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Professional Standards Board (Licensure, Certification and Professional Development)
1510 Issuance of Initial License
1.0 Content
This regulation shall apply to the issuance of an Initial License for educators, pursuant to 14 Del.C. §1210.
17 DE Reg. 610 (12/01/13)
2.0 Definitions
The following words and terms, when used in this regulation, shall have the following meaning unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Alternative Routes to Licensure and Certification" means programs approved by the Department of Education pursuant to 14 Del.C. Ch. 12, Subchapter VI, to certify and license candidates who hold bachelors' degrees appropriate to the instructional field they desire to teach, but who did not complete a regionally accredited educator preparation program.
"Career and Technical Education" is also known as Vocational Education, Vocational Technical Education or Career Technical Education.
"Certification" means holding a Standard Certificate in a particular area, subject, or category.
"Core Content Area" means any subject area tested by the state assessment system, including mathematics, English language arts, science, and social studies.
"Composite Score" means a total of an applicant's scores on all three (3) subtests of PRAXIS I which is equal to, or greater than, the sum of the passing scores on the three subtests. Scores from either the PRAXIS I (PPST) paper and pencil test and/or from the PRAXIS I (CPPST) computerized test may be used when applying the composite score provision. Scores from the PRAXIS I computer based test (CBT) may be used when applying the composite score provision, but may not be used in conjunction with scores from the PRAXIS I (PPST) paper and pencil test and/or with the PRAXIS I (CPPST) computerized test.
"Content-Readiness Exam" means an assessment, either by examination of content knowledge or the approved equivalent that demonstrates an educator's knowledge, skills, and readiness to perform responsibilities of a certification area.
"Date of Hire" means the effective date of employment by a school district, charter school, or other employing authority.
"Department" means the Delaware Department of Education.
"Educator" means a person licensed and certified by the State under 14 Del.C. Ch. 12 to engage in the practice of instruction, administration or other related professional support services in Delaware public schools, including charter schools, pursuant to rules and regulations promulgated by the Standards Board and approved by the State Board. The term 'educator' does not include substitute teachers.
"Examination of General Knowledge" means a standardized test adopted pursuant to this regulation which measures general knowledge and essential skills in reading, writing, and mathematics.
"Exigent Circumstances" means unanticipated circumstances or circumstances beyond the educator's control, including, but not limited to, expiration of a license during the school year, serious illness of the educator or a member of his/her immediate family, activation to active military duty, and other serious emergencies which necessitate the educator's temporarily leaving active service.
"Immorality" means conduct which is inconsistent with the rules and principles of morality expected of an educator and may reasonably be found to impair an educator's effectiveness by reason of his or her unfitness or otherwise.
“Jurisdiction" means a state, territory or country.
"License" means a credential which authorizes the holder to engage in the practice for which the license is issued.
"Mentoring" means activities prescribed pursuant to regulations promulgated by the Standards Board and approved by the State Board in which a holder of an Initial License, Continuing license, or Advanced License must engage during the term of the license.
"Performance Assessment" means an assessment in the professional area of licensure and certification that measures the applicant's knowledge, skills, and abilities in the area as adopted in consultation and cooperation with the Department by the Standards Board with the approval of the State Board.
"PRAXIS I or PPST" means a test from Educational Testing Service of general knowledge in reading, writing, and mathematics.
"PRAXIS I CBT" means the discontinued PRAXIS I computer based test from Educational Testing Service taken between November 1993 and December 2001, with a possible score range of 300 to 335. Scores from the PRAXIS I CBT test may not be combined with scores from the PRAXIS I paper and pencil test or the PRAXIS I computerized test (CPPST) to derive a composite score.
"PRAXIS I CPPST" means the PRAXIS I computerized test from Educational Testing Service which began in January 2002. This test, which is delivered in a computer format, has a possible score range of 150 to 190. Scores from the CPPST and the PRAXIS I (PPST) paper and pencil test may be combined for a composite scores.
"Skilled and Technical Sciences (STS)" is also known as Trade and Industrial Education, Career and Technical Education, Career Technical Education or Career-Technical Education.
"Specialist" means an educator other than a teacher recognized in this regulation who is licensed and certified by the State pursuant to 14 Del.C. Ch. 12 to engage in other related professional support services.
