PELSB COVID-19 Response: Discretionary Variance Requests - Field Experiences

Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board sent this bulletin at 08/31/2020 01:44 PM CDT
Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board

PELSB COVID-19 Response: Discretionary Variance Requests for Field Experiences for the 2020-21 School Year

While the Minnesota Department of Education has confirmed that both student teachers and candidates completing field experiences are considered "essential" workers under the Governor's Safe Learning Plan order, the Board recognizes that preparation providers are still experiencing challenges in finding field experience placements.   

Minnesota Administrative rule defines a field experience as a "school-based" opportunity and requires that candidates are hosted by licensed teachers.  At the August 28th Board meeting, the Board established a set of criteria by which they will approve discretionary variances for non-school-based field experience placements.  The minimum criteria for Board approval of these variances is that:

  • the candidate work with a group or groups of students
  • a licensed individual with experience and a license aligned to the scope of the field experience oversee the experience and have regular interaction with the candidate
  • this type of placement be limited to 50 of the required 100 hours for initial licensure  
  •  the variance only be for the 2020-2021 school year

Note that with the approval of these variances, all other standards must still be met.  Providers must continue to provide candidates a range of experiences, experiences aligned to the scope and content of the license sought, and experiences with diverse student populations.  Providers must still use field-based experiences prior to student teaching to assess candidates' skills, knowledge, and professional dispositions. 

Prior to recommending a candidate for licensure, candidates must complete an approved program and meet a unit's exit criteria. 

 

How to Seek A Similar Variance  

To request a discretionary variance for field experience in a non-school-based setting that meets the criteria above, complete this new Google form.  Please submit your request by Friday, September 4th to be included on the September 18th Board agenda.  

 

Additional Support

Continue to find updates at https://mn.gov/pelsb/covid19/ .

If you have questions about whether a variance is needed or the process, contact Michelle Sandler.