration and grade ranges that an administrator is qualified to lead,

or the specific role in which a support professional is qualified to serve.

11. “Certification route” means a pathway of preparation through which a

prospective educator attains certification.

12. “Certification fees” means fees set by the Council on Elementary and

Secondary Education to issue certificates.

13. “Credential development plan” means a plan for review and monitoring by

RIDE to gain certification for Prospective Educators who hold a

preliminary certificate while pursuing certification. The plan describes how

the individual will demonstrate evidence of meeting competency,

assessment, and field experience requirements.

14. "Credential review route to certification" or “Credential review route”

means the process of reviewing an applicant’s preparation against a set of

standards and criteria to determine eligibility for certification. The process

of review may include a review of preparation, field experience, and

testing results.

15. “Educator of record” means a certified teacher, administrator, or support

professional in Rhode Island public schools. Teachers of record are

responsible for providing instruction and determining student grades.

Administrators of record are responsible for the supervision and

management of schools, school programs, and school districts. Support

professionals of record are responsible for instructional leadership or

serving as a specialist/consultant or a related service provider.

16. “Emergency route preliminary certificate” means a preliminary certificate

awarded to prospective educators at the request of an employing agency

when a fully-certified and qualified educator who meets the criteria for the

position cannot be secured.

17. “Employing agency” means any school committee, school board, charter

school, educational collaborative, state approved special education

program and state funded pre-kindergarten program, or other public

school entity responsible for hiring certified educators.

18. "Endorsement" means added to an existing teacher certificate in

recognition of specialized or advanced expertise in an area.

19. “English language competency testing” means the assessment of

competency in English for prospective educators who completed educator

preparation in a program where the language of instruction was a

language other than English.

20. “Expert residency preliminary certificate” means a preliminary certificate

awarded to prospective educators who demonstrate sufficient preparation

in subject matter, administrative expertise, or other certificate area specific

requirements to be considered for positions as educators while pursuing

certification. These prospective educators can seek employment as

teachers of record in employing agencies that are willing to employ them

while the individual pursues full certification. Certified educators seeking to

add new certification areas may also use the Expert Residency Certificate

as part of a route to certification in that area.

21. "Expert residency- shortages preliminary certificate" means a preliminary

certificate awarded to prospective educators who demonstrate sufficient

proficiency in the related subject matter. The certificate is requested by

the employing agency and individuals pursue full certification.

22. “Extension of certificate” means one-year extensions of certificates when

certified educators experience an interruption in employment and are

unable to provide performance data from state approved local evaluations

for each year of a certificate at the time of certificate renewal.

23. “Full certificate” means a multi-year certificate that demonstrates the

educator has met all Rhode Island requirements for certification and is

included in the three-tier system of Rhode Island Educator certificates. A

full certificate is comparable to the National Association of State Directors

of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) Stage 3 License and

is recognized by other states for certificate reciprocity. Educators certified

in other states seeking certification in Rhode Island present a valid Stage

3 license from their state to attain reciprocity.

24. “Independent certificate area” means an area in which certification can be

obtained independent of, or not requiring, certification in another area.

25. “Initial educator certificate” means the first level in the three-tier system of

full certification. This level of certification is held by all educators when

they are certified for the first time in Rhode Island.

26. “Internship” means an extended field-based experience that provides a

prospective administrator or support professional the opportunity to

develop skills in school or school district contexts.

27. “Local educator evaluation system” means a RIDE approved educator

evaluation system that meets Rhode Island Educator Evaluation System

Standards pursuant to this Part.

28. “Major equivalent” means presentation of thirty or more hours of

coursework in a closely related content field deemed to be acceptable by

the Rhode Island Department of Education by Applicants who did not

complete a major in the required content field.

29. “National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and

Certification" or "NASDTEC” means the professional organization that

represents professional standards boards, commissions and state

departments of education in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the

Department of Defense Educational Activity, and the U.S. Territories

which are responsible for the preparation, licensure and discipline of

educational personnel. NASDTEC administers the Interstate Agreement

for Educator Licensure that supports reciprocity of certification across the

various state jurisdictions.

30. “One-year practical residency” means an approach to the clinical

preparation of teachers that combines theories of teaching with

experiential learning. Teacher residencies are designed to approximate

the breadth and depth of preparing to be the primary certified teacher in a

classroom. The residency may take place over the course of one-year or

may take place over multiple terms as long as a minimum intensive, full

teaching load experience is built in. While general field experience is

designed to expose future teachers to a variety of educational settings and

children, the One-Year Practical Residency is designed to provide deep

instructional practice.

31. “Pedagogy testing” means the use of assessments to evaluate the

knowledge of teaching of a prospective teacher.

32. “Practicum” means a field-based experience in educator preparation that

provides the prospective educator the opportunity to apply knowledge in

the context of a school or other educational setting. Practicum is a

requirement to add an additional category of teaching certification beyond

a first area of teaching certification.

33. “Preliminary educator certificates” means certificates that allow educators

who are not fully certified to serve as educators of record while pursuing

certification. Alternate Route Preliminary, Career and Technical Education

Preliminary, Emergency Preliminary, Expert Residency Preliminary,

Temporary Initial Educator Preliminary, and Visiting Lecturer Preliminary

are the six types of preliminary educator certificates. These certificates are

not “full certificates” at Stage 3 of the National Association of State

Directors of Education and Certification (NASDTEC) certification system

and do not qualify for certification in other states through reciprocity.

34. “Professional competencies” means the knowledge and skills defined in

the Rhode Island Professional Teaching Standards, the Rhode Island

Standards for Educational Leaders, and national professional associations

that articulate the professional standards for all teachers, administrators,

and support professionals.

35. “Professional educator certificate” means the second level in the three-tier

system of full certification. This level of certification is awarded to holders

of Initial Educator Certificates once they complete the required

professional learning units.

36. "Professional learning units" means the hours or demonstration of

competencies as part of certification renewal requirements for all Full

Certificates.

37. “Reciprocity route to educator certification” means the process by which

Rhode Island issues certification to educators who completed approved

educator preparation programs or hold full certification in another state.

38. “Reinstatement fee” means the fee charged to reinstate an expired

certificate or a certificate that was non-renewed based on performance.

The appropriate certification fee is also required for reinstatement.

39. “Regionally accredited institution” means a college or university that

awards a bachelor’s or higher degree and if located within the United

States, is fully accredited by one of the following regional accrediting

bodies: Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, New England

Association of Schools and Colleges, North Central Association of

Colleges and Schools, Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges,

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and Western Association

of Schools and Colleges.

40. “Rhode Island Professional Teaching Standards" or "RIPTS” means the

standards that identify the professional knowledge and skills expected of

all teachers.

41. “Rhode Island Standards for Education Leaders" or "RISEL” means the

standards that identify the professional knowledge and skills expected of

all administrators.

42. "Registered school nurse" means a professional, registered nurse who

provides health services. A Registered School Nurse is not a classroom

teacher, though may consult with classroom teachers for related content

design and delivery.

43. "Special provisional certificate" means issued to educators who hold

Initial, Professional or Advanced Educator Certificates and did not obtain

approval or did not complete professional learning unit requirements. The

Special Provisional Certificate can only be used once during the time of an

educator's career.

44. “Substitute teacher” means an individual who is employed on a temporary

basis to fill in for a teacher on a day to day or long-term basis.

45. “Support professional certificate” means issued to an educator, other than

a teacher or administrator, who has primary responsibility as an

instructional leader, a specialist/consultant, or a related service provider in

schools.

46. “Support professional knowledge of field competencies” means the

knowledge and skills established by the applicable national professional

association as core competencies for support professionals that define the

range of expectations for the specific support professional position(s)

addressed by the certification area.

47. “Support professional knowledge of field testing” means the use of

assessments to evaluate the knowledge of field and skills of a prospective

support professional in the specific support professional area.

48. “Teacher certificate” means issued to a person whose primary

responsibility is to instruct students.

49. “Teacher content competencies” means the knowledge and skills defined

by professional associations as core subject matter competencies for

teachers within the specific certification content area.

50. “Teacher content testing” means the use of assessments to evaluate the

subject matter knowledge and skills of a prospective teacher in the

specific teaching area.

51. “Temporary initial educator certificate” means a Preliminary Certificate

issued for a limited duration to applicants who seek certification through

reciprocity and who meet all requirements for the Initial Educator

Certificate except for the testing requirement, including the English

Language Competency Test when applicable. This certificate allows the

applicant time to take the test that may not have been available in their

state. The educator does not have a Rhode Island Stage 3 National

Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification

(NASDTEC) “full certificate” until the testing requirement is met and an

Initial Educator Certificate is issued.

52. “Visiting lecturer preliminary Certificate” is a preliminary certificate

awarded to individuals with distinctive qualifications and therefore a

unique capacity to enhance educational programs in districts and who

have been offered employment in districts. This certificate is not a route to

full certification.

1.3 Rhode Island Professional Educator Standards

1.3.1 Educator Standards

A. RIDE has established teaching and leadership standards as well as a code of

professional responsibility for educators in Rhode Island.

1. Rhode Island Professional Teaching Standards.

2. Rhode Island Standards for Educational Leadership.

3. Rhode Island Code of Professional Responsibility.

1.3.2 Rhode Island Professional Teaching Standards

A. Teachers create learning experiences using a broad base of general knowledge

that reflects an understanding of the nature of the communities and world in

which we live.

1. Reflect a variety of academic, social, and cultural experiences in their

teaching.

2. Use a broad content knowledge base sufficient to create interdisciplinary

learning experiences designed to ensure that all students achieve state

standards for content and achievement.

3. Exhibit a commitment to learning about the changes in their disciplines

and in our world that models a commitment to lifelong learning for

students.

4. Facilitate student involvement in the school and wider communities.

B. Teachers have a deep content knowledge base sufficient to create learning

experiences that reflect an understanding of central concepts, structures, and

tools of inquiry of the disciplines/content areas they teach.

1. Know their discipline/content and understand how knowledge in their

discipline is created, organized, and linked to other disciplines and applied

beyond the school setting.

2. Design instruction that addresses the core skills, concepts, and ideas of

the disciplines/content areas to help all students meet Rhode Island’s

learning standards.

3. Select appropriate instructional materials and resources (including

technological resources) based on their comprehensiveness, accuracy,

and usefulness for representing particular ideas and concepts in the

discipline/content areas.

4. Engage students in a variety of explanations and multiple representations

of concepts, including analogies, metaphors, experiments,

demonstrations, and illustrations, that help all students develop conceptual

understanding.

5. Represent and use differing viewpoints, theories, and methods of inquiry

when teaching concepts and encourage all students to see, question, and

interpret concepts from a variety of perspectives.

C. Teachers create instructional opportunities that reflect an understanding of how

children learn and develop.

1. Understand how students use their prior knowledge to construct

knowledge, acquire skills, develop habits of mind, and acquire positive

dispositions toward learning.

2. Design instruction that meets the current cognitive, social, and personal

needs of their students.

3. Create age-appropriate lessons and activities that meet the variety of

developmental levels of students within a class.

D. Teachers create instructional opportunities that reflect a respect for the diversity

of learners and an understanding of how students differ in their approaches to

learning.

1. Design instruction that accommodates individual differences in

approaches to learning.

2. Use their understanding of students to create connections between the

subject matter and student experiences.

3. Seek information about the impact of students’ specific challenges to

learning or disabilities on classroom performance, and work with

specialists to develop alternative instructional strategies to meet the needs

of these students where appropriate.

4. Make appropriate accommodations and modifications for individual

students who have identified learning differences or needs in an

Individualized Educational Plan (IEP), 504 Accommodation Plan, Personal

Literacy Plans (PLP’s), or other approved school-based individualized

learning plans (ILP’s).

E. Teachers create instructional opportunities to encourage students' development

of critical thinking, problem solving, performance skills, and literacy across

content areas.

1. Design lessons that extend beyond factual recall and challenge students

to develop higher level cognitive skills.

2. Pose questions that encourage students to view, analyze, and interpret

ideas from multiple perspectives.

3. Make instructional decisions about when to provide information, when to

clarify, when to pose a question, and when to let a student struggle to try

to solve a problem.

4. Engage students in generating knowledge, testing hypotheses, and

exploring methods of inquiry and standards of evidence.

5. Use tasks that engage students in exploration, discovery, and hands-on

activities.

F. Teachers create a supportive learning environment that encourages appropriate

standards of behavior, positive social interaction, active engagement in learning,

and self-motivation.

1. Use principles of effective classroom management to establish

classrooms in which clear rules and standards of behavior are maintained.

2. Establish a safe, secure and nurturing learning environment that supports

the active engagement of all students.

3. Provide and structure the time necessary to explore important concepts

and ideas.

4. Help students establish a classroom environment characterized by mutual

respect and intellectual risk-taking.

5. Create learning groups in which all students learn to work collaboratively

and independently.

6. Communicate clear expectations for achievement that allow students to

take responsibility and advocate for their own learning.

G. Teachers work collaboratively with all school personnel, families and the broader

community to create a professional learning community and environment that

supports the improvement of teaching, learning and student achievement.

1. Work collaboratively with their colleagues to examine teacher practice,

student work and student assessment results with the goal of improving

instruction and achievement.

2. Develop relationships with students and their families to support learning.

3. Understand the role of community agencies in supporting schools and

work collaboratively with them as appropriate.

H. Teachers use effective communication as the vehicle through which students

explore, conjecture, discuss, and investigate new ideas.

1. Use a variety of communication strategies to engage students in learning.

2. Use a variety of modes of communication to promote learning.

3. Use technological advances in communication, including electronic means

of collecting and sharing information, to enrich discourse in the classroom

and the school.

4. Emphasize oral and written communication through the instructional use

of discussion, listening and responding to the ideas of others and group

interaction.

5. Seek knowledge of and demonstrate sensitivity to the particular

communication needs of all students.

I. Teachers use appropriate formal and informal assessment strategies with

individuals and groups of students to determine the impact of instruction on

learning, to provide feedback, and to plan future instruction.

1. Select and/or design individual and group classroom assessments based

on the strengths, limitations, and data provided by the assessment.

2. Identify and consider student and contextual variables that may influence

performance so that a student’s performance can be validly interpreted.

3. Systematically collect, synthesize, and interpret assessment results from

multiple assessments to monitor, improve, and report individual and group

achievement.

4. Provide students with opportunities and guidance to evaluate their own

work and behavior against defined criteria and use the results of self-

assessment to establish individual goals for learning.

5. Use assessment results to provide students with timely, helpful, and

accurate feedback on their progress toward achievement goals.

6. Maintain records of student learning and communicate student progress to

students, parents/guardians, and other colleagues.

7. Use information from their assessment of students to reflect on their own

teaching, to modify their instruction and to help establish professional

development goals.

J. Teachers reflect on their practice and assume responsibility for their own

professional development by actively seeking and participating in opportunities to

learn and grow as professionals.

1. Solicit feedback from students, families, and colleagues to reflect on and

improve their own teaching.

2. Explore and evaluate the application of current research, instructional

approaches and strategies, including technologies to improve student

learning.

3. Take responsibility for their own professional development and

improvement of their students’ learning by participating in workshops,

courses, or other individual and collaborative professional development

activities that support their plans for continued development as teachers.

4. Take responsibility for learning about and implementing federal, state,

district, and school initiatives to improve teaching and learning.

K. Teachers maintain professional standards guided by legal and ethical principles.

1. Maintain standards that require them to act in the best interests and needs

of students.

2. Follow school policy and procedures, respecting the boundaries of their

professional responsibilities, when working with students, colleagues, and

families.

3. Follow local, state, and federal law pertaining to educational and

instructional issues, including regulations related to students’,

parents’/guardians’, and teachers’ rights and responsibilities.

4. Interact with students, colleagues, parents, and others in a professional

manner that is fair and equitable.

5. Are guided by codes of professional conduct adopted by their professional

organizations.

1.3.3 Rhode Island Standards for Educational Leaders

A. Standard 1. Mission, Vision, and Core Values - Effective educational leaders

collaboratively develop, advocate, and enact a shared mission, vision, and core

values of high-quality education and academic success and social and emotional

well-being of each student.

1. Effective Leaders:

a. Collaboratively develop a mission for the district/school to promote

the academic success and social and emotional well-being of each

student.

b. Develop and promote a vision for the district/school, in collaboration

with members of the school community, on the successful learning

and development of each child and on instructional and

organizational practices that promote such practices.

c. Articulate, advocate, and cultivate core values that define the

district’s/ school’s culture and stress the imperative of child-

centered education; high expectations and student support; equity,

inclusiveness, and social justice; openness, caring, and trust; and

continuous improvement.

d. Continuously review the district’s/ school’s mission and vision and

make adjustments to changing expectations and opportunities for

the school, and changing needs and situations of students.

e. Develop a shared understanding of and commitment to the mission,

vision, and core values within the district/school and the

community.

f. Model and pursue the district’s/school’s mission, vision, and core

values as fundamental in all aspects of leadership.

B. Standard 2. Ethics and Professional Responsibilities - Effective educational

leaders act ethically and in accordance with professional standards to promote

each student’s academic success and social and emotional well-being.

1. Effective Leaders:

a. Act ethically and professionally in personal conduct, relationships

with others, decision making, stewardship of the school’s

resources, and all aspects of school leadership.

b. Act according to and promote the professional traits of integrity,

fairness, transparency, trust, collaboration, perseverance, learning,

and continuous improvement.

c. Place the needs of children at the center of all educational decision

making and accept responsibility for each student’s academic and

social and emotional success.

d. Safeguard and promote the values of democracy, individual

freedom and responsibility, equity, social justice, community, and

diversity.

e. Lead with interpersonal and communication skill, social-emotional

insight, and understanding of all students’ and staff members’

backgrounds and cultures.

f. Provide moral direction for the district/school community and

promote expected ethical and professional behavior among all staff

and district/school community members.

C. Standard 3. Equity and Cultural Responsiveness- Effective educational leaders

ensure equity of educational opportunity and culturally responsive practices to

promote each student’s academic success and social and emotional well-being.

1. Effective Leaders:

a. Act with cultural competence and responsiveness in all interactions,

decision-making, and practice and ensure that each student, staff

member, and school community member is treated fairly,

respectfully, and with an understanding of culture and context.

b. Recognize, respect, and employ each student’s strengths, diversity,

and culture as assets for teaching and learning.

c. Ensure that each student has equitable access to effective

teachers, learning opportunities, academic and social support, and

other resources necessary for success.

d. Develop student policies and address student behavior in a

positive, fair, and unbiased manner.

e. Confront and challenge institutional biases of student

marginalization, deficit-based schooling, and low expectations

associated with race, socio-economic status, culture and language,

gender and sexual orientation, and disability or special status.

f. Prepare students to live productively in and contribute to the

diverse cultural contexts of a global society.

g. Consider and address matters of equity and cultural

responsiveness in all aspects of leadership.

D. Standard 4. Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment- Effective educational

leaders develop and support intellectually rigorous and coherent systems of

curriculum, instruction, and assessment to promote each student’s academic

success and social and emotional well-being.