"Standard Certificate" means a credential issued to certify that an educator has the prescribed knowledge, skill or education to practice in a particular area, teach a particular subject, or teach a category of students.
"Standards Board" means the Professional Standards Board established pursuant to 14 Del.C. §1201.
"State Board" means the State Board of Education of the State pursuant to 14 Del.C. §104.
"Student Teaching Program" means a traditional student teaching placement within a National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) or National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) or the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) approved program offered by a college or university, or such alternatives as deemed appropriate to the program, such as supervised internships or other field based experience recognized as a required component of the regionally accredited educator preparation program or a student teaching placement within a state-approved educator preparation program where the state approval body employed the appropriate standards.
"Trade and Industries Teacher" means a Skilled and Technical Sciences Teacher.
"Trade and Industries" means Skilled and Technical Sciences.
17 DE Reg. 610 (12/01/13)
18 DE Reg. 218 (09/01/14)
3.0 Requirements for Initial License
3.1 In accordance with 14 Del.C. §1210, an otherwise qualified applicant subject to the limits of section 10.0 must meet the requirements in this section for the Department to issue an Initial License. All applicants must apply for at least one Standard Certificate simultaneously with an Initial License. An initial license will not be issued if the applicant does not meet the requirements for certification.
3.2 The Department shall issue an initial license to an applicant who meets the criteria for Meritorious New Teacher candidate designation adopted pursuant to 14 Del.C. §1203.
3.3. The Department shall issue an initial license to an applicant who is currently licensed as an educator in another jurisdiction with less than three years of successful teaching experience.
3.4 Prior to the Department issuing an initial license, all other applicants must meet the following requirements:
3.4.1 Meet the degree requirements in section 5.0.
3.4.2 Achieve a passing score on an approved examination of general knowledge as specified in this regulation.
3.4.3 When applicable and available, achieve a passing score on an approved content readiness exam. A content-readiness exam is applicable and available when adopted by the Standards Board with the approval of the State Board.
3.4.4 When applicable and available, achieve a passing score on an approved performance assessment. A performance assessment is applicable and available when adopted by the Standards Board with approval of the State Board.
3.4.5 Complete a student teaching program or an approved alternative to student teaching.
3.4.6 Meet all other requirements of this regulation.
3.5 An applicant who previously held a Delaware initial license that has since expired will be treated as a new applicant and must meet all the requirements in the regulation.
17 DE Reg. 610 (12/01/13)
18 DE Reg. 218 (09/01/14)
4.0 Application requirements
4.1 In addition to an Initial License, applicants must also apply for a Standard Certificate to practice in the particular area, to teach a particular subject, or to instruct a particular category of students and must verify that they possess the prescribed knowledge, skill or education to practice in that area, subject, or category. (See 14 DE Admin. Code 1505). An initial license will not be issued if the applicant does not meet the requirements for certification.
4.1.1 If an applicant is applying for a Standard Certificate to instruct a particular category of students including but not limited to special education, the applicant must also obtain certification in a particular area or to teach a particular subject. Unless specifically stated in the standard certificate, certification to instruct a particular category of students does not include certification to teach a particular subject and the educator must also obtain certification to teach a particular subject.
4.2 An applicant for an Initial License must submit the completed application, official transcripts, and official scores on all required examinations and assessments to the Department.
4.2.1 Official transcripts shall be forwarded directly from the issuing institution or by the applicant in an unopened, unaltered envelope.
17 DE Reg. 610 (12/01/13)
18 DE Reg. 218 (09/01/14)
5.0 Degree Requirements
5.1 To qualify for an initial license, an applicant must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited 4 year college or university;
5.2 For the purposes of this regulation, the equivalent education and experience recognized to fulfill the requirement of a bachelor's degree for an initial license and certification as a Skilled and Technical Sciences teacher shall be two (2) years of college or technical training, plus six (6) years of work experience as further defined in Section 9.0.
17 DE Reg. 610 (12/01/13)
18 DE Reg. 218 (09/01/14)
6.0 Student Teaching Requirements and Alternatives
6.1 To qualify for an initial license, an applicant must successfully complete a student teaching program or an approved alternative to student teaching.
6.2 If an applicant is applying for an Initial License and certification in an area, or subject or category other than in a Core Content Area, an approved alternative to student teaching is one year of successful teaching experience consisting of a minimum of 91 days of long term teaching experience at one assignment as specified within this regulation.
