Noticed Rule

Concerning the Requirements for AEA Director Special Education

ARC 3543B

EDUCATIONAL EXAMINERS BOARD[282]

Notice of Intended Action

Twenty–five interested persons, a governmental subdivision, an agency or association of 25 or more persons may demand an oral presentation hereon as provided in Iowa Code section 17A.4(1)"b."

Notice is also given to the public that the Administrative Rules Review Committee may, on its own motion or on written request by any individual or group, review this proposed action under section 17A.8(6) at a regular or special meeting where the public or interested persons may be heard.

Pursuant to the authority of Iowa Code section 272.2, the Board of Educational Examiners hereby gives Notice of Intended Action to amend Chapter 15, "Requirements for Special Education Endorsements," Iowa Administrative Code.

The proposed amendment modifies the requirements for the director of special education, which include competencies rather than coursework and various options to meet the new requirements. The amendment also clarifies the authorization to include the "director of special education of an area education agency."

A waiver provision is not included. The Board has adopted a uniform waiver rule.

Any interested party or persons may present their views either orally or in writing at the public hearing that will be held Tuesday, August 10, 2004, at 11 a.m. in Room 3 South, Third Floor, Grimes State Office Building, East 14th Street and Grand Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50319.

At the hearing, persons will be asked to give their names and addresses for the record and to confine their remarks to the subject of the proposed amendment. Persons who wish to make oral presentations at the public hearing may contact the Executive Director, Board of Educational Examiners, Grimes State Office Building, East 14th Street and Grand Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 50319–0147, or at (515)281– 5849, prior to the date of the public hearing.

Any person who intends to attend the public hearing and requires special accommodations for specific needs, such as a sign language interpreter, should contact the office of the Executive Director at (515)281–5849.

Any interested person may make written comments or suggestions on the proposed amendment before 4 p.m. on Friday, August 13, 2004. Written comments and suggestions should be addressed to Barbara F. Hendrickson, Board Secretary, Board of Educational Examiners, at the above address, or sent by E–mail to barbara.hendrickson@iowa.gov, or by fax to (515)281–7669.

This amendment is intended to implement Iowa Code chapter 272.

A fiscal impact summary prepared by the Legislative Services Agency pursuant to Iowa Code Supplement § 17A.4(3) will be available at http://www.legis.state.ia.us/IAC.html or at (515)281–5279 prior to the Administrative Rules Review Committee’s review of this rule making.

The following amendment is proposed.

Amend subrule 15.3(11) as follows:

15.3(11) Director of special education of an area education agency.

a. Authorization. The holder of this endorsement is authorized to serve as a director of special education of an area education agency. Assistant directors, special education coordinators and other equivalent types of positions are also required to hold this endorsement.

b. Program requirements.

(1) Degree. Specialist or its equivalent: A master’s degree plus at least 32 semester hours of planned graduate study in administration or special education beyond the master’s degree.

(1) (2) Endorsement. Hold or meet the requirements for supervisor of special education—instructional endorsement (refer to subrule 15.3(5)) or support (refer to subrule 15.3(10)). one of the following:

1. PK–12 principal and PK–12 supervisor of special education (see rule 282—14.142(272));

2. Supervisor of special education—instructional (see subrule 15.3(5));

3. Supervisor of special education—support (see subrule 15.3(10)); or

4. A letter of authorization for special education supervisor issued prior to October 1, 1988.

(2) (3) Content. The program shall include a minimum of 32 graduate semester hours, 16 semester hours of which are outlined under supervisor of special education—instructional or support. Completion of a sequence of courses and experiences which may have been part of, or in addition to, the degree requirements to include the following:

1. Foundations of school administration Knowledge of federal, state and local fiscal policies related to education.

2. School finance Knowledge of school plant/facility planning.

3. School law Knowledge of human resources management, including recruitment, personnel assistance and development, evaluations and negotiations.

4. School–community relations Knowledge of models, theories and philosophies that provide the basis for educational systems.

5. Electives in educational administration, special education, school psychology, speech/language pathology, audiology, and school social work so that the program totals 32 graduate semester hours Knowledge of current issues in special education.

6. Evaluator approval component Knowledge of special education school law and legislative and public policy issues affecting children and families.

7. Knowledge of the powers and duties of the director of special education of an area education agency as delineated in Iowa Code section 273.5.

8. Practicum in administration and supervision of special education programs.

(4) Experience. The applicant must have three years of administrative experience as a PK–12 principal or PK–12 supervisor of special education.

(5) Competencies. Through completion of a sequence of courses and experiences which may have been part of, or in addition to, the degree requirements, the director of special education accomplishes the following:

1. Facilitates the development, articulation, implementation and stewardship of a vision of learning that is shared and supported by the school community.

2. Advocates, nurtures and sustains a school culture and instructional program conducive to student learning and staff professional growth.

3. Ensures management of the organization, operations and resources for a safe, efficient and effective learning environment.

4. Collaborates with educational staff, families and community members, responds to diverse community interests and needs, and mobilizes community resources.

5. Acts with integrity, fairness, and in an ethical manner.

6. Understands, responds to, and influences the larger political, social, economic, legal, and cultural context.

7. Collaborates and assists in supporting integrated work of the entire agency.

c. Other.

(1) Option 1:

Instructional. Meet the requirements for one special education teaching endorsement to include at least two of the following levels: and have three years of teaching experience in special education.

1. Early childhood—special education.

2. K–6.

3. 7–12.

(2) Option 2:

Support. Meet the practitioner licensure requirements for one of the following endorsements and have three years of teaching experience as a:

1. School audiologist. ;

2. School psychologist. ;

3. School social worker. ; or

4. Speech–language pathologist.

An individual holding a statement of professional recognition is not eligible for the director of special education of an area education agency endorsement.