1. Effective Leaders:

a. Implement coherent systems of curriculum, instruction, and

assessment that promote the mission, vision, and core values of

the school, embody high expectations for student learning, align

with academic standards, and are culturally responsive.

b. Align and focus systems of curriculum, instruction, and assessment

within and vertically across grade levels to promote student

academic success, love of learning, the identities and habits of

learners, and healthy sense of self.

c. Facilitate instructional practice that is consistent with knowledge of

student learning and development, effective pedagogy, and

individual student needs.

d. Ensure instructional practices that are intellectually challenging,

authentic to student experiences, recognize student strengths, and

are differentiated and personalized.

e. Promote and facilitate the effective use of technology in service of

teaching and learning.

f. Develop and utilize multiple valid assessments that are consistent

with knowledge of learning and development and technical

standards of measurement to monitor student progress and

improve instruction.

g. Use assessment data appropriately and with technical limitations to

monitor student progress and improve instruction.

E. Standard 5. Community of Care and Support for Students Effective

educational leaders cultivate an inclusive, caring, and supportive school

community that promotes the academic success and the social and emotional

well-being of each student.

1. Effective Leaders:

a. Build and maintain a safe, caring, and healthy school environment

that meets the academic, social emotional, and physical needs of

each student.

b. Create and sustain a school environment in which each student is

known, accepted and valued, trusted and respected, cared for, and

encouraged to be an active and responsible member of the school

community.

c. Develop and lead coherent systems of academic and social

supports, services, extracurricular activities, and accommodations

to meet the range of learning needs of each student.

d. Endorse and foster adult-student, student-peer, and school-

community relationships that value and support academic learning

and positive social and emotional development.

e. Cultivate and reinforce student engagement and leadership and

positive student behavior.

f. Infuse the district’s/school’s learning environment with the cultures

and languages of the community.

F. Standard 6. Professional Capacity of School Personnel - Effective educational

leaders, in collaboration with stakeholders, develop the professional capacity and

practice of school personnel to promote each student’s academic success and

well-being.

1. Effective Leaders:

a. Recruit, hire, support, develop, and retain effective and caring

teachers and other professional staff and ensure their development

into an educationally effective faculty.

b. Plan for and manage staff turnover and succession, providing

opportunities for effective induction and mentoring of personnel.

c. Develop teachers’ and staff members’ professional knowledge,

skills, and instructional practice through differentiated opportunities

for learning and growth, guided by an understanding of adult

professional learning and development of adults as professional

and ongoing learners.

d. Deliver actionable feedback about instruction and other

professional practice through valid, research-anchored systems of

supervision and evaluation to support the development of teachers’

and staff members’ knowledge, skills, and practice.

e. Empower and motivate teachers and staff to the highest levels of

professional practice and to continuous learning and improvement.

f. Develop the leadership capacity, opportunities, and support for

teacher leadership and for other professionals in the district.

g. Promote the personal and professional health, well-being, and

work-life balance of faculty and staff.

h. Tend to their own learning and effectiveness through reflection,

study, and improvement, while maintaining a healthy work-life

balance.

G. Standard 7. Professional Community for Teachers and Staff- Effective

educational leaders foster a professional community of teachers and other

professional staff to promote each student’s academic success and social and

emotional well-being

1. Effective Leaders:

a. Support a workplace culture that is open, productive, caring, and

trusting.

b. Develop a culture for professional staff that promotes the

improvement of practice through research and effective

professional learning and promotes high levels of student learning.

c. Empower and entrust teachers and staff with collective

responsibility for meeting the academic, social, emotional, and

physical needs of each student, pursuant to the mission, vision, and

core values of the district/school.

d. Establish and sustain a professional culture of engagement and

commitment to shared vision, goals, and objectives pertaining to

the education of the whole child; high expectations for professional

work; ethical and equitable practice; trust and open communication;

collaboration, collective efficacy, and continuous individual and

organizational learning and improvement.

e. Ensure mutual accountability among teachers and other

professional staff for each student’s success and the effectiveness

of the school as a whole.

f. Design and implement job-embedded and other opportunities for

professional learning collaboratively with faculty and staff.

g. Provide opportunities for collaborative examination of practice,

collegial feedback, and collective learning.

h. Enable faculty-initiated improvement of programs and practices.

H. Standard 8. Meaningful Engagement of Families and Community- Effective

educational leaders engage families and the community in meaningful,

reciprocal, and mutually beneficial ways to promote each student’s academic

success and well-being.

1. Effective Leaders:

a. Are approachable, accessible, and welcoming to families and

members of the community.

b. Create and sustain positive, collaborative, and productive

relationships with families and the community for the benefit of

students.

c. Engage in regular and open two-way communication with families

and the community about the district/school, students, needs,

problems, challenges and accomplishments.

d. Maintain a presence in the community to understand its strengths

and needs, develop productive relationships, and engage its

resources for the district/school.

e. Create means for the school community to partner with families to

support student learning in and out of school.

f. Understand, value, and employ the community’s cultural,

intellectual, and political resources to promote student learning and

school empowerment.

g. Openly advocate for the district and school, and for the importance

of education and student needs and priorities with families and the

community.

h. Build and sustain productive partnerships with public and private

sectors to promote school improvement and student earning.

I. Standard 9. Operations and Management- Effective educational leaders manage

school operations and resources to promote each student’s academic success

and well-being.

1. Effective Leaders:

a. Institute, manage, and monitor operations and administrative

systems that promote the mission and vision of the district/ school.

b. Strategically manage staff resources, assigning and scheduling

educators and staff to roles and responsibilities that optimize their

professional capacity to address each student’s learning needs.

c. Acquire, and manage fiscal, physical environment, and other

resources to support curriculum, instruction, and assessment;

student learning; professional capacity; and family and community

engagement.

d. Act responsibly and in an ethical manner with the district’s/school’s

monetary and nonmonetary resources, engaging in effective

budgeting, spending and accounting practices.

e. Protect teachers’ and other staff members’ work and learning from

disruption and create an environment where students are able to

learn.

f. Employ systems to improve the quality and efficiency of operations

and management.

g. Develop and maintain data and communication systems to deliver

actionable information for classroom and school improvement.

h. Know, comply with, and help the district/ school community

understand local, state, and federal laws, rights, policies, and

regulations so as to promote student success.

i. Develop productive professional relationships with the district office

staff, school staff, and the school board so as to promote effective

transitions and student success.

j. Develop and administer systems for fair and equitable management

of conflict among students, faculty and staff, leaders, families, and

community.

k. Manage governance processes and internal and external politics

toward achieving the district’s/school’s mission and vision.

J. Standard 10. School Improvement- Effective educational leaders act as agents of

continuous improvement to promote each student’s academic success and well-

being.

1. Effective Leaders:

a. Continuously seek to make school more effective for each student,

teachers and staff, families, and the community.

b. Use methods of continuous improvement to achieve the vision,

fulfill the mission, and promote the core values of the school.

c. Prepare the district/school and community for improvement,

promoting readiness, an imperative for improvement, instilling

mutual commitment and accountability, and developing the

knowledge, skills, and motivation to succeed in improvement.

d. Employ situation ally appropriate strategies for improvement,

including transformational and incremental, adaptive approaches

and attention to different phases of implementation.

e. Assess and develop the capacity of staff to determine the value and

applicability of emerging educational trends and the findings of

research for the school and its improvement.

f. Adopt a system’s perspective and promote coherence among

improvement efforts and all aspects of the district/school

organization, programs, and services.

g. Develop technically appropriate systems of data collection,

management, analysis, and use, connecting as needed to the

district office and external partners for support in planning,

implementation, monitoring, feedback and evaluation.

h. Manage uncertainty, risk, competing initiatives, and politics of

change with courage, resilience and perseverance. Openly

communicate the need for the process of and outcomes of

improvement efforts.

i. Develop and promote systems of shared leadership among

teachers and staff for inquiry, experimentation, innovation, and

initiating and implementing improvement.

1.3.4 Rhode Island Code of Professional Responsibility

A. Section 1. Responsibility to Students

1. Rhode Island educators’ first commitment is to ensure that all students

achieve at the high levels needed to lead fulfilling and productive lives, to

succeed in academic and employment settings, and to contribute to

society.

2. Rhode Island educators shall:

a. Respect the inherent dignity and worth of each student.

b. Act upon the belief that all students can learn.

c. Establish high expectations and provide instruction that challenges

all students.

d. Recognize the differences among students and provide the

appropriate educational supports and instructional differentiation

responsive to individual needs.

e. Address the uniqueness of each student and endeavor to maximize

learning through personalization of the educational experience for

each student.

f. Promote the right and responsibility of students to explore ideas, to

develop skills, and to acquire knowledge necessary to be

contributing members to society.

g. Endeavor to present facts and provide access to all points of view

without deliberate distortion, bias, or personal prejudice.

h. Assure that their classrooms are environments characterized by

respect for and equal opportunity for all students, regardless of

race, ethnicity, national origin, language, gender, religion, economic

status, disability or sexual orientation.

i. Promote the development of character and civic responsibility in

their students.

j. Maintain confidentiality of all student information and dispense that

information only when required by professional practice or state or

federal law.

k. Maintain a professional relationship with students at all times, both

in and outside the classroom.

B. Section 2. Responsibility to Self

1. Rhode Island educators are committed to establishing high professional

standards for their practice and striving to meet these standards through

their individual performance.

2. Rhode Island educators shall:

a. Assume responsibility and accountability for their performance and

continually strive to demonstrate proficiency and currency in both

subject matter knowledge and teaching skills.

b. Develop personal and professional goals with attention to

professional standards, student achievement, and school district

initiatives and implement a course of professional development to

support attaining the goals.

c. Actively engage in professional learning communities and seek

feedback in order to improve their performance.

d. Examine their practice on a regular basis to expand their

knowledge base, broaden their skills, and incorporate new ideas.

e. Pursue only those educational positions or assignments for which

they have the appropriate educational certification and credentials

and for which they have appropriate professional qualification.

f. Strive to exercise the highest level of professional judgment.

g. Refrain from using institutional or professional privileges for

personal advantage.

C. Section 3. Responsibility to Colleagues and the Profession

1. Rhode Island educators are committed to work with school and district

colleagues and as members of professional communities to establish and

implement initiatives that will further student learning.

2. Rhode Island educators shall:

a. Work effectively with other professionals on curriculum

development, instructional initiatives, assessment programs, and

professional development.

b. Assume responsibility for working with colleagues to assure their

school meets local and state educational objectives.

c. Encourage and support staffing decisions that are made based on

the best interests of students.

d. Collaborate with others to improve student learning.

e. Support colleagues in developing and maintaining a work

environment that allows all educators to maintain their individual

professional integrity free of pressure to act in ways that are not in

the best interests of students.

f. Encourage the participation of teachers in the process of

educational decision making.

g. Encourage promising candidates who are interested in education to

learn about the opportunities and the challenges of a career in

education and support those who pursue careers through informal

induction into the profession as they develop the competence and

qualifications to become effective educators.

h. Maintain integrity regarding the acceptance of any gratuity, gift or

other compensation that might impair or influence professional

decisions or actions.

D. Section 4. Responsibility to Parents, Families, and the Community

1. Rhode Island Educators are committed to collaborate with parents,

families, and communities to offer a quality education to all students.

2. Rhode Island educators shall:

a. Make concerted efforts to communicate with parents and families in

a way that shares all information necessary to become meaningful

partners in the child’s education.

b. Endeavor to understand and respect the values and traditions of

the diverse cultures represented in their community and in their

classrooms.

c. Endeavor to assure equal educational opportunities for all children

in the community.

d. Cooperate with community agencies that provide resources and

services to support students.

e. Maintain a positive and active relationship with students’ parents,

families, and other members of the community.

f. Distinguish between their personal opinion and official policies of

the school or educational organization when communicating with

parents, families, and the community.

E. Section 5. Responsibility to the Council on Elementary and Secondary Education

1. Rhode Island educators demonstrate a commitment to Rhode Island

standards for educator quality through certification requirements and

support for the implementation of state initiatives within their districts.

2. Rhode Island educators shall:

a. Provide accurate, truthful, and complete information to RIDE

concerning all certification matters.

b. Recognize that meeting certification requirements is a pre-condition

to any contractual agreement for a position that requires

certification in Rhode Island schools.

c. Engage in ongoing appropriate professional development for all

certificates they intend to maintain.

d. Accept only those assignments for which they are professionally

qualified and hold appropriate certification unless the educator and

the district have agreed to the assignment and the district has

secured prior approval from RIDE.

e. Develop an understanding of state initiatives and support the

implementation of these initiatives within their schools and districts.

f. Maintain the security of standardized testing materials that

comprise state assessment programs.

g. Further the mission, policies, and regulations of the Council on

Elementary and Secondary Education

1.4 Requirements for Certification

A. Educator Certification Requirements

1. Pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-11-1, educators in Rhode Island public

schools are required to attain certification.

2. Educator certification is required for all educators in all Rhode Island

public schools, state approved special education programs and state

funded pre-kindergarten programs.

B. School Committees and other Employing Agents Responsibilities

1. All school committees, school boards, charter schools, educational

collaboratives and other public- school entities, including state approved

special education programs and state funded pre-kindergarten programs,

employing educators shall ensure before employing an educator, that a

candidate holds a valid certificate or permit appropriate to the position to

be filled. In addition to meeting certification requirements an educator’s

competency in English must be determined when the educator is hired.

2. Employing agencies shall report to RIDE on the performance status and

assignment of all employed educators.

3. Employing agencies shall supervise, either directly or through a

designated representative, by regularly observing, guiding and evaluating

the performance of holders of a certificate through an evaluation system

approved by RIDE. Employing agencies shall report the results of

evaluations of certified educators to RIDE.

4. Employing agencies shall ensure that principals participate in the process

which determines and defines their salaries, benefits and conditions of

employment. Employing agencies are required to discuss and come to

written agreement with principals on matters of salaries, benefits and

conditions of employment. The School Committee may develop individual

or group agreements.

5. Employing agencies shall report any person who is dismissed for

performance-based or fitness related reasons to the Department of

Education.

6. Employing agencies shall report the following to the Department of

Education:

a. The arrest, indictment or conviction of its certified educator for any

misdemeanor or felony.

b. Allegations that its certified educator has engaged in sexual or

romantic activity with a child or student.

c. Allegations that its certified educator has caused physical injury to a

child or student due to negligence or malice.

d. Information that its certified educator is the subject of a report filed

with the Child Abuse and Neglect Tracking System (CANTS) at the

Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families.

e. Any certified educator who has resigned, retired or otherwise

separated from employment with the agency after it became aware

of an allegation that the educator engaged in misconduct.

f. Any certified educator who the agency has provided notice of intent

to dismiss, suspend or place on leave for misconduct.

g. Reports must be filed in writing within 15 days of the discovery of

the occurrence of the reason requiring the filing of the report.

Reports must be filed with the Office of Educator Excellence and

Certification Services at RIDE.

1.5 Applications and Fees

A. Application for Certification

1. Applications for state certificates and permits must be executed on forms

or through electronic means provided by RIDE. Additional documents and

materials must be submitted in accordance with the specific requirements

for particular certificate areas or any new requirements adopted by the

Council.

2. An applicant must submit all required documentation for each area of

certification, and as appropriate the following:

a. Application on an official form or through electronic means provided

by the Department of Education;

b. Application fee as established by the Council;

c. Official transcripts from an approved institution, as required, of all

credits and degrees, issued by the registrar or other appropriate

official of the institution;

d. A statement made by an approved institution or alternate route to

certification program approved by the Commissioner that the

candidate has completed an approved planned program of

preparation for service in the area of certification and the grade

level for which certification is sought and has demonstrated

competence with respect to professional standards;

e. In those cases where successful experience as an educator is a

condition for certification, a statement from the applicant’s

employing agent as to the nature, length, and quality of experience;

f. Official verification from the testing agency that an applicant has

achieved a passing score or satisfactory evaluation on required

assessments;

g. If an applicant holds foreign credentials or transcripts, an evaluation

by agencies or organizations approved by the Department of

Education to translate and evaluate such credentials for the

purposes of determining eligibility for certification;

h. If an applicant prepared for certification at an institution where

English was not the language of instruction, verification of minimum

passing score or higher on the state’s assessment of English

Language Competency;

i. An attestation by the applicant that he or she is of good moral

character, including disclosure of any employment, criminal, and

certification history; and

j. Additional documentation, as appropriate to the type of certificate or

permit requested.

B. The following fees apply to applications for certification and/or certification

renewal. All fees are non- refundable.

Initial Educator Certificate $100.00 for first certification area and

$50.00 for each additional area

Professional Educator Certificate $200.00 for first certification area and

$100.00 for each additional area

Alternate Route Preliminary Certificate $100.00 for each certification area

Career and Technical Education

Preliminary Certificate

$200.00 for each certification area

Expert Residency Preliminary Certificate $100.00 for each certification area

Visiting Lecturer Preliminary Certificate $100.00 for each certification area

Emergency Preliminary Certificate $200.00 for each certification area

Temporary Initial Preliminary Certificate $100.00 for each certification area

Special Provisional Certificate $200.00 plus certificate fees

One year Extension to Certificate $ 50.00

Credential Review $100.00

Other Fees

Reinstatement of Certificate $100.00 charge plus the certification fee

1.6 General Requirements for Full Certificates

A. The following requirements apply to all full certificates. Additional requirements

that are unique to each certification area are provided in §§ 1.9, 1.10, and 1.11 of

this Part.

1. Competency Requirements

a. The preparation and certification of all educators shall be guided by

professional competencies which are based on Rhode Island

professional standards. The content knowledge and knowledge of

field preparation and certification of all educators shall be guided by

content competencies and knowledge of field competencies that

are based on the accepted standards of the appropriate

professional associations. The Professional Competencies for

these purposes shall be recommended by the Commissioner of

Education for approval by the Council. RIDE will periodically review

competencies in light of changes in the profession and will publish

the list of approved competencies annually.

2. Teacher Professional Competencies

a. Any person who is seeking certification in a teaching area shall

demonstrate competency with respect to the pedagogical

knowledge articulated by the Rhode Island Professional Teaching

Standards pursuant to § 1.3.2 of this Part.

3. Teacher Content Competencies

a. Any person who is seeking certification in a teaching area shall

demonstrate competency with respect to the content knowledge of

the area of certification articulated by the relevant subject matter

professional association identified in the certification area

regulations pursuant to § 1.9 of this Part.

4. Administrator Professional Competencies

a. Any person who is seeking certification in an administrative area

shall demonstrate competency with respect to the professional

knowledge articulated by the Rhode Island Standards for

Educational Leaders pursuant to § 1.3 of this Part.

5. Administrator Knowledge of Field Competencies

a. Any person who is seeking certification in an administrative area

shall demonstrate competency with respect to the knowledge of the

field in the area of certification articulated by the relevant

professional association identified in the certification area

regulations pursuant to § 1.10 of this Part.