6.2.1 The one year of teaching experience must have occurred within the last calendar year prior to application.
6.2.2 The teaching experience must consist of a minimum of 91 days of long term teaching experience at one assignment within the same academic year during which regular evaluations were conducted, evidencing at least satisfactory performance.
6.2.3 Experience in the Alternative Routes to Licensure and Certification program or the Special Institute for Teacher Licensure and Certification program may not be used to meet this alternative.
6.3 An approved alternative to student teaching is enrollment in an Alternative Routes for Teacher Licensure and Certification program.
6.4 An approved alternative to student teaching is completion of the special institute pursuant to 14 Del.C. Ch. 12, Subchapter V.
6.5 If an applicant is applying for an Initial License and certification as a specialist in one of the specialty areas specifically referenced in this subsection, the applicant may, in addition to the other approved alternatives, substitute in lieu of student teaching the designated supervised practical experience in the specialty area as specified in this subsection. Equivalent practical experience in the specialty area may include but is not limited to a supervised internship, a practicum, or clinical experience. In accordance with 14 Del.C. §1210(a)(1)(4), the following specialists are recognized and may substitute for student teaching the practical experience alternatives in their specific specialty area as specified in this section.
6.5.1 School nurse
For a school nurse, the equivalent practical experience for student teaching is three (3) years of supervised clinical nursing experiences as a registered nurse consisting of a minimum of 500 hours.
6.5.2 Elementary School Counselor
For an elementary school counselor, the equivalent practical experience for student teaching is a supervised school counseling internship of one (1) full year (700 hour minimum) in an elementary school setting which is part of a graduate degree program in School Counseling or arranged by the Department of Education.
6.5.3 Secondary School Counselor
For a secondary school counselor, the equivalent practical experience for student teaching is a supervised school counseling internship or practicum of one (1) full year (700 hour minimum) in a secondary school setting which is part of a graduate degree program in School Counseling or arranged by the Department of Education.
6.5.4 School Library Media Specialist
For a school library media specialist, the equivalent practical experience for student teaching is one of the following:
6.5.4.1 Completion of a supervised internship or practicum required in obtaining a Masters or Doctoral degree from a regionally accredited college or university in an American Library Association approved program in School Library Media.
6.5.4.2 Completion of a Department approved School Library Media program and supervised internship or practicum which meets American Library Association Standards.
6.5.5 School Psychologist
For a school psychologist the equivalent practical experience for student teaching is a supervised internship in an institution or agency approved by the Department of Education or the applicant's graduate program.
6.5.5.1 The internship must be a supervised, culminating, comprehensive field experience, completed at or near, the end of formal training, through which school psychology candidates have the opportunity to integrate and apply professional knowledge and skills acquired in prior courses and practica, as well as to acquire new competencies consistent with training program goals.
6.5.5.2 The following recognized internships meet the requirements of this section: internships that are part of an organized graduate level program of study in "School Psychology" offered by a regionally accredited college or university and approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) or the American Psychological Association (APA), culminating in a Masters with an additional Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree or a Doctoral degree in School Psychology, and an internship completed to earn a Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) Certificate from the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP).
6.5.6 School Social Worker
For a school social worker the equivalent practical experience for student teaching is one of the following:
6.5.6.1 Two years of supervised successful full time work experience as a social worker and a minimum of one year supervised experience in a school setting.
6.5.6.2 One year supervised internship in a school setting consisting of a minimum of 1000 hours.
17 DE Reg. 610 (12/01/13)
18 DE Reg. 218 (09/01/14)
7.0 Examination and Assessment Requirements
7.1 To qualify for an initial license, an applicant must receive a passing score on an approved examination of general knowledge as may be established by the Standards Board, with the approval of the State Board. In addition to the examinations specifically recognized in this regulation, examinations of general knowledge are also approved when adopted by the Standards Board with the approval of the State Board. In adopting examinations of general knowledge the Standards Board acts in consultation and cooperation with the Department in selecting tests and setting cut scores.
7.1.1 An applicant must provide the Department with official test scores for one or more of the approved examinations of general knowledge of essential skills in the three required components of reading, writing, and mathematics as set forth in the table in section 19.0.
