PESB GUIDANCE FOR EDUCATOR PREPARATION PROGRAMS
Washington State is currently experiencing a rapid outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19), impacting our communities in a number of ways.
On March 12, Governor Inslee authorized a mandatory six week closure for all schools within King, Snohomish, and Pierce counties, with the support of Washington State Superintendent, Chris Reykdal. This closure impacts over half of the students in our state. View OSPI’s media release.
The Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) is working in partnership with multiple agencies and organizations to coordinate local, regional, and statewide efforts impacting the educator workforce and educator preparation.
New preparation program guidance
In response to today’s announcement on mandatory school closures, PESB has filed emergency rule allowing educator preparation programs to review a candidate’s course work, field experience, work experience, and alternative learning experience. Based on this review, the preparation program may then waive or reduce in length the clinical practice and course work if they determine the candidate has the required knowledge and skills. This WAC amendment is effective immediately, and will remain in place through mid-July of this year.
Clinical practice can take place in educational settings through remote instruction, online learning, at alternate locations, or as part of an extended school year or school day. Clinical practice can include planning, instruction, and reflection that prepares the candidate for the role.
Programs preparing candidates in school psychology or school counseling will need to refer to their respective national standards for minimum number of hours and other requirements for clinical practice.
Next week, we plan to issue additional guidance related to the edTPA, and training requirements for the paraeducator certificate program.
Additional guidance and resources
PESB has already released guidance on the following areas:
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Educator preparation programs - guidance on providing field experience and clinical practice to their educator candidates, as well as preliminary information on the edTPA.
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Clock hours - guidance on providing clock hours in online and remote settings.
We have created a page on our website housing all press releases, guidance, and resources concerning the novel coronavirus outbreak. View our website.
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