B. Assessment Requirements

1. Assessments based upon professional standards are required for all

certification areas. Assessment instruments and passing scores shall be

recommended by the Commissioner of Education for approval by the

Council. RIDE shall maintain a current list of required assessments and

passing scores.

a. Pedagogy Testing

(1) Any person who is seeking an Educator Certificate in a

teaching area shall submit verification of minimum passing

score or higher on the assessment(s) of pedagogy

applicable to the certification area as approved by the

Council.

b. Content Testing

(1) Any person who is seeking an Educator Certificate in a

teaching area shall submit verification of minimum passing

score or higher on the assessment(s) of content/subject

matter applicable to the certification area as approved by the

Council.

c. Knowledge of Field Testing

(1) Any person who is seeking an Educator Certificate in an

administrative or support professional area shall submit

verification of minimum passing score or higher on the

assessment applicable to the certification area as approved

by the Council.

d. English Language Competency

(1) Any person who is seeking an Educator Certificate and who

prepared for certification at an institution where the language

of instruction was not English shall submit verification of

minimum passing score or higher on the assessment of

English Language Competency as approved by the Council.

e. Assessment Requirement Exemptions

(1) RIDE may exempt certification areas from testing

requirements when an appropriate assessment cannot be

identified.

C. Field Experience Requirements

1. All applicants must demonstrate significant field experience as part of their

preparation for certification.

2. Applicants for teacher certification must complete a one-year practical

residency or the equivalent of a one-year practical residency such as sixty

(60) hours of field experience plus twenty-four (24) consecutive weeks of

full-time student teaching or sixty (60) hours of field experience plus

twenty-four (24) weeks of student teaching experiences distributed over

the course of the program, inclusive of an intensive and continuous

experience, and a minimum of sixty (60) hours of field experience prior to

or following the one-year practical residency or equivalent.

3. Applicants for teacher certification who are adding a new certification area

must complete an appropriate field experience that reflects the differences

between current certification area and the new certification area.

4. Applicants for support professional certification as specialists/consultants,

instructional leaders, or school counselors must complete an internship of

at least three hundred (300) hours.

5. Applicants for building level administrator certification must complete an

internship of at least three hundred (300) hours.

1.7 Initial Routes to Full Certification

A. Prospective Educators earn full certification through:

1. Completion of a Rhode Island Approved Educator Preparation Program;

2. Reciprocity based on completion of an approved educator preparation

program in another state within the last five years or holding comparable

certification in another state; or

3. Credential Review of the preparation of prospective educators in

certification areas in which there is no approved preparation program in

Rhode Island and for certification as Superintendent of Schools.

B. Eligibility for Certification by Completing a Rhode Island Approved Educator

Certification Program

1. Prospective Educators attain certification by completing a Rhode Island

Approved Program for Educator Certification and demonstrating that they

meet all other certification requirements. RIDE shall review and approve

programs that demonstrate they meet the Standards for Educator

Preparation Programs in Rhode Island.

2. Applicants eligible for certification through completion of a Rhode Island

Approved Certification Program receive an Educator Certificate upon

submittal of:

a. Application on an official form or through electronic means provided

by RIDE;

b. Application fee as established by the Council;

c. Official transcripts from an approved institution, as required, of all

credits and degrees, issued by the registrar or other appropriate

official of the institution;

d. A statement made by an approved institution or an alternate route

to certification program approved by the Commissioner of

Education that the candidate has completed an approved planned

program of preparation within the last five (5) years for service in

the area of certification and the grade level for which certification is

sought and has demonstrated competence with respect to

professional standards;

e. Official verification from the testing agency that an applicant has

achieved a passing score or satisfactory evaluation on required

Rhode Island assessments;

f. An attestation by the applicant that he or she is of good moral

character, including disclosure of any employment, criminal, and

certification history; and

g. Additional documentation as appropriate to the type of certificate or

permit requested.

C. Eligibility for Certification through Reciprocity with Other States

1. Applicants can attain certification by completing an Approved Program for

Educator Certification in a state other than Rhode Island or by

demonstrating that they hold a currently valid full certificate in another

state. Reciprocity is recognition of preparation or certification in another

state as comparable to Rhode Island. Individuals seeking certification

through reciprocity must demonstrate that they meet Rhode Island testing

requirements in the areas(s) of certification unless the individual is seeking

reciprocity through the State of Connecticut or the Commonwealth of

Massachusetts as provided in § 1.7(D)(2) of this Part. If the individual was

prepared at an institution where the language of instruction was not

English, then the individual must also meet the English Language

Competency testing requirements.

2. Beginning June 1, 2019, applicants from the State of Connecticut or the

Commonwealth of Massachusetts who hold full certification in those states

are eligible for reciprocity without any additional requirements, with the

exception that those seeking certification in Special Education, English as

a Second Language, Math Specialist or Reading Specialist must also hold

the appropriate independent certificate(s) issued by Rhode Island, the

State of Connecticut or the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

3. Applicants eligible for certification through reciprocity receive an Initial

Educator Certificate upon submittal of:

a. Application on an official form or through electronic means provided

by RIDE;

b. Application fee as established by the Council;

c. Official transcripts from an approved institution, as required, of all

credits and degrees, issued by the registrar or other appropriate

official of the institution;

d. A statement made by an approved institution or alternate route to

certification program in a state other than Rhode Island that the

candidate has completed an approved planned program of

preparation within the last five years for service in the area of

certification and the grade level for which certification is sought and

has demonstrated competence with respect to professional

standards OR a copy of a currently valid full certificate from another

state;

e. Official verification from the testing agency that an applicant has

achieved a passing score or satisfactory evaluation on required

Rhode Island assessments, if applicable;

f. An attestation by the applicant that he or she is of good moral

character, including disclosure of any employment, criminal, and

certification history; and

g. Additional documentation, as appropriate to the type of certificate or

permit requested.

D. Credential Review

1. Applicants for certification in areas that do not have approved programs in

Rhode Island or for certification as a Superintendent of Schools can attain

certification by submitting credentials that demonstrate they meet all

certification requirements. These materials must be submitted in a format

prescribed by RIDE and are reviewed by RIDE.

2. Applicants eligible for certification through credential review in Rhode

Island will be reviewed upon submittal of:

a. Application on an official form or through electronic means provided

by RIDE;

b. Application fee as established by the Council;

c. Official transcripts from a regionally accredited institution, as

required, of all credits and degrees, issued by the registrar or other

appropriate official of the institution;

d. A bachelor’s degree for all teachers (in areas where required), an

advanced degree for all administrators except School Business

Administrator, or an advanced degree for all support professionals;

e. Evidence of performance consistent with the competencies,

assessment and field experiences required of all certificates as

described in § 1.6 of this Part;

(1) The one-year practical residency or equivalent may be

waived for an applicant who has had two or more

documented years of successful teaching experience in an

approved setting.

f. Official verification from the testing agency that an applicant has

achieved a passing score or satisfactory evaluation on required

Rhode Island assessments, if applicable;

g. An attestation by the applicant that he or she is of good moral

character, including disclosure of any employment, criminal, and

certification history; and

h. Additional documentation, as appropriate to the type of certificate or

permit requested.

3. Applicants eligible for certification through credential review for

certification as Superintendent of Schools will be reviewed upon submittal

of:

a. Application on an official form or through electronic means provided

by RIDE;

b. Application fee as established by the Council;

c. Official transcripts from an approved institution, as required, of all

credits and degrees, issued by the registrar or other appropriate

official of the institution;

d. An advanced degree;

e. Evidence of significant leadership experience in organizations other

than schools, including:

(1) Professional Experience at a senior level in government,

private sector organizations, or the military including

significant operational responsibility and broad general

management experiences, management of complex

businesses or business units, or military command

experience;

(2) Organizational Leadership Experience that demonstrates

strong analytic and problem- solving skills and the energy,

determination, and perseverance to act as an agent of

change in a demanding organization; and

(3) Interpersonal Leadership Experience that demonstrates

strong communication skills and the ability to manage

complex political relationships.

f. Official verification from the testing agency that an applicant has

achieved a passing score or satisfactory evaluation on required

Rhode Island assessments;

g An attestation by the applicant that he or she is of good moral

character, including disclosure of any employment, criminal, and

certification history; and

h. Additional documentation, as appropriate to the type of certificate or

permit requested.

1.8 Types of Certificates

1.8.1 Full Certificates

A. Full certification is awarded to applicants who have completed all Rhode Island

preparation requirements for certification. RIDE issues the following three types

of full certificates: Initial Educator Certificate; Professional Educator Certificate;

and Advanced Educator Certificate. The Initial Educator Certificate, Professional

Educator Certificate, and Advanced Educator Certificate provide a three-tiered

system of certification that recognizes different stages of development and

accomplishment within the profession.

1. The Initial Educator Certificate is the first full certificate issued to an

individual who meets all Rhode Island certification requirements.

2. The Professional Educator Certificate is the second full certificate issued

to an individual. An individual attains a Professional Educator Certificate

after completing the required professional learning units while working

under an Initial Educator Certificate.

3. The Advanced Educator certificate is issued to an individual by meeting

one (1) of the aspirational benchmarks identified by RIDE and completing

the required professional learning units while working under a Professional

Educator Certificate.

B. All full certificates share a common expiration date. The Commissioner of

Education shall recommend for approval by the Council a common expiration

date. Educators with certification in more than one area shall be assigned a

common expiration year for all certificates. All full certificates can be renewed by

meeting applicable requirements, but satisfaction of renewal requirements does

not preclude an action to revoke a certificate pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-11-

1.8.2 Initial Educator Certificate

A. The first level of full certification issued to an applicant who meets the following

criteria is an Initial Educator Certificate.

1. Duration

a. The Initial Educator Certificate is valid for three (3) years.

2. Conditions for Issuance

a. The applicant meets the degree requirements for the certification

area with a degree from a regionally accredited approved

institution;

b. The applicant is eligible for certification through the completion of a

Rhode Island Approved Educator Preparation Program, reciprocity,

or credential review;

c. The applicant meets all competency and assessment requirements;

and

d. The applicant meets any additional certification area requirements

as specified in §§ 1.9, 1.10, and 1.11 of this Part.

3. Conditions for Renewal

a. The applicant must comply with the professional learning

requirements outlined in this Part in order to renew their certificate.

b. Beginning with certificates expiring on August 31, 2020, the

professional learning units under § 1.8.5 of this Part will be required

for renewal and progression to a Professional Certificate. The

amount of professional learning units required will be phased in

between 2020 and 2025. The renewal of certificates in 2020 and

2021 will be pro-rated from sixty (60) professional learning units.

The renewal of certificates in 2022, 2023 and 2024 will be pro-rated

from seventy-five (75) professional learning units. Beginning in

2025, the full ninety (90) professional learning units will be required.

c. Beginning in 2020, applicants will submit the professional learning

units outlined in the chart below.

Year of Certificate

Renewal

Formula to Pro-

Rate Units

Total Units to be

Completed for

Renewal

2020 1X20 20

2021 2X20 40

2022 3X25 75

2023 3X25 75

2024 3X25 75

2025 3X30 90

d. If the applicant has accumulated the appropriate number of

professional learning units during the term of the three-year Initial

Educator certificate, it may be renewed as a five-year Professional

Educator Certificate.

(1) If the applicant was employed for one (1) or two (2) years,

but not three (3) years the certificate will be renewed as a

three-year Initial Educator Certificate.

(2) If the applicant was not employed in a publicly funded

educational setting the certificate will be renewed as a three-

year Initial Educator Certificate.

(3) If the applicant was employed in a publicly funded

educational setting but was on leave for one (1) or more

years, a prorated number of units will be submitted with a

letter confirming leave status. The prorated number of units

will be equal to the number of units required during the

phase-in period or thirty (30) units per year beginning in

2025.

4. Non-renewal

a. If an applicant for renewal did not obtain employer approval or did

not complete the required units, the certificate will not be renewed.

The applicant may be eligible for the Special Provisional Certificate

pursuant to § 1.8.16 of this Part.

1.8.3 Professional Educator Certificate

A. The second level of full certification issued to an applicant who demonstrates

successful practice and meets the following criteria is a Professional Educator

Certificate.

1. Duration

a. The Professional Educator Certificate is valid for five (5) years.

2. Conditions for Issuance

a. The applicant holds an Initial Educator Certificate;

b. The applicant completed three (3) years as a Rhode Island

educator working under the Initial Educator Certificate; and

c. The applicant completed the appropriate number of professional

learning units.

3. Conditions for Renewal

a. The applicant must comply with the professional learning

requirements outlined in this Part in order to renew their certificate.

b. Beginning with certificates expiring on August 31, 2020, the

professional learning units under § 1.8.5 of this Part will be required

for renewal. The amount of professional learning units required will

be phased in between 2020 and 2030. Beginning in 2030, the full

one hundred (100) professional learning units will be required for

the renewal of all Professional Certificates

c. Individuals who hold an Initial Certificate that expires between 2020

and 2025 and are issued a Professional Certificate between 2020

and 2025 will submit the professional learning units outlined in the

chart below.

Year of Certificate

Renewal

Formula to Pro-Rate Units Total Units to

Be Competed

for Renewal

2025 5X20 100

2026 5X20 100

2027 5X20 100

2028 5X20 100

2029 5X20 100

2030 5X20 100

d. Individuals who already hold a Professional Certificate or Advanced

Certificate as of December 31, 2019 will submit the professional

learning units outlined in the chart below.

Year of Certificate

Renewal

Formula to Pro-Rate Units Total Units to

Be Completed

for Renewal

2020 1X15 15

2021 2X15 30

2022 3X15 45

2023 4x15 60

2024 5X15 75

2025 5X15 75

2026 4X15; 1X20 80

2027 3X15; 2X20 85

2028 2X15; 3X20 90

2029 1X15; 4X20 95

2030 5X20 100

e. If the applicant has completed the appropriate number of

professional learning units during the terms of the five-year

Professional Educator Certificate, it may be renewed as a five-year

Professional Educator Certificate.

f. Professional learning units earned for one (1) certificate may be

applied to the renewal of additional certificates. See § 1.8.5 of this

Part for more information about allowable professional learning

units.

(1) If the applicant was employed less than the five (5) years of

the certificate, the certificate will be renewed as a

Professional Educator Certificate without the submission of

professional learning units.

(2) If the applicant was not employed in a publicly funded

educational setting during the five years the certificate will be

renewed as a five-year Professional Educator Certificate.

Applicants who are not employed in publicly funded settings

are not required to submit evidence of performance or

professional learning units.

(3) If the applicant was employed in a publicly funded

educational setting but was on leave for one (1) or more

years, a prorated number of units will be submitted with a

letter confirming leave status. The prorated number of units

will be equal to the number of units required during the

phase-in period.

4. Non-renewal

a. If an applicant for renewal did not obtain employer approval or did

not complete the required units, the certificate will not be renewed.

The applicant may be eligible for the Special Provisional Certificate

pursuant to § 1.8.16 of this Part.

1.8.4 Advanced Educator Certificate

A. The third level of full certification issued to an applicant who demonstrates

accomplished practice and meets the following criteria is an Advanced Educator

Certificate.

1. Duration

a. The Advanced Educator Certificate is valid for seven (7) years.

2. Conditions for Issuance

a. The applicant holds a Professional Educator Certificate;

b. The applicant completed five (5) years as a Rhode Island educator

working under the Professional Educator Certificate;

c. The applicant completed the appropriate number of approved

professional learning units; and

d. The applicant achieves one (1) of the aspirational benchmarks

during the term of the certificate being renewed.

3. National Board Certification in certification area; or

4. Conferral of an advanced degree from an accredited institution of higher

learning during the term of the certificate being renewed in a subject

directly related to the content knowledge required to teach or lead under

the certificate being renewed; or

5. Receives RIDE or national recognition as a Milken educator, State

Teacher of the Year, Presidential Award Winner for Math and Science

during the certification cycle; or

6. Beginning June 1, 2019, achieves additional RIDE certification in a limited

number of shortage areas identified by RIDE.

7. Conditions for Renewal

a. Beginning with certificates expiring on August 31, 2020, the

professional learning units under § 1.8.5 of this Part will be required

for renewal.

b. The amount of professional learning units required will be phased in

between 2020 and 2030. In 2030, the full one hundred (100)

professional learning units will be required.

c. Individuals who already hold a Professional Certificate or Advanced

Certificate as of December 31, 2019 will submit the professional

learning units outlined in the chart below.

Year of Certificate

Renewal

Formula to Pro-Rate

Units

Total Units to

Completed

for Renewal

2020 1X15 15

2021 2X15 30

2022 3X15 45

2023 4x15 60

2024 5X15 75

2025 5X15 75

2026 4X15; 1X20 80

2027 3X15; 2X20 85

2028 2X15; 3X20 90

2029 1X15; 4X20 95

2030 5X20 100

d. Beginning in 2030, the applicant is responsible for submitting the

full, one hundred (100) units, required to renew the certificate as

described in § 1.8.5 of this Part.

(1) If the applicant was employed less than the five (5) years of

the certificate, the certificate will be renewed as a

Professional Educator Certificate without the submission of

professional learning units.

(2) If the applicant was not employed in a publicly funded

educational setting during the seven (7) years the certificate

will be renewed as a five-year Professional Educator

Certificate. Applicants who are not employed in publicly

funded settings do not submit evidence of performance or

professional learning units.

(3) If the applicant was employed in a publicly funded

educational setting but was on leave for one (1) or more

years, a prorated number of hours will be submitted with a

letter confirming leave status. The prorated number of units

will be equal to the number of units required during the

phase-in period.

(4) If the applicant has accumulated one hundred (100)

professional learning units and has met the aspirational

benchmarks and performance expectations during the term

of the certificate outlined above, the certificate may be

renewed as a seven-year Advanced Educator Certificate.

(5) If the applicant has accumulated one hundred (100)

professional learning units and performance expectations

but has not met aspirational benchmarks, the certificate may

be renewed as a five-year professional.

4. Non-renewal based

a. If an applicant for renewal did not complete the required units, the

certificate will not be renewed. The applicant may be eligible for

the Special Provisional Certificate pursuant to § 1.8.14 of this Part.

1.8.5 Professional Learning Units

A. Professional Learning Units (PLUs) are accrued for the purpose of demonstrating

ongoing professional learning. The accumulation of these units is a requirement

for renewing educator certificates. These units represent ongoing learning and

are earned as a result of professional learning activities that are designed to

increase educator effectiveness. Ongoing learning is an important and

necessary responsibility of educators as they maintain the knowledge and skills

needed to educate students.

B. Educators are responsible for the completion of all PLUs, as PLUs are a

condition of the renewal of educator certificates. LEAs may, in accordance with

LEA discretion and/or local agreements, make available some or all of these

PLUs for its employed educators.

C. Each LEA that employs educators shall develop, in collaboration with the

employed educators, an LEA professional learning plan that includes the

provisions outlined below.

1. Identification of needs and interests of all educators based on analysis of

student data, educator evaluation information, surveys and needs

assessments.

2. Alignment to educator needs as well as district and school needs through

review of district strategic plans, school improvement plans, surveys and

other information.

3. Examples of allowable activities, consistent with these regulations.

4. Mechanisms for the approval of educator professional learning consistent

with these regulations and the local resolution of disputes.

5. Structures and plans to ensure opportunities for professional learning

activities that take place within the school context over time and are

ongoing, including but not limited to, data analysis meetings, student work

review teams, curriculum implementation teams, improvement cycle

activities, induction activities, mentoring activities, and structured

professional learning communities rather than only reliance on one-time

activities.

6. Alignment and differentiation of professional learning to ensure

opportunities that are relevant to teachers' certified areas, administrators

and support professionals.