7.1.2 Unless otherwise stated in this regulation, an applicant may submit the official test scores of an approved examination of general knowledge to satisfy one or more of the three required essential skills components of reading, writing, and mathematics as set forth in the table in section 19.0.
7.1.3 Any Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores, Graduate Records Exam (GRE) scores or NTE Communication Skills scores must predate the application date.
7.1.4 There is no limit on the number of times an individual may take an examination of general knowledge. Once passed, a section need not be taken again.
7.1.5 Passing scores in each area (reading, writing, mathematics) may be attained in any testing format.
7.1.6 Notwithstanding the requirements of this regulation, an applicant applying for an initial license may meet the requirements for passage of examination of general knowledge by submitting test scores that were approved and in effect on the date the test was taken including any permitted composite scores.
7.2 To qualify for an initial license, an applicant must receive a passing score on an approved content-readiness exam when applicable and available as may be established by the Standards Board, with the approval of the State Board. Content-readiness exams are applicable and available when adopted by the Standards Board with the approval of the State Board. In adopting content-readiness exams the Standards Board acts in consultation and cooperation with the Department in selecting tests and setting cut scores.
7.3 To qualify for an initial license, an applicant must receive a passing score on an approved performance assessment applicable and available as may be established by the Standards Board, with the approval of the State Board. Performance assessments are applicable and available when adopted by the Standards Board with the approval of the State Board. In adopting performance assessments the Standards Board acts in consultation and cooperation with the Department in selecting tests and setting cut scores.
7.4 Timeline for Examination of General Knowledge for School Nurse Applicant
7.4.1 Notwithstanding the requirements of this regulation, an applicant for school nurse may be issued an initial license prior to the passage of an approved examination of general knowledge. However, the applicant must pass an approved examination of general knowledge within once calendar year from the date of hire.
7.4.2 Suspension
7.4.2.1 If proof of passage of an approved examination is not provided within one calendar year from the date of hire, the Initial License shall be suspended.
7.4.2.2 Evidence of passage of an approved examination within the time period of the suspension shall result in the reinstatement of the Initial License.
7.4.2.3 An applicant who does not pass an approved examination of general knowledge during the time period of the suspension, and whose Initial License expires, must reapply and meet the requirements for initial licensure then in effect.
7.4.2.4 Notwithstanding the foregoing, an applicant may submit a request for review pursuant to section 17.0 Secretary of Education Review.
17 DE Reg. 610 (12/01/13)
18 DE Reg. 218 (09/01/14)
8.0 Submission of Scores or Assessments.
8.1 Test scores or Assessments shall be official and sent directly from the test vendor or Assessment provider to the Department.
8.2 Unopened, unaltered envelopes containing scores sent to the individual may be accepted as official. The Department shall determine whether the scores as presented are acceptable.
8.3 Direct verification from another State Department of Education or in a similar manner may in the discretion of the Department if determined reliable be considered as official. A copy of the results or score must be forwarded directly from the other State Department or entity to the Department.
17 DE Reg. 610 (12/01/13)
18 DE Reg. 218 (09/01/14)
9.0 Skilled and Technical Sciences Teacher Educational and Experience Requirements.
9.1 Notwithstanding any other requirements within this regulation, an applicant applying for an initial license and certification in a Skilled and Technical Sciences specific career area may be issued an initial license for a period of up to 6 years to complete specified college course work or its equivalent in professional development or technical training required for certification. Applicants must pass an approved examination of general knowledge within six (6) years of the date of employment or before the expiration of the Initial License, whichever is later. A bachelor's degree equivalent for a Skilled and Technical Sciences teacher shall be two (2) years of college or technical training, plus six (6) years of work experience. The requirement for two (2) years of college or technical training may be satisfied through the satisfactory completion of any one of the following options in the specific career area to be taught:
9.1.1 An associate's degree with a major in the specific career area; or
9.1.2 Two years of college majoring in the specific career area with at least 50% of the major courses required for a bachelor's degree satisfactorily completed; or
9.1.3 A state issued certificate indicating completion of apprenticeship hours and apprentice related training (e.g. journey papers) in the specific career area; or
9.1.4 Completion of four (4) years of sequential Delaware Trade Extension courses in the specific career area; or
9.1.5 Completion of four (4) years of National Center for Construction Education and Research's Contren documented training in the specific career area; or
9.1.6 A 70% or above score on both the written and performance elements of a Delaware Apprentice-related Education Provider's National Center for Construction Education and Research's Contren-derived full Apprentice Equivalency test-out covering all Apprentice-related Education years in the specific career area; or
9.1.7 Passage of the State of Delaware Licensing test in the specific career area, offered through the Division of Professional Regulation; or
9.1.8 576 hours of military training in the specific career area; or
9.1.9 576 hours postsecondary trade school training in the specific career area; or
9.1.10 A 70% or above score on both the written and performance teacher tests for the National Occupational Competency Testing Institute in the specific career area; or
9.1.11 An industry recognized certification of technical competence or journeyperson status in the specific career area; or
9.1.12 DOE approved equivalents of any one of the above including but not limited to equivalents from any combination of the above options.