D. All educator PLUs for employees of a LEA shall be approved by the

superintendent of the LEA or his/her designee, and once the LEA professional

learning plan is operative, consistent with the LEA professional learning plan. In

any instance where these regulations and the LEA professional learning plan are

in conflict, these regulations shall take precedence. PLUs for superintendents

shall be approved by the chair of the school committee. The Commissioner of

Education shall have the authority to approve specific PLU offerings for all Rhode

Island certified educators.

E. Activities for Professional Learning Units

1. Site-Based Professional Learning activities such as: induction activities,

mentoring activities, structured Professional Learning Communities, data

analysis meetings, local workshops, lesson study, student work review

sessions, curriculum implementation teams and other site-based activities

designed to improve teaching and learning.

2. Structured coaching that involves trained coaches working with colleagues

on focused objectives through observation and feedback cycles.

Coaching may take the form of induction coaching for beginning teachers

or peer coaching and instructional coaching.

3. Proficiency-based Learning and Micro-credentials activities that require

the educator to demonstrate proficiency in a new skill by submitting

evidence of mastery. Micro-credentials often require educators to submit

evidence to third party providers for review.

4. University coursework at accredited institutions of higher education.

5. National Board Certification is a recognized form of professional learning

that may be used to accumulate units. Educators may receive units for

completing individual components even if the certification is not achieved.

6. External Conferences or Workshops led by external organizations

encompass a wide range of learning opportunities. Short-term or stand-

alone workshops can be counted for limited units.

7. Activities that may count toward the accumulation of professional learning

units are those the develop subject matter/content knowledge,

pedagogical knowledge, pedagogical content knowledge, curriculum

implementation knowledge or enhance educator effectiveness. These

activities may be facilitated in many ways, including, but not limited to,

third parties not regularly employed by the LEA and other educators

regularly employed by the LEA such as a professional learning community

focused on a professional problem of practice.

8. Activities that do not directly relate to improving educator practices, such

as general logistics, school daily operations, safety trainings, and most

committee work do not qualify for professional learning units. These are

important activities for schools but are not considered professional

learning.

F. Assigning Unit Values to Activities- In order to recognize hours-based and

competency-based professional learning experiences, RIDE will use professional

learning units as its measure for documenting professional learning.

Conversions will be needed to accommodate different learning activities.

1. One (1) hour of a professional learning activity is equal to one (1)

professional learning unit. For tracking purposes, rounding to the nearest

half-hour is appropriate.

2. One (1) college credit is equal to fifteen (15) professional learning units.

3. One (1) demonstrated competency in proficiency-based or competency-

based learning is equal to five to ten (5-10) professional learning units,

determined by the Superintendent based on the rigor of the competency

expectations.

4. National Board Certification activities:

a. One (1) component is equal to forty-five (45) professional learning

units.

b. Completion is equal to one hundred eighty (180) units.

c. Renewal is equal to ninety (90) units.

G. RIDE will continue to study research-based competency approaches to

certification renewal and will make future recommendations that reduce the

reliance on a number of units and emphasizes growth in professional practice.

H. RIDE will engage with teachers unions and LEA leadership to provide model

Professional Learning Plans and to review and evaluate the quality of

professional learning experiences.

I. Record Keeping and Documentation

1. Educators must maintain records of all activities and make them available

upon request by RIDE. All records must attest to participation by the

educator in the activity and the professional learning units earned.

2. Employers verify locally that educators met renewal requirements.

Documentation of verification shall be provided to the educator for

certification renewal.

3. Educators must submit employer verification forms to RIDE as part of the

renewal process.

J. Audits of Professional Learning Units

1. In order to ensure the efficacy of the professional learning unit system,

RIDE will audit renewal applications each year.

2. Educators selected for audit must submit documentation for all activities

submitted for certificate renewal.

3. Failure to submit required documentation will result in non-renewal of

certificates.

1.8.6 Preliminary Certificates

A. Preliminary certification is awarded to candidates who are not eligible for full

certification, but who have met specific criteria that qualify them to serve as

educators of record while completing all certification requirements. RIDE issues

the following six types of preliminary certificates: Alternate Route Preliminary

Certificate; Career and Technical Education Preliminary Certificate: Emergency

Preliminary Certificate; Expert Residency Preliminary Certificate; Expert

Residency- Shortages Preliminary Certificate; Temporary Initial Educator

Preliminary Certificate, and Visiting Lecturer Preliminary Certificate.

B. Most preliminary certificates will be issued for one year and share a common

expiration date that the Commissioner of Education shall recommend for

approval by the Council. All Preliminary Certificates can be renewed by meeting

applicable requirements, but satisfaction of renewal requirements does not

preclude an action to revoke a certificate pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-11-4.

C. Generally, educators may not be assigned to positions out of their certification

areas. To minimize the use of Emergency Preliminary Certifications, employing

agencies should seek to fill positions through the use of the following preliminary

certificates: Alternate Route Preliminary Certificates, Career and Technical

Education Preliminary Certificates, Expert Residency Preliminary Certificates,

Expert Residency- Shortages Preliminary Certificates and Temporary Initial

Educator Preliminary Certificates. These Preliminary Certifications provide a

basis for identifying the most qualified personnel for these vacancies.

D. Employing agencies that hire educators working under a preliminary certificate

shall evaluate and provide meaningful support to these educators.

E. A person who holds a preliminary certificate is not “fully certified.” Employment

under the authority of a preliminary certificate does not constitute teaching

service for purposes of the teacher tenure probationary period.

1.8.7 Alternate Route Preliminary Certificate

A. The Alternate Route Preliminary Certificate is issued to individuals who are

enrolled in an approved Rhode Island Alternate Route Program, § 1.8.7 of this

Part, and who have been offered employment by a Rhode Island School district.

1. Duration

a. The Alternate Route Preliminary Certificate is valid for one (1) year.

2. Conditions for Issuance

a. The applicant for a certificate in a teaching area holds a bachelor’s

degree and the applicant for an administrative area (except for

School Business Administrator) or a support professional area

holds an advanced degree from an accredited institution;

b. The applicant for a certificate in a teaching area has passed all

subject matter testing requirements;

c. The applicant for a certificate in an administrative or support

professional area has passed all knowledge of field assessment

requirements;

d. The applicant is enrolled in a Rhode Island approved educator

preparation program;

e. The applicant has successfully completed a pre-service field

experience as part of preparation;

f. An employing agency has offered the applicant employment and

the preparation program and the agency jointly request the

certificate; and

g. The certificate is valid only for the employing agency of the

assignment.

3. Conditions for Renewal

a. The preparation program and the employing agency recommend

renewal based on the educator’s performance in the assignment

and progress in the preparation program.

b. The Alternate Route Preliminary Certificate can be renewed one (1)

time.

4. Certification Areas

a. All teacher, administrator, and support professional areas are

included.

1.8.8 Rhode Island Alternate Route Program Standards

A. Applicants can attain certification by completing a Rhode Island Approved

Program for Educator Certification that is designed to prepare individuals working

on an Alternate Route Preliminary Certificate. Alternate Route to Certification

Programs meet the following standards:

1. Purpose – In order to ensure that every child is served by well-prepared

educators in both professional expertise and content area knowledge, the

Rhode Island Department of Education may approve alternative educator

preparation programs. Programs may be designed to serve any of the

following purposes:

a. Meet the demand for qualified teachers in high need certification

areas Recruit teachers to staff schools in high need local education

agencies (LEAs).

b. Increase the number of qualified candidates from groups that are

underrepresented in the Rhode Island teaching force.

c. Provide rigorous, high quality preparation through an expedited

track to certification Attract highly motivated individuals who bring

subject matter expertise to the profession.

2. The following definitions apply to this section:

a. “Alternative educator preparation program” means a program that

provides preparation to educator candidates who serve as teachers

of record while completing the approved program. These programs

may be offered by an institution of higher education, a professional

organization or a private service provider.

b. “Teacher of record” means:

(1) Teachers that are responsible for content instruction and

determining student grades, or

(2) Administrators or other education service providers that

perform the functions allowed by their program certificate

area.

3. Approval of program. To be approved by the Rhode Island Department of

Education an alternative educator preparation program must:

a. Meet the RI Program Approval (RIPA) Standards and participate in

regular program review as defined in the RIDE Teacher Preparation

Approval Guidelines. Notwithstanding language to the contrary

within RIPA, any reference to institutions of higher education or

colleges and universities shall be interpreted to include private

service providers and other professional organizations for the

purposes of this section.

b. Develop a partnership with one (1) LEA or consortium of LEAs that

demonstrates a commitment by the LEA(s) to hire and supervise

candidates as teachers of record while enrolled in an approved

alternative route to certification program.

c. Be designed and delivered in a way that is responsive to needs of

candidates and LEAs through a measurable system of assessment

as defined in RIPA.

d. Private service providers and other professional organizations do

not require accreditation by NEASC.

4. Program Components. The RIPA approval process and the standards

contained therein apply to both traditional and alternative educator

preparation programs. Alternative certification programs must design

program components that align to RIPA standards and must:

a. Ensure that candidates meet eligibility requirements for their

certificate area prior to entering an approved program

b. Include rigorous admission criteria that include:

(1) A minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited

institution; and for secondary areas a major in, or closely

related to, the intended teaching field or demonstration of

content knowledge by meeting other Regents approved

content knowledge measures as they are developed and

contained in RI certification regulations;

(2) A minimum cumulative grade point average of “B” (3.00 on a

4.00 scale) in undergraduate studies; or in at least 24

semester hours of graduate study;

(3) Other admission criteria identified by the program to meet

Rhode Island Program Approval standards

c. Include the successful completion of an intensive pre-service

experience, of a minimum of five (5) weeks, that addresses the

unique needs of the certificate areas and prepares individuals to

begin serving as the educator of record, including, but not limited

to, instruction in grade-level appropriate pedagogy, classroom

management, and the statutes and regulations governing public

education and students’ rights. The pre-service experience must

also include opportunities for candidates to apply knowledge and

skills.

d. Include an on-going curriculum during the school year through

seminars or courses.

e. Require individuals working on an Alternative Route Preliminary

Certificate to serve as the teacher of record for a minimum of one

(1) school year.

f. Ensure on-going professional support and supervision of

candidates by educators who model effective practice and assume

responsibility for supporting prospective colleagues. Program and

district personnel, including but not limited to a district-assigned

mentor, consistent with Council standards for induction and

mentoring, must provide field-based support and supervision in

such a way that supports the development of prospective

educators. Ongoing feedback provided to candidates must focus on

improving candidate performance.

5. Certification:

a. Individuals in alternative route to certification programs will hold an

Alternative Route Preliminary Certificate that allows them to serve

as the teacher of record for at least one (1) school year.

b. Upon successful completion of all program requirements, state

testing requirements and recommendation for licensure, individuals

will be eligible for a Rhode Island initial educator certificate.

6. Highly qualified. Program participants will be considered “highly qualified”

in NCLB core content areas under NCLB-Highly Qualified Teacher while

working on the Alternative Route Preliminary Certificate if the program

meets NCLB requirements for alternative certification programs.

1.8.9 Career and Technical Education Preliminary Certificate (Changes Effective

06/01/2019)

A. The Career and Technical Education Preliminary Certificate is issued in a

specific career and technical education area of certification to individuals who

have demonstrated accomplished practice through an apprenticeship and

experience in the specific career and technical area and who have passed a

written and practical exam in the career and technical field, when applicable.

1. Total duration of certificate - seven years.

2. The Career and Technical Education Preliminary Certificate is valid for

three (3) years and may be renewed one time for four (4) years.

Conditions for Issuance:

a. The applicant holds a high school diploma or a high school

equivalency diploma;

b. The applicant must have five (5) years of work experience in the

career and technical area if he or she holds high school diploma.

c. The applicant must have three (3) years of work experience in the

specific career and technical area if the applicant holds and

associate's or bachelor's degree in the career and technical area;

d. If applicable, the applicant holds a valid occupational

license/certification in the career and technical area issued by the

appropriate Rhode Island governing body;

e. The employing agency must provide induction support for all new

Career and Technical Educators working under this certificate.

3. Conditions for Renewal

a. The applicant is enrolled in a preparation program prior to renewal

and must demonstrate progress in the preparation program at the

time of renewal.

b. The preparation program and the employing agency recommend

renewal based on the educator’s performance in the job and

progress in the program.

c. The applicant has passed a written practical exam in the career and

technical area when available and applicable. Applicants who hold

advanced industry licenses issued by the appropriate Rhode Island

governing body or advanced industry certificates are not required to

complete subject matter testing.

d. If a bachelor's degree or work experience was completed more

than ten (10) years prior to the date of application, subject matter

testing will be required, even if it otherwise would not have been

required.

4. Certification Areas

a. All Secondary Grades Career and Technical Education areas are

included.

1.8.10 Emergency Preliminary Certificate

A. The Emergency Route Preliminary Certificate is issued at the request of an

employing agency when the agency documents that it has not been able to find a

candidate who is certified and qualified for a position that requires certification.

The Emergency Preliminary Certificate is issued to an individual who has

adequate content or knowledge of field preparation to fill the position while

working towards the completion of requirements for full certification.

1. Duration

a. The Emergency Route Preliminary Certificate is valid for one (1)

year.

2. Conditions for Issuance

a. The applicant for a certificate in a teaching area holds a bachelor’s

degree, if applicable, and the applicant for an administrative area

(except for School Business Administrator) or a support

professional area holds an advanced degree from an accredited

institution;

b. The applicant for an emergency preliminary certificate in a teaching

field has sufficient subject matter preparation to teach in the field

but has not demonstrated the level of knowledge through the

content assessment and the applicant for an emergency

preliminary certificate in an administrative or support professional

field has sufficient knowledge of the field to serve in the assignment

but has not demonstrated the level of knowledge through the

knowledge of field assessment;

c. The employing agency can request an emergency preliminary

certificate beginning on July 1 prior to a school year and requests

for renewal can be made in June of the following year;

d. The agency demonstrates that they have advertised the position

and made efforts to identify and recruit applicants but were unable

to find a candidate who is certified and qualified; and

e. The certificate is valid only in the requesting agency.

3. Conditions for Renewal

a. For teaching areas the applicant has passed the subject matter test

prior to first renewal.

b. For administrative and support professional areas the applicant has

passed the knowledge of field test prior to first renewal.

c. The applicant has enrolled in a preparation program if there is an

approved Rhode Island program or has developed a credential

development plan if there is not an approved Rhode Island program

prior to first renewal.

d. The preparation program and the employing agency recommend

renewal based on the educator’s performance and progress.

Beginning with the second renewal, progress in the preparation

program must be demonstrated. If there is no approved Rhode

Island preparation program, the applicant must demonstrate

progress towards the completion of the credential development

plan.

e. The Emergency Route Preliminary Certificate can be renewed up to

three times. When appropriate, the educator shall be issued an

Expert Residency Preliminary Certificate instead of a renewal of an

Emergency Preliminary Certificate.

4. Certification Areas

a. All teacher, administrator, and support professional areas are

included.

5. Additional Requirements

a. An Emergency Preliminary Certificate can only be issued for the

Support Professional Area of Speech Language Pathologist to an

individual who holds a bachelor’s degree in communicative

disorders from an accredited college or university and has

successfully completed no less than eighteen hours of graduate

credit in the area of speech language pathology. Districts must

assure that the individual is under the direct supervision of a

certified speech language pathologist who is supervising no more

than one person on an emergency certificate.

1.8.11 Expert Residency Preliminary Certificate

A. The Expert Residency Preliminary Certificate is issued to individuals who have a

bachelor’s degree, demonstrate subject matter proficiency through content

examinations, and have met other coursework or experience requirements

specific to individual certification areas.

1. Duration

a. The Expert Residency Preliminary Certificate is valid for one (1)

year.

2. Conditions for Issuance

a. The applicant for a certificate in a teaching area holds a bachelor’s

degree and the applicant for an administrative area (except for

School Business Administrator) or for a support professional area

holds an advanced degree from an approved institution;

b. The applicant has passed all subject matter assessment

requirements in teaching certification areas;

c. The applicant has passed all knowledge of field assessment

requirements in administrative certification areas; and

d. The applicant has provided evidence of meeting any other

preparation required for specific certification areas as specified in §

1.8.11(A)(5) of this Part.

3. Conditions for Renewal

a. The applicant has enrolled in a preparation program if there is an

approved Rhode Island program or developed a credential

development plan if there is not an approved Rhode Island program

prior to first renewal.

b. The preparation program and the employing agency recommend

renewal based on the educator’s performance and progress.

Beginning with the second renewal, progress in the preparation

program must be demonstrated. If there is no approved Rhode

Island preparation program, the applicant must demonstrate

progress towards the completion of the credential development

plan.

c. The Expert Residency Preliminary Certificate can be renewed up to

three (3) times.

4. Certification Areas

a. All teacher areas, all administrator areas, and specialist/consultant

areas of support professional certification areas are included.

5. Additional Requirements

a. An applicant for an Expert Residency Preliminary Certificate in

Early Childhood Education or Elementary Education has passed

the pedagogy assessment, has completed seminars or coursework

in the teaching of reading, English language arts, and mathematics

and in teaching students with disabilities.

b. An applicant for an Expert Residency Preliminary Certificate in any

Middle Level Education (independent of an Elementary Education

or Secondary Grades certificate), Secondary Grades, or All Grades

subject matter area, has a major or equivalent in the content field or

in a closely related field.

c. An applicant for an Expert Residency Preliminary Certificate in

Middle Level Education (added on to an Elementary Education

certificate) has demonstrated meeting the content competencies

with a minimum of twenty-one (21) semester hours in the content

field.

d. An applicant for an Expert Residency Preliminary Certificate in

English as a Second Language holds a general education

certificate for Early Childhood, Elementary Education, Middle

Grades Education, Secondary Grades Education, or All Grades

Education and has met assessment requirements for teaching

English as a Second Language.

e. An applicant for an Expert Residency Preliminary Certificate in

Bilingual and Dual Language Education holds a general education

certificate for Early Childhood, Elementary Education, Middle

Grades Education, Secondary Grades Education, or All Grades

Education and has met assessment requirements for teaching

English as a Second Language and demonstrated proficiency in the

second language of instruction.

f. An applicant for an Expert Residency Preliminary Certificate in

Special Education holds a general education certificate for Early

Childhood, Elementary Education, Middle Grades Education, or

Secondary Grades Education and has met assessment

requirements for teaching Special Education.

g. An applicant for an Expert Residency Preliminary Certificate in

Special Education-Deaf and Hard of Hearing holds a general

education certificate for Early Childhood, Elementary Education,

Middle Grades Education, or Secondary Grades Education and has

met assessment requirements for teaching in this field and has

demonstrated competency in American Sign Language.

h. An applicant for an Expert Residency Preliminary Certificate in

Special Education-Severe Intellectual Disability holds a general

education certificate for Early Childhood, Elementary Education,

Middle Grades Education, or Secondary Grades Education and has

met assessment requirements for teaching in this field.

i. An applicant for an Expert Residency Preliminary Certificate in

Special Education-Visually Impaired holds a general education

certificate for Early Childhood, Elementary Education, Middle

Grades Education, or Secondary Grades Education and has met

assessment requirements for teaching in this field and has

demonstrated competency in reading and writing Braille.

j. An applicant for an Expert Residency Preliminary Certificate in

Building Level Administrator has met all knowledge of field testing

requirements and has three (3) years of educational experience.

k. An applicant for an Expert Residency Preliminary Certificate in

District Level Administrator- Curriculum, Instruction and

Assessment holds a certificate as a building level administrator and

has met all knowledge of field testing requirements.

l. An applicant for an Expert Residency Preliminary Certificate in

District Level Administrator- Special Education holds a certificate as

a building level administrator, has met all knowledge of field testing

requirements, and has three (3) years of educational experience in

special education.

m. An applicant for an Expert Residency Preliminary Certificate in

School Business Administrator has at least three (3) years of

significant experience as a business administrator in a non-

education context with responsibility in at least two of the following

five (5) areas: financial resource management, human resource

management, facility management, property acquisition and

management, and information management.

n. An applicant for an Expert Residency Preliminary Certificate in

Superintendent of Schools has met all knowledge of field testing

requirements and at least three (3) years of significant experience

as a building administrator or significant leadership in a non-

educational context.

o. An applicant for an Expert Residency Preliminary Certificate in

English as a Second Language Specialist/Consultant has met all

knowledge of field testing requirements and has three (3) years

teaching experience.

p. An applicant for an Expert Residency Preliminary Certificate in

Mathematics Specialist/Consultant has met all knowledge of field

testing requirements and has three (3) years teaching experience.

q. An applicant for an Expert Residency Preliminary Certificate in

Reading Specialist/Consultant has met all knowledge of field testing

requirements and has three (3) years teaching experience.

1.8.12 Expert Residency- Shortages Preliminary Certificate -

A. Beginning June 1, 2019, the Expert Residency- Shortages Preliminary Certificate

is issued to individuals who hold a bachelor's degree and have demonstrated

subject matter competency in the shortage area.

1. Duration

a. The Expert Residency- Shortages is valid for three (3) years and

may be renewed one (1) time for four (4) years.

2. Conditions for Issuance

a. The applicant holds a bachelor's degree from a regionally

accredited institution with a minimum GPA of 2.75;

b. The applicant has met subject matter assessment requirements in

the requested area(s);

c. The applicant has provided evidence of meeting the additional

certificate requirements for specific certification areas;

d. The applicant provides evidence that the employing agency is

requesting issuance on behalf of the applicant; and

e. The applicant provides evidence that induction coaching that

includes support for planning, observation and feedback for a

minimum of ninety hours will be provided by the employing agency.

f. The certificate is valid only in the requesting employing agency.

3. Conditions for Renewal

a. The applicant is enrolled in a preparation program prior to renewal

or has an approved credential review plan if no approved program

is available and must demonstrate progress in the preparation

program at the time of renewal;

b. The preparation program and the employing agency recommend

renewal based on the educator's performance in the assignment

and progress in the preparation program;

c. The applicant must provide evidence of successful participation in

an induction program during the first three (3) years of employment;

d. The applicant has any passed required pedagogy assessments;

e. The applicant has received evaluations ratings of Effective or

Highly Effective for two (2) of the three (3) years of employment;

and

f. The applicant provides evidence that the employing agency agrees

to continue annual evaluation during the four (4) year renewal

period and ensures a professional growth plan is in effect focused

in areas of growth and improvement.

g. The applicant is eligible for full certification only at the completion of

seven (7) years of employment in the requesting district and

successful completion of all requirements for full certification.

4. Certification Areas

a. RIDE will identify shortage areas at least every five (5) years and

seek the approval of the Council for these identified areas.

Potential shortage areas will be identified based on national trends

in annual federal loan forgiveness, local trends in high needs areas

as well as local areas of Cultural Competence and School Business

Administrator.

b. Requirements for dependent certificates apply to the Expert

Residency-Shortages Preliminary Certificate.

c. RIDE will seek approval from the Council prior to the

implementation of the Expert Residency Cultural Competence

Shortages Certificate.

5. Additional Certificate Requirements

a. For all teacher certificate areas, the applicant must meet subject

matter assessment requirements

b. For the area of cultural competence, the applicant must provide

evidence that the employing agency conducted a recruitment and

hiring process ensuring the applicant's dispositions for success and

cultural competence.

c. For School Business Administrator, the applicant must hold a

bachelor's degree or advanced degree from an accredited

institution in business administration, finance or a related field.

1.8.13 Temporary Initial Educator Preliminary Certificate

A. A Temporary Initial Educator Preliminary Certificate is issued to an individual who

has completed an approved educator preparation program in another state or

who is certified in another state and is seeking certification in Rhode Island

through reciprocity.

B. To be awarded the Temporary Initial Educator Preliminary Certificate the

individual must meet all of the requirements for the Initial Educator Certificate

except for assessment requirements, including content, knowledge of field, and

pedagogy assessment requirements. If the individual was prepared at an

institution where the language of instruction was not English, then the individual

must also meet the English Language Competency testing requirements.

1. Duration

a. The Temporary Initial Educator Preliminary Certificate is valid for

one (1) year.

2. Conditions for Issuance

a. RIDE may issue a Temporary Initial Educator Preliminary

Certificate if an applicant has completed an approved preparation

program or is certified in another state and meets the preparation

and eligibility requirements for an Initial Educator Certificate but has

not taken Rhode Island required assessments and presented

evidence of passing scores.

b. Once the applicant has met the requirements for the Initial Educator

Certificate, submitted evidence of meeting the assessment

requirement(s), and submitted payment of the fee for the Initial

Educator Certificate, the certificate will be issued retroactive to the

date of the issuance of the Temporary Initial Educator Preliminary

Certificate.

c. An applicant can only receive a Temporary Initial Educator

Preliminary Certificate once.

3. Conditions for Renewal

a. This certificate is not renewable.

4. Certification Areas

a. All teacher areas, all administrator areas, and all support

professional areas are included.

1.8.14 Visiting Lecturer Preliminary Certificate

A. The Visiting Lecturer Preliminary Certificate is issued at the request of an

employing agency to individuals with distinctive qualifications and therefore a

unique capacity to enhance educational programs in districts.

1. Duration

a. The Visiting Lecturer Preliminary Certificate is valid for one (1) year.

2. Conditions for Issuance

a. The applicant holds unique qualifications that supplement school

and district programs;

b. An employing agency has offered the applicant employment;

c. The agency has developed a program of support to assist the

lecturer with academic and classroom support and an assurance of

regular observation, guidance, and evaluation of the performance

of assigned duties; and

d. The certificate is valid only in the requesting agency.

3. Conditions for Renewal

a. The employing agency recommends renewal based on the

educator’s performance.

b. The certificate can be renewed annually.

4. Certification Areas

a. All Secondary Grade and All Grade teacher certification areas are

included.

1.8.15 Endorsements

Beginning on June 1, 2019, endorsements may be added to existing certificates

in recognition of expanded or specialty area expertise. RIDE does not require

specific endorsements for assignment in public schools but LEAs may. Renewal

requirements do not apply to endorsements. RIDE will designate endorsement

areas and will publish competencies for the issuance of endorsements. RIDE will

seek approval from the Council prior to the implementation of new endorsement

areas.

1.8.16 Special Provisional Certificate

A. Beginning January 1, 2020, the Special Provisional Certificate may be issued to

any certified educator holding an Initial, Professional or Advanced Educator

Certificate who has not met the required professional learning units.

1. Duration

a. The Special Provisional Certificate is valid for one (1) year and is

non-renewable.

2. Conditions for Issuance

a. The Special Provisional Certificate may be issued to an educator

holding an Initial, Professional or Advanced Educator certificate

when professional learning renewal requirements have not been

met.

b. The Special Provisional Certificate may only be issued once in an

educator's career in Rhode Island.

3. Conditions for Renewal

a. The Special Provisional Certificate is not renewable.

b. Upon submission of required professional learning units at the

expiration of the Special Provisional Certificate, the remaining time

will be issued on the educator's full certificates. Failure to submit

required professional learning units will result in the expiration of all

certificates.

1.9 Teacher Certificate Areas

Teacher certification is offered in subject matter areas and for limited grade

ranges that qualify the teacher for specific assignments in Rhode Island public

schools. Certification in most teaching areas requires: a bachelor’s degree;

completion of an approved teacher preparation program that assures completers

demonstrate pedagogical competencies of the Rhode Island Professional

Teaching Standards and content competencies prescribed by the appropriate

professional association; field experience that includes a minimum of one (1)

year practical residency or equivalent clinical time for the first certification area

and other field requirements for the certification area; a minimum of sixty (60)

hours of field experience prior to or following the practical residency and passing

scores on pedagogy and subject matter testing required for the certification area.

Beginning June 1, 2019, a certified teacher may be employed for a maximum of

twenty percent of his/her time in a teacher certificate area and/or at a grade level

for which he/she does not hold a certificate, provided there is evidence of

competence in the subject matter and the Superintendent and teacher mutually

agree to the assignment. Superintendents must obtain a waiver from the

Commissioner and notify the local educator union prior to requesting the waiver.

Waivers will not be approved if the Commissioner finds the LEA is attempting to

use this flexibility to avoid filling full-time positions.

1.9.1 Early Childhood Teacher Certificates

A. Early Childhood Education Teacher, Grades PK-2

1. Validity of Certificate:

a. This certificate is valid for assignment as an Early Childhood

Education Teacher in Grades PK-2 in Rhode Island Public Schools.

2. Requirements:

a. Has completed an approved program in this certification area;

b. Holds a bachelor’s degree from an approved institution;

c. Has completed a minimum of one-year practical residency or the

equivalent in this certification area and a minimum of sixty (60)

hours field experience prior to or following residency;

d. Has demonstrated the pedagogical competencies of the Rhode

Island Professional Teaching Standards (RIPTS);

e. Has demonstrated content and pedagogical competencies as

prescribed by the appropriate, RIDE approved national professional

association;

f. Has demonstrated a deep understanding of applicable student

standards and proficiency in designing and implementing

standards-based instruction and assessment; and

g. Has met all pedagogy and subject matter testing requirements for

this certification area.

B. Early Childhood Special Education Teacher, Birth through Grade 2

1. Validity of Certificate:

a. This certificate is valid for assignment as an Early Childhood

Special Education Teacher from Birth to Grade 2 in Rhode Island

Public Schools.

2. Requirements:

a. Holds certification in Early Childhood Education;

b. Has completed an approved program in this certification area;

c. Holds a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution;

d. Has completed a minimum of one-year practical residency or the

equivalent in this area and a minimum of sixty (60) hours field

experience prior to or following residency;

e. Has demonstrated content and pedagogical competencies as

prescribed by the appropriate and RIDE approved national

professional associations;

f. Has demonstrated a deep understanding of applicable student

standards and proficiency in designing and implementing

standards-based instruction and assessment; and

g. Has met all pedagogy and subject matter testing requirements for

this certification area.

C. Early Childhood Bilingual and Dual Language Education Teacher, Grades PK-2

1. Validity of Certificate:

a. This certificate is valid for assignment as an Early Childhood

Bilingual and Dual Language Education Teacher in Grades PK-2 in

Rhode Island Public Schools.

2. Requirements:

a. Holds certification in Early Childhood Education;

b. Has completed an approved program in this certification area;

c. Holds a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution;

d. Has completed a minimum of forty-five (45) hours of practicum in

this area;

e. Has demonstrated content and pedagogical competencies as

prescribed by the appropriate and RIDE approved national

professional associations;

f. Has demonstrated a deep understanding of applicable student

standards and proficiency in designing and implementing

standards-based instruction and assessment;

g. Has met all pedagogy and subject matter testing requirements for

this certification area; and

h. Has demonstrated proficiency in the first and second languages of

instruction.

3. Beginning June 1, 2019, individuals who hold this certificate may obtain

English to Speakers of Other Languages certification by demonstrating

English proficiency and completing coursework in First and Second

Language Acquisition, English Linguistics and Curriculum, Assessment

and Methods for English Learners. The Council will review this pathway

every five (5) years for continuing approval.

D. Early Childhood English to Speakers of Other Languages Teacher, Grades PK- 2

1. Validity of Certificate:

a. This certificate is valid for assignment as an Early Childhood

English as a Second Language Education Teacher in Grades PK-2

in Rhode Island Public Schools. Educators who hold this certificate

may also teach in English in dual language programs.

b. Beginning June 1, 2019, individuals who have previously taught for

less than two years in a dual language program must complete

professional learning in the foundations and implementation of dual

language programming as part of their accumulation of professional

learning units (PLUs) for certification renewal. The Council will

review this pathway every five (5) years for continuing approval.

2. Requirements:

a. Holds certification in Early Childhood Education;

b. Has completed an approved program in this certification area;

c. Holds a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution;

d. Has completed a minimum of forty-five (45) hours of practicum in

this area;

e. Has demonstrated content and pedagogical competencies as

prescribed by the appropriate and RIDE approved national

professional associations;

f. Has demonstrated a deep understanding of applicable student

standards and proficiency in designing and implementing

standards-based instruction and assessment; and

g. Has met all pedagogy and subject matter testing requirements for

this certification area.

1.9.2 Elementary Teacher Certificates

A. Elementary Education Teacher, Grades 1-6

1. Validity of Certificate:

a. This certificate is valid for assignment as an Elementary Education

Teacher in Grades 1-6 in Rhode Island Public Schools.

2. Requirements:

a. Has completed an approved program in this certification area;

b. Holds a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution;

c. Has completed a minimum of one-year practical residency or the

equivalent in this area and a minimum of sixty (60) hours field

experience prior to or following residency;

d. Has demonstrated the pedagogical competencies of the Rhode

Island Professional Teaching Standards (RIPTS);

e. Has demonstrated content and pedagogical competencies as

prescribed by the appropriate and RIDE approved national

professional associations;

f. Has demonstrated a deep understanding of applicable student

standards and proficiency in designing and implementing

standards-based instruction and assessment; and

g. Has met all pedagogy and subject matter testing requirements for

this certification area.

B. Elementary Special Education Teacher, Grades 1-6

1. Validity of Certificate:

a. This certificate is valid for assignment as an Elementary Special

Education Teacher in Grades 1-6 in Rhode Island Public Schools.

2. Requirements:

a. Holds certification in Elementary Education;

b. Has completed an approved program in this certification area;

c. Holds a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution;

d. Has completed a minimum of one-year practical residency or the

equivalent in this area and a minimum of sixty (60) hours field

experience prior to or following residency;

e. Has demonstrated content and pedagogical competencies as

prescribed by the appropriate and RIDE approved national

professional associations;

f. Has demonstrated a deep understanding of applicable student

standards and proficiency in designing and implementing

standards-based instruction and assessment; and

g. Has met all pedagogy and subject matter testing requirements for

this certification area.

C. Elementary Bilingual and Dual Language Education Teacher, Grades 1-6

1. Validity of Certificate:

a. This certificate is valid for assignment as an Elementary Bilingual

and Dual Language Education Teacher in Grades 1-6 in Rhode

Island Public Schools.

2. Requirements:

a. Holds certification in Elementary Education;

b. Has completed an approved program in this certification area;

c. Holds a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution;

d. Has completed a minimum of forty-five (45) hours of practicum in

this area;

e. Has demonstrated content and pedagogical competencies as

prescribed by the appropriate and RIDE approved national

professional associations;

f. Has demonstrated a deep understanding of applicable student

standards and proficiency in designing and implementing

standards-based instruction and assessment;

g. Has met all pedagogy and subject matter testing requirements for

this certification area; and

h. Has demonstrated proficiency in the first and second language of

instruction.

3. Beginning June 1, 2019, individuals who hold this certificate may obtain

English to Speakers of Other Languages certification by demonstrating

English proficiency and completing coursework in First and Second

Language Acquisition, English Linguistics and Curriculum, Assessment

and Methods for English Learners. The Council will review this pathway

every five (5) years for continuing approval.

D. Elementary English to Speakers of Other Languages as a Second Language

Education Teacher, Grades 1-6

1. Validity of Certificate:

a. This certificate is valid for assignment as an Elementary English as

a Second Language Education Teacher in Grades 1-6 in Rhode

Island Public Schools. Educators who hold this certificate may also

teach in English in dual language programs.

b. Beginning June 1, 2019, individuals who have previously taught for

less than two years in a dual language program must complete

professional learning in the foundations and implementation of dual

language programming as part of their accumulation of professional

learning units (PLUs) for certification renewal. The Council will

review this pathway every five (5) years for continuing approval.

2. Requirements:

a. Holds certification in Elementary Education;

b. Has completed an approved program in this certification area;

c. Holds a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution;

d. Has completed a minimum of forty-five (45) hours of practicum in

this area;

e. Has demonstrated content and pedagogical competencies as

prescribed by the appropriate and RIDE approved national

professional associations;

f. Has demonstrated a deep understanding of applicable student

standards and proficiency in designing and implementing

standards-based instruction and assessment; and

g. Has met all pedagogy and subject matter testing requirements for

this certification area.

1.9.3 Middle Grades Teacher Certificates

A. Educators can attain Middle Grades Certification in the following three ways:

1. Option 1. Earn a Middle Grades English, Mathematics, Science, or Social

Studies Certificate, independent of any other certificate;

2. Option 2. Extend an Elementary Education Teacher Certificate; or

3. Option 3. Extend a Secondary Grades Biology, Chemistry, English,

General Science, Mathematics, Physics or Social Studies certificate.

B. Middle Grades English Teacher, Grades 5-8

1. Validity of Certificate:

a. This certificate is valid for assignment as a Middle Grades English

Teacher in Grades 5-8 in Rhode Island Public Schools.

2. Requirements:

a. Option One: Middle Grades English Teacher Certification

(1) Has completed an approved program in this certification

area;

(2) Holds a bachelor’s degree from an approved institution;

(3) Has completed a minimum of one-year practical residency or

the equivalent in this area and a minimum of sixty (60) hours

field experience prior to or following residency;

(4) Has demonstrated the pedagogical competencies of the

Rhode Island Professional Teaching Standards (RIPTS);

(5) Has demonstrated content and pedagogical competencies

as prescribed by appropriate and RIDE approved national

professional associations;

(6) Has demonstrated a deep understanding of applicable

student standards and proficiency in designing and

implementing standards-based instruction and assessment;

and

(7) Has met all pedagogy and subject matter testing

requirements for this certification area.

b. Option Two: Middle Grades English Teacher Certification as an

extension of an Elementary Education Certificate

(1) Has completed an approved program in this certification

area;

(2) Holds a bachelor’s degree from an approved institution;

(3) Holds certification in Elementary Education;

(4) Has completed a minimum of forty-five (45) hours of

practicum in this certification area;

(5) Has demonstrated content and pedagogical competencies

as prescribed by the appropriate and RIDE approved

national professional associations with a minimum of twenty-

one (21) semester hours of coursework in English;

(6) Has demonstrated a deep understanding of applicable

student standards and proficiency in designing and

implementing standards-based instruction and assessment;

and

(7) Has met all subject matter testing requirements for this

certification area.

c. Option Three: Middle Grades English Teacher Certification as an

extension of a Secondary Grades English Teacher

(1) Has completed an approved program in this certification

area;

(2) Holds a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited

institution;

(3) Holds certification in Secondary Grades English;

(4) Has completed a minimum of forty-five (45) hours of

practicum in this certification area;

(5) Has demonstrated the appropriate RIDE approved national

associations pedagogical and content competencies; and

(6) Has demonstrated a deep understanding of applicable

student standards and proficiency in designing and

implementing standards-based instruction and assessment.

C. Middle Grades Mathematics Teacher, Grades 5-8

1. Validity of Certificate:

a. This certificate is valid for assignment as a Middle Grades

Mathematics Teacher in Grades 5-8 in Rhode Island Public

Schools.

2. Requirements:

a. Option One: Middle Grades Mathematics Teacher Certification

(1) Has completed an approved program in this certification

area;

(2) Holds a bachelor’s degree from an approved institution;

(3) Has completed a minimum of one-year practical residency or

the equivalent in this area and a minimum of sixty (60) hours

field experience prior to or following residency;

(4) Has demonstrated the pedagogical competencies of the

Rhode Island Professional Teaching Standards (RIPTS);

(5) Has demonstrated pedagogical and content competencies

as prescribed by the appropriate and RIDE approved

national associations

(6) Has demonstrated a deep understanding of applicable

student standards and proficiency in designing and

implementing standards-based instruction and assessment;

and

(7) Has met all pedagogy and subject matter testing

requirements for this certification area.

b. Option Two: Middle Grades Mathematics Teacher Certification as

an extension of an Elementary Education Certificate

(1) Has completed an approved program in this certification

area;

(2) Holds a bachelor’s degree from an approved institution;

(3) Holds certification in Elementary Education;

(4) Has completed a minimum of forty-five (45) hours of

practicum in this certification area;

(5) Has demonstrated content and pedagogical competencies

as prescribed by the appropriate and RIDE approved

national associations with a minimum of twenty-one (21)

semester hours of coursework in mathematics;

(6) Has demonstrated a deep understanding of applicable

student standards and proficiency in designing and

implementing standards-based instruction and assessment;

and

(7) Has met all subject matter testing requirements for this

certification area.

c. Option Three: Middle Grades Mathematics Teacher Certification as

an extension of a Secondary Grades Mathematics Teacher

(1) Has completed an approved program in this certification

area;

(2) Holds a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited

institution;

(3) Holds certification in Secondary Grades Mathematics;

(4) Has completed a minimum of forty-five (45) hours of

practicum in this certification area;

(5) Has demonstrated the content and pedagogical

competencies as prescribed by the appropriate and RIDE

approved national professional associations; and

(6) Has demonstrated a deep understanding of applicable

student standards and proficiency in designing and

implementing standards-based instruction and assessment.

D. Middle Grades Science Teacher, Grades 5-8

1. Validity of Certificate:

a. This certificate is valid for assignment as a Middle Grades Science

Teacher in Grades 5-8 in Rhode Island Public Schools.

2. Requirements:

a. Option One: Middle Grades Science Teacher Certification

(1) Has completed an approved program in this certification

area;

(2) Holds a bachelor’s degree from an approved institution;

(3) Has completed a minimum of one-year practical residency or

the equivalent in this area and a minimum of sixty (60) hours

field experience prior to and following residency;

(4) Has demonstrated the pedagogical competencies of the

Rhode Island Professional Teaching Standards (RIPTS);

(5) Has demonstrated content and pedagogical competencies

as prescribed by the appropriate and RIDE approved

national professional associations;

(6) Has demonstrated a deep understanding of applicable

student standards and proficiency in designing and

implementing standards-based instruction and assessment;

and

(7) Has met all pedagogy and subject matter testing

requirements for this certification area.

b. Option Two: Middle Grades Science Teacher Certification as an

extension of an Elementary Education Certificate

(1) Has completed an approved program in this certification

area;

(2) Holds a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited

institution;

(3) Holds certification in Elementary Education;

(4) Has completed a minimum of forty-five (45) hours of

practicum in this certification area;

(5) Has demonstrated content and pedagogical competencies

as prescribed by the appropriate and RIDE approved

national professional associations with a minimum of twenty-

one (21) semester hours of coursework in Science;

(6) Has demonstrated a deep understanding of applicable

student standards and proficiency in designing and

implementing standards-based instruction and assessment;

and

(7) Has met all subject matter testing requirements for this

certification area.

c. Option Three: Middle Grades Science Teacher Certification as an

extension of a Secondary Grades Biology, Chemistry, General

Science, or Physics Teacher

(1) Has completed an approved program in this certification

area;

(2) Holds a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited

institution;

(3) Holds certification in Secondary Grades Biology, Chemistry,

General Science, or Physics;

(4) Has completed a minimum of forty-five (45) hours of

practicum in this certification area; and

(5) Has demonstrated the content and pedagogical

competencies as prescribed by the appropriate and RIDE

approved national professional associations; and

(6) Has demonstrated a deep understanding of applicable

student standards and proficiency in designing and

implementing standards-based instruction and assessment.

E. Middle Grades Social Studies Teacher, Grades 5-8

1. Validity of Certificate:

a. This certificate is valid for assignment as a Middle Grades Social

Studies Teacher in Grades 5-8 in Rhode Island Public Schools.

2. Requirements:

a. Option One: Middle Grades Social Studies Teacher Certification

(1) Has completed an approved program in this certification

area;

(2) Holds a bachelor’s degree from an approved institution;

(3) Has completed a minimum of one-year practical residency or

the equivalent in this area and a minimum of sixty (60) hours

field experience prior to or following residency;

(4) Has demonstrated the pedagogical competencies of the

Rhode Island Professional Teaching Standards (RIPTS);

(5) Has demonstrated content and pedagogical competencies

as prescribed by the appropriate and RIDE approved

national professional associations;

(6) Has demonstrated a deep understanding of applicable

student standards and proficiency in designing and

implementing standards-based instruction and assessment;

and

(7) Has met all pedagogy and subject matter testing

requirements for this certification area.

b. Option Two: Middle Grades Social Studies Teacher Certification as

an extension of an Elementary Education Certificate

(1) Has completed an approved program in this certification

area;

(2) Holds a bachelor’s degree from an approved institution

(3) Holds certification in Elementary Education;

(4) Has completed a minimum of forty-five (45) hours of

practicum in this certification area;

(5) Has demonstrated content and pedagogical competencies

as prescribed by the appropriate and RIDE approved

national professional associations with a minimum of twenty-

one (21) semester hours of coursework in Social Studies;

(6) Has demonstrated a deep understanding of applicable

student standards and proficiency in designing and

implementing standards-based instruction and assessment;

and

(7) Has met all subject matter testing requirements for this

certification area.

c. Option Three: Middle Grades Social Studies Certification as an

extension of a Secondary Grades Social Studies Teacher

(1) Has completed an approved program in this certification

area;

(2) Holds a bachelor’s degree from an approved institution;

(3) Holds certification in Secondary Grades Social Studies;

(4) Has completed a minimum of forty-five (45) hours of

practicum in this certification area; and

(5) Has demonstrated the content and pedagogical

competencies as prescribed by the appropriate and RIDE

approved national associations; and

(6) Has demonstrated a deep understanding of applicable

student standards and proficiency in designing and

implementing standards-based instruction and assessment

F. Middle Grades Special Education Teacher, Grades 5-8

1. Validity of Certificate:

a. This certificate is valid for assignment as a Middle Grades Special

Education Teacher in Grades 5-8 in Rhode Island Public Schools.

(1) Educators who hold certification in Elementary Education,

Elementary Special Education, and Middle Grades

Education in a content field are also eligible for assignment

as a Middle Grades Special Education Teacher in Grades 5-

8 in Rhode Island Public Schools without adding the specific

Middle Grades Special Education Teacher Grades 5-8

certification area.

(2) Educators who hold certification in Secondary Grades

certification in a content field, Secondary Special Education,

and Middle Grades Education in a content field are also

eligible for assignment as a Middle Grades Special

Education Teacher in Grades 5-8 in Rhode Island Public

Schools without adding the specific Middle Grades Special

Education Teacher Grades 5-8 certification area.

2. Requirements:

a. Holds certification in Middle Grades English, Mathematics, Science

or Social Studies;

b. Has completed an approved program in special education;

c. Holds a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution;

d. Has completed a minimum of one-year practical residency or the

equivalent in this area and a minimum of sixty (60) hours field

experience prior to or following residency;

e. Has demonstrated content and pedagogical competencies as

prescribed by the appropriate and RIDE approved national

professional associations;

f. Has demonstrated a deep understanding of applicable student

standards and proficiency in designing and implementing

standards-based instruction and assessment; and

g. Has met all pedagogy and subject matter testing requirements for

this certification area.

G. Middle Grades Bilingual and Dual Language Education Teacher, Grades 5-8

1. Validity of Certificate:

a. This certificate is valid for assignment as a Middle Grades Bilingual

and Dual Language Education Teacher in Grades 5-8 in Rhode

Island Public Schools.

(1) Educators who hold certification in Elementary Education,

Elementary Bilingual and Dual Language Education, and

Middle Grades Education in a content field are also eligible

for assignment as a Middle Grades Bilingual and Dual

Language Education Teacher in Grades 5- 8 in Rhode Island

Public Schools without adding the specific Middle Grades

Bilingual and Dual Language Education Teacher Grades 5-8

certification area.

(2) Educators who hold certification in Secondary Grades

certification in a content field, Secondary Bilingual and Dual

Language Education, and Middle Grades Education in a

content field are also eligible for assignment as a Middle

Grades Bilingual and Dual Language Education Teacher in

Grades 5-8 in Rhode Island Public Schools without adding

the specific Middle Grades Bilingual and Dual Language

Education Teacher Grades 5-8 certification area.

2. Requirements:

a. Holds certification in Middle Grades English, Mathematics, Science

or Social Studies;

b. Has completed an approved program in this certification area;

c. Holds a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution;

d. Has completed a minimum of forty-five (45) hours of practicum in

this area;

e. Has demonstrated content and pedagogical competencies as

prescribed by the appropriate and RIDE approved national

professional associations;

f. Has demonstrated a deep understanding of applicable student

standards and proficiency in designing and implementing

standards-based instruction and assessment;

g. Has met all pedagogy and subject matter testing requirements for

this certification area; and

h. Has demonstrated proficiency in the first and second language of

instruction.

3. Beginning June 1, 2019, individuals who hold this certificate may obtain

English to Speakers of Other Languages certification by demonstrating

English proficiency and completing coursework in First and Second

Language Acquisition, English Linguistics and Curriculum, Assessment

and Methods for English Learners. The Council will review this pathway

every five (5) years for continuing approval.

H. Middle Grades English to Speakers of Other Languages Teacher, Grades 5-8

1. Validity of Certificate:

a. This certificate is valid for assignment as a Middle Grades English

as a Second Language Education Teacher in Grades 5-8 in Rhode

Island Public Schools. Educators who hold this certificate may also

teach in English in dual language programs.

b. Beginning, June 1, 2019, individuals who have previously taught for

less than two years in a dual language program must complete

professional learning in the foundations and implementation of dual

language programming as part of their accumulation of professional

learning units (PLUs) for certification renewal. The Council will

review this pathway every five (5) years for continuing approval.

c. Educators who hold certification in Elementary Education,

Elementary English as a Second Language Education, and Middle

Grades Education in a content field are also eligible for assignment

as a Middle Grades English as a Second Language Education

Teacher in Grades 5-8 in Rhode Island Public Schools without

adding the specific Middle Grades English as a Second Language

Education Teacher Grades 5-8 certification area.

d. Educators who hold certification in Secondary Grades certification

in a content field, Secondary English as a Second Language

Education, and Middle Grades Education in a content field are also

eligible for assignment as a Middle Grades English as a Second

Language Education Teacher in Grades 5-8 in Rhode Island Public

Schools without adding the specific Middle Grades English as a

Second Language Education Teacher Grades 5-8 certification area.

2. Requirements:

a. Holds certification in Middle Grades English, Mathematics, Science

or Social Studies;

b. Has completed an approved program in this certification area;

c. Holds a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution;

d. Has completed a minimum of forty-five (45) hours of practicum in

this area;

e. Has demonstrated content and pedagogical competencies as

prescribed by the appropriate and RIDE approved national

professional associations;

f. Has demonstrated a deep understanding of applicable student

standards and proficiency in designing and implementing

standards-based instruction and assessment; and

g. Has met all pedagogy and subject matter testing requirements for

this certification area.

1.9.4 Secondary Grades Teacher Certificates

A. Secondary Grades Agriculture Teacher, Grades 7-12

1. Validity of Certificate:

a. This certificate is valid for assignment as a Secondary Grades

Agriculture Teacher in Grades 7-12 in Rhode Island Public Schools.

2. Requirements:

a. Has completed an approved program in this certification area;

b. Holds a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution;

c. Has completed a major or the equivalent in Agriculture or a closely

related field;

d. Has completed a minimum of one-year practical residency or the

equivalent in this area and a minimum of sixty (60) hours field

experience prior to or following residency;

e. Has demonstrated the pedagogical competencies of the Rhode

Island Professional Teaching Standards (RIPTS);

f. Has demonstrated content and pedagogical competencies as

prescribed by the appropriate and RIDE approved national

professional associations;

g. Has demonstrated a deep understanding of applicable student

standards and proficiency in designing and implementing

standards-based instruction and assessment; and

h. Has met all pedagogy and subject matter testing requirements for

this certification area.

B. Secondary Grades Biology Teacher, Grades 7-12

1. Validity of Certificate:

a. This certificate is valid for assignment as a Secondary Grades

Biology Teacher in Grades 7-12 in Rhode Island Public Schools.

2. Requirements:

a. Has completed an approved program in this certification area;

b. Holds a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution;

c. Has completed a major or the equivalent in Biology or a closely

related field;

d. Has completed a minimum of one-year residency in this area and a

minimum of sixty (60) hours field experience prior to or following

residency;

e. Has demonstrated the pedagogical competencies of the Rhode

Island Professional Teaching Standards (RIPTS);

f. Has demonstrated content and pedagogical competencies as

prescribed by the appropriate and RIDE approved national

professional associations;

g. Has demonstrated a deep understanding of applicable student

standards and proficiency in designing and implementing

standards-based instruction and assessment; and

h. Has met all pedagogy and subject matter testing requirements for

this certification area.

C. Secondary Grades Business Education Teacher, Grades 7-12

1. Validity of Certificate:

a. This certificate is valid for assignment as a Secondary Grades

Business Education Teacher in Grades 7-12 in Rhode Island Public

Schools.

2. Requirements:

a. Has completed an approved program in this certification area;

b. Holds a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution;

c. Has completed a major or the equivalent in Business Education or

a closely related field;

d. Has completed a minimum of one-year practical residency or the

equivalent in this area and a minimum of sixty (60) hours field

experience prior to or following residency;

e. Has demonstrated the pedagogical competencies of the Rhode

Island Professional Teaching Standards (RIPTS);

f. Has demonstrated content and pedagogical competencies as

prescribed by the appropriate and RIDE approved national

professional associations National Business Education Association

(NBEA);

g. Has demonstrated a deep understanding of applicable student

standards and proficiency in designing and implementing

standards-based instruction and assessment; and

h. Has met all pedagogy and subject matter testing requirements for

this certification area.

D. Secondary Grades Career and Technical Education Teacher, Grades 7-12

(Changes Effective 06/01/2019)

1. Validity of Certificate:

a. This certificate is valid for assignment as a Secondary Grades

Career and Technical Education Teacher in Grades 7-12 in the

specific career and technical education area of certification in

Rhode Island Public Schools.

2. Requirements:

a. Has completed an approved program in this certification area;

b. If applicable, holds a valid occupational license/certification in the

career and technical area issued by the appropriate Rhode Island

governing body;

c. Holds the appropriate level of post-secondary education for the

CTE area sought as identified by RIDE;

d. Has completed a minimum of one year residency in this area and a

minimum of sixty (60) hours field experience prior to or following

residency. Individuals who have successfully completed three

years of teaching in RI while holding a CTE Preliminary Certificate

are not required to complete a residency;

e. Has demonstrated the pedagogical competencies of the Rhode

Island Professional Teaching Standards (RIPTS);

f. Has demonstrated content and pedagogical competencies as

prescribed by the appropriate association for the specific career

and technical area, when available;

g. Has demonstrated a deep understanding of applicable student

standards and proficiency in designing and implementing

standards-based instruction and assessment;

h. Has five years of work experience in the specific career and

technical area if holds a high school diploma. The applicant has

three years of work experience in the career and technical area if

the applicant holds an associate's or bachelor's degree in the

career and technical area;

i. Has met all pedagogy and subject matter testing requirements for

this certification area.

j. Individuals who hold advanced state issued licenses or advanced

industry certificates are not required to complete subject matter

testing requirements.

k. Any work experience or degree completed more than ten (10) years

prior to the date of application must meet subject matter testing

requirements regardless of other licenses held.

E. Secondary Grades Chemistry Teacher, Grades 7-12

1. Validity of Certificate:

a. This certificate is valid for assignment as a Secondary Grades

Chemistry Teacher in Grades 7-12 in Rhode Island Public Schools.

2. Requirements:

a. Has completed an approved program in this certification area;

b. Holds a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution;

c. Has completed a major or the equivalent in Chemistry or a closely

related field;

d. Has completed a minimum of one-year practical residency or the

equivalent in this area and a minimum of sixty (60) hours field

experience prior to or following residency;

e. Has demonstrated the pedagogical competencies of the Rhode

Island Professional Teaching Standards (RIPTS);

f. Has demonstrated content and pedagogical competencies as

prescribed by the appropriate and RIDE approved national

professional associations;

g. Has demonstrated a deep understanding of applicable student

standards and proficiency in designing and implementing

standards-based instruction and assessment; and

h. Has met all pedagogy and subject matter testing requirements for

this certification area.

F. Secondary Grades English Teacher, Grades 7-12

1. Validity of Certificate:

a. This certificate is valid for assignment as a Secondary Grades

English Teacher in Grades 7-12 in Rhode Island Public Schools.

2. Requirements:

a. Has completed an approved program in this certification area;

b. Holds a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution;

c. Has completed a major or the equivalent in English or a closely

related field;

d. Has completed a minimum of one-year practical residency or the

equivalent in this area and a minimum of sixty (60) hours field

experience prior to or following residency;

e. Has demonstrated the pedagogical competencies of the Rhode

Island Professional Teaching Standards (RIPTS);

f. Has demonstrated content and pedagogical competencies as

prescribed by the appropriate RIDE approved national professional

associations;

g. Has demonstrated a deep understanding of applicable student

standards and proficiency in designing and implementing

standards-based instruction and assessment; and

h. Has met all pedagogy and subject matter testing requirements for

this certification area.

G. Secondary Grades General Science Teacher, Grades 7-12

1. Validity of Certificate:

a. This certificate is valid for assignment as a Secondary Grades

General Science Teacher in Grades 7-12 in Rhode Island Public

Schools.

2. Requirements:

a. Option One

(1) Has completed an approved program in this certification

area;

(2) Holds a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited

institution;

(3) Has completed a major or the equivalent in General Science

or a closely related field;

(4) Has completed a minimum of one-year practical residency or

the equivalent in this area and a minimum of sixty (60) hours

field experience prior to or following residency;

(5) Has demonstrated the pedagogical competencies of the

Rhode Island Professional Teaching Standards (RIPTS);

(6) Has demonstrated content and pedagogical competencies

as prescribed by the appropriate RIDE approved national

professional associations;

(7) Has demonstrated a deep understanding of applicable

student standards and proficiency in designing and

implementing standards-based instruction and assessment;

and

(8) Has met all pedagogy and subject matter testing

requirements for this certification area.

b. Option Two

(1) Hold certification in any two of the other three secondary

grades science areas (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) pursuant

to R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-11-3.

H. Secondary Grades Mathematics Teacher, Grades 7-12

1. Validity of Certificate:

a. This certificate is valid for assignment as a Secondary Grades

Mathematics Teacher in Grades 7- 12 in Rhode Island Public

Schools.

2. Requirements:

a. Has completed an approved program in this certification area;

b. Holds a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution;

c. Has completed a major or the equivalent in Mathematics or a

closely related field;

d. Has completed a minimum of one-year practical residency or the

equivalent in this area and a minimum of sixty (60) hours field

experience prior to or following residency;

e. Has demonstrated the pedagogical competencies of the Rhode

Island Professional Teaching Standards (RIPTS);

f. Has demonstrated content and pedagogical competencies as

prescribed by the appropriate RIDE approved national professional

associations;

g. Has demonstrated a deep understanding of applicable student

standards and proficiency in designing and implementing

standards-based instruction and assessment; and

h. Has met all pedagogy and subject matter testing requirements for

this certification area.

I. Secondary Grades Physics Teacher, Grades 7-12

1. Validity of Certificate:

a. This certificate is valid for assignment as a Secondary Grades

Physics Teacher in Grades 7-12 in Rhode Island Public Schools.

2. Requirements:

a. Has completed an approved program in this certification area;

b. Holds a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution;

c. Has completed a major or the equivalent in Physics or a closely

related field;

d. Has completed a minimum of one-year practical residency or the

equivalent in this area and a minimum of sixty (60) hours field

experience prior to or following residency;

e. Has demonstrated the pedagogical competencies of the Rhode

Island Professional Teaching Standards (RIPTS);

f. Has demonstrated content and pedagogical competencies as

prescribed by the appropriate RIDE approved national professional

associations;

g. Has demonstrated a deep understanding of applicable student

standards and proficiency in designing and implementing

standards-based instruction and assessment; and

h. Has met all pedagogy and subject matter testing requirements for

this certification area.

J. Secondary Grades Social Studies Teacher, Grades 7-12

1. Validity of Certificate:

a. This certificate is valid for assignment as a Secondary Grades

Social Studies Teacher in Grades 7- 12 in Rhode Island Public

Schools. This certificate is also valid for teaching secondary history,

anthropology, economics, geography, political science, and

sociology.

2. Requirements:

a. Has completed an approved program in this certification area;

b. Holds a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution;

c. Has completed a major or the equivalent in Social Studies with an

emphasis in history or a closely related field with an emphasis in

history;

d. Has completed a minimum of one-year practical residency or the

equivalent in this area and a minimum of sixty (60) hours field

experience prior to or following residency;

e. Has demonstrated the pedagogical competencies of the Rhode

Island Professional Teaching Standards (RIPTS);

f. Has demonstrated content and pedagogical competencies as

prescribed by the appropriate RIDE approved national professional

associations;

g. Has demonstrated a deep understanding of applicable student

standards and proficiency in designing and implementing

standards-based instruction and assessment; and

h. Has met all pedagogy and subject matter testing requirements for

this certification area.

K. Secondary Grades Special Education Teacher, Grades 7-12

1. Validity of Certificate:

a. This certificate is valid for assignment as a Secondary Grades

Special Education Teacher in Grades 7-12 in Rhode Island Public

Schools.

2. Requirements:

a. Holds certification in Secondary Grades Agriculture, Biology,

Business Education, (beginning June 1, 2019) Career and

Technical Education, Chemistry, English, General Science,

Mathematics, Physics or Social Studies;

b. Has completed an approved program in this certification area;

c. Holds a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution;

d. Has completed a minimum of one-year practical residency or the

equivalent in this area and a minimum of sixty (60) hours field

experience prior to or following residency;

e. Has demonstrated content and pedagogical competencies as

prescribed by the appropriate RIDE approved national professional

associations;

f. Has demonstrated a deep understanding of applicable student

standards and proficiency in designing and implementing

standards-based instruction and assessment; and

g. Has met all pedagogy and subject matter testing requirements for

this certification area.

L. Secondary Grades Bilingual and Dual Language Education Teacher, Grades 7-

1. Validity of Certificate:

a. This certificate is valid for assignment as a Secondary Grades

Bilingual and Dual Language Education Teacher in Grades 7-12 in

Rhode Island Public Schools.

2. Requirements:

a. Holds certification in Secondary Grades Agriculture, Biology,

Business Education, Chemistry, English, General Science,

Mathematics, Physics or Social Studies;

b. Has completed an approved program in this certification area;

c. Holds a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution;

d. Has completed a minimum of forty-five (45) hours of practicum in

this area;

e. Has demonstrated content and pedagogical competencies as

prescribed by the appropriate RIDE approved national professional

associations;

f. Has demonstrated a deep understanding of applicable student

standards and proficiency in designing and implementing

standards-based instruction and assessment;

g. Has met all pedagogy and subject matter testing requirements for

this certification area; and

h. Has demonstrated proficiency in the first and second language of

instruction.

3. Beginning June 1, 2019, individuals who hold this certificate may obtain

English to Speakers of Other Languages certification by demonstrating

English proficiency and completing coursework in First and Second

Language Acquisition, English Linguistics and Curriculum, Assessment

and Methods for English Learners. The Council will review this pathway

every five (5) years for continuing approval.

M. Secondary Grades English to Speakers of Other Languages Teacher, Grades 7-

1. Validity of Certificate:

a. This certificate is valid for assignment as Secondary Grades

English as a Second Language Education Teacher in Grades 7-12

in Rhode Island Public Schools. Educators who hold this certificate

may also teach in English in dual language programs.

b. Beginning June 1, 2019, individuals who have previously taught for

less than two years in a dual language program must complete

professional learning in the foundations and implementation of dual

language programming as part of their accumulation of professional

learning units (PLUs) for certification renewal. The Council will

review this pathway every five (5) years for continuing approval.

2. Requirements:

a. Holds certification in Secondary Grades Agriculture, Biology,

Business Education, Chemistry, English, General Science,

Mathematics, Physics or Social Studies;

b. Has completed an approved program in this certification area;

c. Holds a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution;

d. Has completed a minimum of forty-five (45) hours of practicum in

this area;

e. Has demonstrated content and pedagogical competencies as

prescribed by the appropriate RIDE approved national professional

associations;

f. Has demonstrated a deep understanding of applicable student

standards and proficiency in designing and implementing

standards-based instruction and assessment; and

g. Has met all pedagogy and subject matter testing requirements for

this certification area.

1.9.5 All Grades Teacher Certificates

A. All Grades Adapted Physical Education Teacher, Grades PK-12

1. Validity of Certificate:

a. This certificate is valid for assignment as an All Grades Adapted

Physical Education Teacher in Grades PK-12 in Rhode Island

Public Schools.

2. Requirements:

a. Holds certification in All Grades Physical Education;

b. Has completed an approved program in this certification area;

c. Holds a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution;

d. Has completed seventy-five (75) hours of practicum;

e. Has demonstrated the pedagogical competencies of the Rhode

Island Professional Teaching Standards (RIPTS);

f. Has demonstrated content and pedagogical competencies as

prescribed by the appropriate RIDE approved national professional

associations;

g. Has demonstrated a deep understanding of applicable student

standards and proficiency in designing and implementing

standards-based instruction and assessment; and

h. Has met all pedagogy and subject matter testing requirements for

this certification area.

B. All Grades Art Teacher, Grades PK-12

1. Validity of Certificate:

a. This certificate is valid for assignment as an All Grades Art Teacher

in Grades PK-12 in Rhode Island Public Schools.

2. Requirements:

a. Has completed an approved program in this certification area;

b. Holds a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution;

c. Has completed a major or the equivalent in Art or a closely related

field;

d. Has completed a minimum of one-year practical residency or the

equivalent in this area and a minimum of sixty (60) hours field

experience prior to or following residency;

e. Has demonstrated the pedagogical competencies of the Rhode

Island Professional Teaching Standards (RIPTS);

f. Has demonstrated content and pedagogical competencies as

prescribed by the appropriate RIDE approved national professional

associations;

g. Has demonstrated a deep understanding of applicable student

standards and proficiency in designing and implementing

standards-based instruction and assessment; and

h. Has met all pedagogy and subject matter testing requirements for

this certification area.

C. All Grades Dance Teacher, Grades PK-12

1. Validity of Certificate:

a. This certificate is valid for assignment as an All Grades Dance

Teacher in Grades PK-12 in Rhode Island Public Schools.

2. Requirements:

a. Has completed an approved program in this certification area;

b. Holds a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution;

c. Has completed a major or the equivalent in Dance or a closely

related field;

d. Has completed a minimum of one-year practical residency or the

equivalent in this area and a minimum of sixty (60) hours field

experience prior to or following residency;

e. Has demonstrated the pedagogical competencies of the Rhode

Island Professional Teaching Standards (RIPTS);

f. Has demonstrated content and pedagogical competencies as

prescribed by the appropriate RIDE approved national professional

associations;

g. Has demonstrated a deep understanding of applicable student

standards and proficiency in designing and implementing

standards-based instruction and assessment; and

h. Has met all pedagogy and subject matter testing requirements for

this certification area.

D. All Grades Family and Consumer Science Teacher, Grades PK-12

1. Validity of Certificate:

a. This certificate is valid for assignment as an All Grades Family and

Consumer Science Teacher in Grades PK-12 in Rhode Island

Public Schools.

2. Requirements:

a. Has completed an approved program in this certification area;

b. Holds a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution;

c. Has completed a major or the equivalent in Family and Consumer

Science or a closely related field;

d. Has completed a minimum of one-year practical residency or the

equivalent in this area and a minimum of sixty (60) hours field

experience prior to or following;

e. Has demonstrated the pedagogical competencies of the Rhode

Island Professional Teaching Standards (RIPTS);

f. Has demonstrated content competencies as prescribed by the

appropriate RIDE approved national professional associations;

g. Has demonstrated a deep understanding of applicable student

standards and proficiency in designing and implementing

standards-based instruction and assessment; and

h. Has met all pedagogy and subject matter testing requirements for

this certification area.

E. All Grades Health Teacher, Grades PK-12

1. Validity of Certificate:

a. This certificate is valid for assignment as an All Grades Health

Teacher in Grades PK-12 in Rhode Island Public Schools.

2. Requirements:

a. Has completed an approved program in this certification area;

b. Holds a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution;

c. Has completed a major or the equivalent in Health or a closely

related field;

d. Has completed a minimum of one-year practical residency or the

equivalent in this area and a minimum of sixty (60) hours field

experience prior to or following residency;

e. Has demonstrated the pedagogical competencies of the Rhode

Island Professional Teaching Standards (RIPTS);

f. Has demonstrated content and pedagogical competencies as

prescribed by the appropriate RIDE approved national professional

associations;

g. Has demonstrated a deep understanding of applicable student

standards and proficiency in designing and implementing

standards-based instruction and assessment; and

h. Has met all pedagogy and subject matter testing requirements for

this certification area.

F. All Grades Library Media Teacher, Grades PK-12

1. Validity of Certificate:

a. This certificate is valid for assignment as an All Grades Library

Media Teacher in Grades PK-12 in Rhode Island Public Schools.

2. Requirements:

a. Has completed an approved program in this certification area;

b. Holds a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution;

c. Has completed a major or the equivalent in Library Media or a

closely related field;

d. Has completed a minimum of one-year practical residency or the

equivalent in this area and a minimum of sixty (60) hours field

experience prior to and following residency;

e. Has demonstrated the pedagogical competencies of the Rhode

Island Professional Teaching Standards (RIPTS);

f. Has demonstrated content and pedagogical competencies as

prescribed by the appropriate RIDE approved national professional

associations;

g. Has demonstrated a deep understanding of applicable student

standards and proficiency in designing and implementing

standards-based instruction and assessment; and

h. Has met all pedagogy and subject matter testing requirements for

this certification area.

G. All Grades Music Teacher, Grades PK-12

1. Validity of Certificate:

a. This certificate is valid for assignment as an All Grades Music

Teacher in Grades PK-12 in Rhode Island Public Schools.

2. Requirements:

a. Has completed an approved program in this certification area;

b. Holds a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution;

c. Has completed a major or the equivalent in Music or a closely

related field;

d. Has completed a minimum of one-year practical residency or the

equivalent in this area and a minimum of (sixty) 60 hours field

experience prior to or following residency;

e. Has demonstrated the pedagogical competencies of the Rhode

Island Professional Teaching Standards (RIPTS);

f. Has demonstrated content and pedagogical competencies as

prescribed by the appropriate RIDE approved national professional

associations;

g. Has demonstrated a deep understanding of applicable student

standards and proficiency in designing and implementing

standards-based instruction and assessment; and

h. Has met all pedagogy and subject matter testing requirements for

this certification area.

H. All Grades Physical Education Teacher, Grades PK-12

1. Validity of Certificate:

a. This certificate is valid for assignment as an All Grades Physical

Education Teacher in Grades PK- 12 in Rhode Island Public

Schools.

2. Requirements:

a. Has completed an approved program in this certification area;

b. Holds a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution;

c. Has completed a major or the equivalent in Physical Education or a

closely related field;

d. Has completed a minimum of one-year practical residency or the

equivalent in this area and a minimum of (sixty (60) hours field

experience prior to or following residency;

e. Has demonstrated the pedagogical competencies of the Rhode

Island Professional Teaching Standards (RIPTS);

f. Has demonstrated content and pedagogical competencies as

prescribed by the appropriate RIDE approved national professional

associations;

g. Has demonstrated a deep understanding of applicable student

standards and proficiency in designing and implementing

standards-based instruction and assessment; and

h. Has met all pedagogy and subject matter testing requirements for

this certification area.

I. All Grades School Nurse Teacher, Grades PK-12

1. Validity of Certificate:

a. This certificate is valid for assignment as an All Grades School

Nurse Teacher and as a Health Teacher in Grades PK-12 in Rhode

Island Public Schools.

2. Requirements:

a. Has completed an approved program in this certification area;

b. Holds a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution;

c. Has completed a professional nursing program;

d. Has three years of documented experience as a professional

nurse;

e. Has a current Rhode Island Nursing License;

f. Has completed a minimum of one-year practical residency or the

equivalent in this area and a minimum of sixty (60) hours field

experience prior to or following residency;

g. Has demonstrated the pedagogical competencies of the Rhode

Island Professional Teaching Standards (RIPTS);

h. Has demonstrated content and pedagogical competencies as

prescribed by the appropriate RIDE approved national professional

associations;

i. Has demonstrated a deep understanding of applicable student

standards and proficiency in designing and implementing

standards-based instruction and assessment; and

j. Has met all pedagogy and subject matter testing requirements for

this certification area.

J. All Grades Registered School Nurse, Grades PK-12 Effective 06/01/2019

1. Validity of Certificate:

a. This certificate is valid for assignment as a Registered School

Nurse in Grades PK-12 in Rhode Island Public Schools. Individuals

who hold this certificate are not eligible to serve as teachers of

record.

2. Requirements:

a. Holds a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution;

b. Has completed a professional nursing program;

c. Has three years of documented experience as a professional

nurse;

d. Has a current Rhode Island Nursing License as set forth in the

Rhode Island Department of Health regulation Licensing of Nurses

and Standards for the Approval of Basic Nursing Education

Programs (216-RICR-40-05-3);

e. During the first renewal cycle from Initial to Professional level

certification, individuals must complete professional learning units

in school-based nursing procedures, child and adolescent

development and supports for student learning needs.

f. Superintendents must submit verification to RIDE that they were

unable to hire a certified School Nurse Teacher as described in

section I of this Part, or that the position does not involve serving as

a teacher of record.

K. All Grades Technology Education Teacher, Grades PK-12

1. Validity of Certificate:

a. This certificate is valid for assignment as an All Grades Technology

Education Teacher in Grades PK-12 in Rhode Island Public

Schools.

2. Requirements:

a. Has completed an approved program in this certification area;

b. Holds a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution;

c. Has completed a major or the equivalent in Technology Education

or a closely related field;

d. Has completed a minimum of one-year practical residency or the

equivalent in this area and a minimum of sixty (60) hours field

experience prior to or following residency;

e. Has demonstrated the pedagogical competencies of the Rhode

Island Professional Teaching Standards (RIPTS);

f. Has demonstrated content and pedagogical competencies as

prescribed by the appropriate RIDE approved national professional

associations;

g. Has demonstrated a deep understanding of applicable student

standards and proficiency in designing and implementing

standards-based instruction and assessment; and

h. Has met all pedagogy and subject matter testing requirements for

this certification area.

L. All Grades Theatre Teacher, Grades PK-12

1. Validity of Certificate:

a. This certificate is valid for assignment as an All Grades Theatre

Teacher in Grades PK-12 in Rhode Island Public Schools.

2. Requirements:

a. Has completed an approved program in this certification area;

b. Holds a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution;

c. Has completed a major or the equivalent in Theatre or a closely

related field;

d. Has completed a minimum of one-year practical residency or the

equivalent in this area and a minimum of sixty (60) hours field

experience prior to or following residency;

e. Has demonstrated the pedagogical competencies of the Rhode

Island Professional Teaching Standards (RIPTS);

f. Has demonstrated content and pedagogical competencies as

prescribed by the appropriate RIDE approved national professional

associations;

g. Has demonstrated a deep understanding of applicable student

standards and proficiency in designing and implementing

standards-based instruction and assessment; and

h. Has met all pedagogy and subject matter testing requirements for

this certification area.

M. All Grades World Language Teacher, Grades PK-12

1. Validity of Certificate:

a. This certificate is valid for assignment as an All Grades World

Language Teacher in a specific language in Grades PK-12 in

Rhode Island Public Schools.

2. Requirements:

a. Has completed an approved program in this certification area;

b. Holds a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution;

c. Has completed a major or the equivalent in a specific World

Language or a closely related field;

d. Has completed a minimum of one-year practical residency or the

equivalent in this area and a minimum of sixty (60) hours field

experience prior to or following residency;

e. Has demonstrated the pedagogical competencies of the Rhode

Island Professional Teaching Standards (RIPTS);

f. Has demonstrated content and pedagogical competencies as

prescribed by the appropriate RIDE approved national professional

associations;

g. Has demonstrated a deep understanding of applicable student

standards and proficiency in designing and implementing

standards-based instruction and assessment; and

h. Has met all pedagogy and subject matter testing requirements for

this certification area.

N. All Grades Special Education - Deaf and Hard of Hearing Teacher PK-12

1. Validity of Certificate:

a. This certificate is valid for assignment as a Special Education -

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Teacher in Grades PK-12 in Rhode

Island Public Schools.

2. Requirements:

a. Holds certification in Early Childhood Education, Elementary

Education, Middle Grades Education, Secondary Grades

Education, or (beginning in June 1, 2019) All Grades Teacher;

b. Has completed an approved program in this certification area;

c. Holds a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution;

d. Has completed a minimum of one-year practical residency or the

equivalent in this area and a minimum of (sixty (60) hours field

experience prior to or following residency;

e. Has demonstrated the pedagogical competencies of the Rhode

Island Professional Teaching Standards (RIPTS);

f. Has demonstrated content and pedagogical competencies as

prescribed by the appropriate RIDE approved national professional

associations;

g. Has demonstrated a deep understanding of applicable student

standards and proficiency in designing and implementing

standards-based instruction and assessment;

h. Has demonstrated competency in American sign language; and

i. Has met all pedagogy and subject matter testing requirements for

this certification area.

O. All Grades Special Education – Visually Impaired Teacher PK-12

1. Validity of Certificate:

a. This certificate is valid for assignment as a Special Education –

Visually Impaired Teacher in Grades PK-12 in Rhode Island Public

Schools.

2. Requirements:

a. Holds certification in Early Childhood Education, Elementary

Education, Middle Grades Education, Secondary Grades Education

or (beginning in June 1, 2019) All Grades Teacher;

b. Has completed an approved program in this certification area;

c. Holds a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution;

d. Has completed a minimum of one-year practical residency or the

equivalent in this area and a minimum of sixty (60) hours field

experience prior to or following residency;

e. Has demonstrated the pedagogical competencies of the Rhode

Island Professional Teaching Standards (RIPTS);

f. Has demonstrated content and pedagogical competencies as

prescribed by the appropriate RIDE approved national professional

associations;

g. Has demonstrated a deep understanding of applicable student

standards and proficiency in designing and implementing

standards-based instruction and assessment;

h. Has demonstrated competency in reading and writing Braille; and

i. Has met all pedagogy and subject matter testing requirements for

this certification area.

P. All Grades Special Education – Severe Intellectual Disability Teacher

1. Validity of Certificate:

a. This certificate is valid for assignment as a Special Education –

Severe Intellectual Disability Teacher in Grades PK-12 in Rhode

Island Public Schools.

2. Requirements:

a. Holds certification in Early Childhood Education, Elementary

Education, Middle Grades Education, Secondary Grades

Education, or (beginning in June 1, 2019) All Grades Teacher;

b. Has completed an approved program in this certification area;

c. Holds a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution;

d. Has completed a minimum of one-year practical residency or the

equivalent in this area and a minimum of sixty (60) hours field

experience prior to or following residency;

e. Has demonstrated the pedagogical competencies of the Rhode

Island Professional Teaching Standards (RIPTS);

f. Has demonstrated content and pedagogical competencies as

prescribed by the appropriate RIDE approved national professional

associations;

g. Has demonstrated a deep understanding of applicable student

standards and proficiency in designing and implementing

standards-based instruction and assessment; and

h. Has met all pedagogy and subject matter testing requirements for

this certification area.

Q. All Grades Bilingual and Dual Language Education Teacher, Grades PK-12

1. Validity of Certificate:

a. This certificate is valid for assignment as an All Grades Bilingual

and Dual Language Education Teacher in Grades PK-12 in Rhode

Island Public Schools

2. Requirements:

a. Holds certification in any All Grades content area;

b. Has completed an approved program in this certification area;

c. Holds a bachelor’s degree from an approved institution;

d. Has completed a minimum of forty-five (45) hours of practicum in

this area;

e. Has demonstrated content and pedagogical competencies as

prescribed by the appropriate RIDE approved national associations;

f. Has demonstrated a deep understanding of applicable student

standards and proficiency in designing and implementing

standards-based instruction and assessment;

g. Has met all pedagogy and subject matter testing requirements for

this certification area; and

h. Has demonstrated proficiency in the first and second language of

instruction.

3. Beginning June 1, 2019, individuals may obtain English to Speakers of

Other Languages certification by demonstrating English proficiency and

completing coursework in First and Second Language Acquisition, English

Linguistics and Curriculum, Assessment and Methods for English

Learners. The Council will review this pathway every five (5) years for

continuing approval.

R. All Grades English as a Second Language Education Teacher, Grades PK-12

1. Validity of Certificate:

a. This certificate is valid for assignment as an All Grades English as

a Second Language Education Teacher in Grades PK-12 in Rhode

Island Public Schools. Educators who hold this certificate may also

teach in English in dual language programs.

b. Beginning June 1, 2019, individuals who have previously taught for

less than two years in a dual language program must complete

professional learning in the foundations and implementation of dual

language programming as part of their accumulation of professional

learning units (PLUs) for certification renewal. The Council will

review this pathway every five (5) years for continuing approval.

2. Requirements:

a. Holds certification in any All Grades content area;

b. Has completed an approved program in this certification area;

c. Holds a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution;

d. Has completed a minimum of forty-five (45) hours of practicum in

this area;

e. Has demonstrated content and pedagogical competencies as

prescribed by the appropriate RIDE approved national professional

associations;

f. Has demonstrated a deep understanding of applicable student

standards and proficiency in designing and implementing

standards-based instruction and assessment; and

g. Has met all pedagogy and subject matter testing requirements for

this certification area.

1.10 Administrator Certificate Areas

A. Administrator certification is offered in a variety of PK-12 areas that qualify the

administrator for specific assignments in Rhode Island public schools.

B. Certification in administrator areas requires:

1. An advanced degree (except for school business manager);

2. Completion of an approved educator preparation program that assures

completers demonstrate the competencies within the certification field

prescribed by the appropriate professional association;

3. Field experience that includes a three hundred (300) hour internship for

building level administrators; and

4. Passing scores on any knowledge of field testing required for the

certification area.

1.10.1 Building Level Administrator Certificates

A. Building Level Administrator PK-12

1. Validity of Certificate:

a. This certificate is valid for assignment as a Building Level

Administrator in Grades PK-12 in Rhode Island Public Schools.

2. Requirements:

a. Has completed an approved program in this certification area;

b. Holds an advanced degree from a regionally accredited institution;

c. Has completed a minimum of a three hundred (300) hour internship

in this area;

d. Has three years of PK-12 professional education experience;

e. Has demonstrated the professional competencies of the Rhode

Island Standards for Educational Leadership (RISEL) with an

emphasis on the content required of a building level administrator;

f. Has demonstrated content and pedagogical competencies as

prescribed by the appropriate RIDE approved national professional

associations; and

g. Has met all knowledge of field testing requirements for this

certification area.

1.10.2 District Level Administrator Certificates

A. District Level Administrator – Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment

1. Validity of Certificate:

a. This certificate is valid for assignment as a District Level

Administrator- Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment in Grades

PK-12 in Rhode Island Public Schools.

2. Requirements:

a. Holds certification as Building Level Administrator;

b. Has completed an approved program in this certification area;

c. Holds an advanced degree from a regionally accredited institution;

d. Has demonstrated the professional competencies of the Rhode

Island Standards for Educational Leadership (RISEL) with an

emphasis on the content required of a district level curriculum,

instruction, and assessment administrator;

e. Has demonstrated content and pedagogical competencies as

prescribed by the appropriate RIDE approved national professional

associations; and

f. Has met all knowledge of field testing requirements for this

certification area.

B. District Level Administrator-Special Education Changes Effective 06/01/2019

1. Validity of Certificate:

a. This certificate is valid for assignment as a District Level

Administrator-Special Education in Grades PK-12 in Rhode Island

Public Schools.

2. Requirements:

a. Has completed an approved program in this certification area; or

b. Has completed nine (9) graduate level credits in special education

and has completed graduate level credits in the following areas:

supervision of special education programs and services,

supervision of personnel, supervision of instruction or program

evaluation, and school and district finance;

c. Holds an advanced degree from a regionally accredited institution;

d. Has three (3) years of professional education experience in

teaching Special Education, as a speech and language pathologist,

as a school social worker, or as a school psychologist;

e. Has demonstrated the professional competencies of the Rhode

Island Standards for Educational Leadership (RISEL) with an

emphasis on the content required of a district level special

education administrator;

f. Has demonstrated content competencies as prescribed by the

appropriate RIDE approved national professional associations;

g. Has met all knowledge of field testing requirements for this

certification area.

C. School Business Administrator

1. Validity of Certificate:

a. This certificate is valid for assignment as a School Business

Administrator in Grades PK-12 in Rhode Island Public Schools.

2. Requirements:

a. Has completed an approved program in this certification area;

b. Holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration, finance or a

related field;

c. Three (3) years of professional experience in financial management

or school business operations;

d. Has demonstrated the professional competencies of the Rhode

Island Standards for Educational Leadership (RISEL) with an

emphasis on the content required of a school business

administrator; and

e. Has demonstrated content competencies as prescribed by the

Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO).

D. Superintendent of Schools

1. Validity of Certificate:

a. This certificate is valid for assignment as a Superintendent of

Schools in Grades PK-12 in Rhode Island Public Schools.

2. Requirements:

a. Has completed an approved program in this certification area;

b. Holds an advanced degree from a regionally accredited institution;

c. Holds building level administrator certificate or has significant

leadership experience in organizations other than schools;

d. Has demonstrated the professional competencies of the Rhode

Island Standards for Educational Leadership (RISEL) with an

emphasis on the content required of a superintendent of schools;

e. Has demonstrated content and pedagogical competencies as

prescribed by the appropriate RIDE approved national professional

associations; and

f. Has met all knowledge of field testing requirements for this

certification area.

1.11 Support Professional Certificate Areas

A. Support Professional certification is offered in specific fields and for specific

grade ranges that qualify the support professional for specific assignments in

Rhode Island public schools.

B. Certification in support professional areas requires:

1. An advanced degree;

2. Completion of an approved educator preparation program that assures

completers demonstrate the competencies within the certification field

prescribed by the appropriate professional association;

3. Field experience that includes a minimum of a three hundred (300) hour

internship for instructional leaders, specialists/consultants, and school

counselor certification areas; and

4. Passing scores on any knowledge of field testing required for the

certification area.

1.11.1 Instructional Certificates

A. Instructional Leader

1. Validity of Certificate:

a. This certificate is valid for assignment as an Instructional Leader in

grades PK-12 in Rhode Island Public Schools.

2. Requirements:

a. Holds certification as a Rhode Island teacher or support

professional;

b. Three years of teaching experience;

c. Has completed an approved program in this certification area;

d. Holds an advanced degree from a regionally accredited institution;

e. Has completed a minimum of three hundred (300) hours of

internship in this area; and

f. Has demonstrated field competencies as prescribed by the

appropriate RIDE approved national professional associations.

1.11.2 Related Service Providers

A. School Counselor

1. Validity of Certificate:

a. This certificate is valid for assignment as a School Counselor in

Grades PK-12 in Rhode Island Public Schools.

2. Requirements:

a. Has completed an approved program in this certification area;

b. Holds an advanced degree from a regionally accredited institution;

c. Has completed a minimum of three hundred (300) hours of

internship in this area;

d. Has demonstrated field competencies as prescribed by the

appropriate RIDE approved national professional associations; and

e. Has met all knowledge of field testing requirements for this

certification area.

B. School Psychologist

1. Validity of Certificate:

a. This certificate is valid for assignment as a School Psychologist in

Grades PK-12 in Rhode Island Public Schools.

2. Requirements:

a. Has completed an approved program in this certification area;

b. Holds an advanced degree in school psychology from a regionally

accredited institution;

c. Has demonstrated field competencies as prescribed by the

appropriate RIDE approved national professional associations; and

d. Has met all knowledge of field testing requirements for this

certification area.

C. School Social Worker

1. Validity of Certificate:

a. This certificate is valid for assignment as a School Social Worker in

Grades PK-12 in Rhode Island Public Schools.

2. Requirements:

a. Has completed an approved program in this certification area;

b. Holds a master’s degree in social work;

c. Currently a licensed clinical social worker by the Rhode Island

Board of Registration for Social Workers;

d. Has demonstrated field competencies as prescribed by the

appropriate RIDE approved national professional associations; and

e. Has met all knowledge of field testing requirements for this

certification area.

D. Speech and Language Pathologist

1. Validity of Certificate:

a. This certificate is valid for assignment as a Speech and Language

Pathologist in Grades PK-12 in Rhode Island Public Schools.

2. Requirements:

a. Has completed an approved program in this certification area;

b. Holds an advanced degree in Speech and Language Pathology

from a regionally accredited institution;

c. Has demonstrated field competencies as prescribed by the

appropriate RIDE approved national professional associations; and

d. Has met all knowledge of field testing requirements for this

certification area.

1.11.3 Specialists/Consultants

A. English as a Second Language Specialist/Consultant

1. Validity of Certificate:

a. This certificate is valid for assignment as an English as a Second

Language Specialist/Consultant in Grades PK-12 in Rhode Island

Public Schools.

2. Requirements:

a. Holds certification as a Rhode Island teacher;

b. Three years of teaching experience;

c. Has completed an approved program in this certification area;

d. Holds an advanced degree from a regionally accredited institution;

e. Has completed a minimum of three hundred (300) hours of

internship in this area;

f. Has demonstrated field competencies as prescribed by the

appropriate RIDE approved national professional associations; and

g. Has met all knowledge of field testing requirements for this

certification area

B. Mathematics Specialist/Consultant

1. Validity of Certificate:

a. This certificate is valid for assignment as a Mathematics

Specialist/Consultant in Grades PK-8 in Rhode Island Public

Schools.

2. Requirements:

a. Holds certification as a Rhode Island teacher;

b. Three years of teaching experience;

c. Has completed an approved program in this certification area;

d. Holds an advanced degree from a regionally accredited institution;

e. Has completed a minimum of three hundred (300) hours of

internship in this area;

f. Has demonstrated field competencies as prescribed by the

appropriate RIDE approved national professional associations; and

g. Has met all knowledge of field testing requirements for this

certification area.

C. Reading Specialist/Consultant

1. Validity of Certificate:

a. This certificate is valid for assignment as a Reading

Specialist/Consultant in Grades PK-12 in Rhode Island Public

Schools.

2. Requirements:

a. Holds certification as a Rhode Island teacher;

b. Three years of teaching experience;

c. Has completed an approved program in this certification area;

d. Holds an advanced degree from a regionally accredited institution;

e. Has completed a minimum of three hundred (300) hours of

internship in this area;

f. Has demonstrated field competencies as prescribed by the

appropriate RIDE approved national professional associations; and

g. Has met all knowledge of field testing requirements for this

certification area.

1.12 Substitute Teachers and Athletic Coaches

A. The following requirements apply to substitute teachers and athletic coaches.

1. Athletic Coach

a. Successfully complete a First Aid and Cardio Pulmonary

Resuscitation (CPR) course prior to employment as a coach; and

b. Meet all additional requirements of the Rhode Island Interscholastic

League.

2. Day to Day Substitute Teacher

a. An individual who is employed, on a temporary basis, for fewer than

forty-five (45) days in the same assignment.

b. Individuals must hold:

(1) A bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited

college or university; or

(2) An associate's degree from a regionally accredited college or

university; or

(3) A minimum of two years college completion on track to a

four year degree.

c. Substitutes for School Nurse Teacher must hold a license as a

Registered Nurse.

3. Substitute Teacher-Long-term (Effective 06/01/2019)

a. An individual who is employed, on a temporary basis, for more than

forty-five (45) consecutive days in the same assignment must hold

an appropriate certificate for the assignment.

1.13 Adding New Certificate Areas

A. Teachers who hold Secondary Grades certification in one area can add

certification in another secondary area by demonstrating competency in the

content area by holding a major or the equivalent in the area and passing the

subject matter examination in the new area. Teachers who are certified in one

science area and who want to add a second science area can demonstrate

competency in the new area with a minimum of twenty-four (24) hours of

coursework and passing the subject matter examination in the new area.

B. Teachers who hold All Grades certification in one World Language can add

certification in another World Language by demonstrating competency in the new

area with a minimum of twenty-four (24) hours of coursework and passing the

subject matter examination in the new area.

C. The addition of new certification areas in all other circumstance requires

educators to complete approved programs of study that are based on the new

knowledge and skills to meet the requirements of these regulations for the new

area of certification. Preparation programs shall tailor program expectations to

acknowledge the commonalities across related certification areas and only

require that the candidates develop and demonstrate the additional knowledge

and skills required for the new certification area. In certification areas for which

there is no approved Rhode Island educator preparation program, RIDE will

review an applicant’s preparation and readiness for certification through the

credential review process.

1.14 Reinstatement

A. Certificates can be reinstated for two reasons – reinstatement for certificate

expiration and reinstatement for performance-related non-renewed certifications.

Individuals seeking to reinstate certifications due to active duty while in the

United States Military shall renew their certifications as outlined in R.I. Gen. Laws

§ 30-20-1.

B. Reinstatement for Certificate Expiration

1. An educator who has met all requirements for certificate renewal but did

not renew the certificate(s) prior to its expiration date is eligible to reinstate

the certificate(s) for up to one (1) year without completing any additional

requirements. A reinstatement fee will be applied to the application.

2. If one (1) year up to ten (10) years has lapsed since the expiration of the

certificate(s), the educator must take and pass current Rhode Island

certificate assessments, if not previously passed, to ensure currency in the

field. A reinstatement fee will be applied to the application.

3. If more than ten (10) years has elapsed since the expiration of the

certificate(s), the educator must reapply for and meet requirements for an

initial certificate, including meeting all competency and assessment

requirements as part of an approved program or credential review.

4. Requirements for reinstatement:

a. Complete a reinstatement application;

b. Submit all documentation necessary to demonstrate conditions for

reinstatement have been met; and

c. Submit a reinstatement application, reinstatement fee and the

appropriate certificate fees.

C. Reinstatement of Performance-related Non-renewed Certifications

1. An educator whose certificate(s) was non-renewed for performance

reasons may request reinstatement of each certificate that was not

renewed for performance reasons by providing evidence of meeting the

requirements for reinstatement for performance-related non-renewed

certificates for up to five years after the non-renewal. RIDE, in

collaboration with the Certification Policy Advisory Board (CPAB), will

develop the standards for reinstatement of a certification that was not

renewed for performance.

2. Requirements for reinstatement:

a. Complete a reinstatement application;

b. Submit a reinstatement fee and appropriate certification fees;

c. Submit evidence of retraining consistent with the performance-

related concerns; and

d. Submit evidence of successful supervised practice.

3. The Department of Education will review the request for reinstatement and

will make a determination based upon the evidence submitted.

1.15 Appeals

All decisions regarding certification under this Part may be appealed to the

Director of the Office of Educator Excellence and Certification Services.

Decisions of the Director may be appealed to the Commissioner of Education for

hearing pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-39-1.

1.16 Ongoing Review of Certification Regulations

RIDE will review application processes, certification requirements, certification

routes, types, and areas, and certification policy on a periodic basis and bring

recommendations for changes to the Council to assure that this Part remains

current and continues to respond to the changing needs of Rhode Island schools

and school districts.

200-RICR-20-20-1

TITLE 200 - BOARD OF EDUCATION

CHAPTER 20 - COUNCIL ON ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

SUBCHAPTER 20 - EDUCATOR QUALITY AND CERTIFICATION

PART 1 - REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE CERTIFICATION OF EDUCATORS

IN RHODE ISLAND

Type of Filing: Amendment

Agency Signature

_______________________________________________________________

Agency Head Signature Agency Signing Date

Department of State

____________________________

Regulation Effective Date

__________________________________________________________________

Department of State Initials Department of State Date

01/07/2019

December 17, 2018

E-SIGNED by Ken Wagner

December 18, 2018

K.C.