17 DE Reg. 610 (12/01/13)
18 DE Reg. 218 (09/01/14)
10.0 Hold on Application
The Department shall not act on an application for licensure if the applicant is under official investigation by any state or local authority with the power to issue educator licenses or certifications, where the alleged conduct involves allegations of immorality, misconduct in office, incompetence, willful neglect of duty, disloyalty or falsification of credentials, until the applicant provides evidence of the investigation's resolution.
17 DE Reg. 610 (12/01/13)
11.0 Validity of Initial License
11.1 An Initial License is valid for three (3) years, unless revoked, and may not be renewed. Notwithstanding the foregoing, an Initial License issued to an applicant in a Skilled and Technical Sciences specific career area is valid for up to six (6) years to provide time for completion of specified college level course work required for certification and required examinations.
11.2 An Initial License issued to an applicant who is not currently employed by a school district, charter school, or other employing authority shall be inactive until such time as an applicant is employed by a public school district or charter school. Once employed, the Initial License shall be in effect for three (3) years from the date of hire until the last day of the month of issuance three (3) years later, except in the case of the Skilled and Technical Sciences specific career areas which shall expire on the last day of the month of issuance six (6) years later.
11.3 During the term of the Initial License, license holders are required to participate in a comprehensive educator induction program including mentoring and other prescribed professional development activities offered by the Department and by the school district or charter school or other employing authority in which they are employed.
17 DE Reg. 610 (12/01/13)
18 DE Reg. 218 (09/01/14)
12.0 Applicants with Foreign Credentials
Applicants graduating from foreign institutions shall provide an analysis of the degree equivalency in a format approved by the Department, along with all other required application materials, which shall be reviewed by the Department.
17 DE Reg. 610 (12/01/13)
13.0 Extension for Exigent Circumstances
13.1 The Department may extend an Initial License for a period not to exceed one (1) year, exigent circumstances warranting the necessity of such extension.
13.1.1 A license holder whose license expires during the school year may have the Initial License extended until the last day of the fiscal year upon a request from the district superintendent, charter school administrator, or other employing authority. This extension shall be considered an exigent circumstance and shall not exceed one (1) year in length.
17 DE Reg. 610 (12/01/13)
14.0 Leave of Absence
14.1 An educator may take a leave of absence of up to three (3) years with no effect upon the validity or expiration of the Initial License.
14.2 Upon application by the educator to the Department through the defined process the educator's Initial License may be extended for up to three (3) years for the time period of an authorized leave of absence.
14.3 The Department may require that the educator use a Department approved form.
14.4 The Department may require that the educator provide documentation sufficient to establish the authorized leave of absence.
14.5 An educator's Initial License shall not be automatically extended under this section and the burden is on the educator to make proper application to the Department and to establish the authorized leave of absence.
17 DE Reg. 610 (12/01/13)
18 DE Reg. 218 (09/01/14)
15.0 Criminal Conviction History
An applicant shall disclose his or her criminal conviction history upon application for an Initial License. Failure to disclose a criminal conviction history is grounds for denial or revocation of an Initial License as specified in 14 Del.C. §1219.
17 DE Reg. 610 (12/01/13)
16.0 Exceptions
This regulation shall apply to all requests for issuance of an Initial License, except as specifically addressed herein.
17 DE Reg. 610 (12/01/13)
17.0 Secretary of Education Review
The Secretary of Education may, at the request of the superintendent of a local school district or charter school administrator or other employing authority, review licensure credentials on an individual basis and grant a license to an applicant who otherwise does not meet the requirements for Initial License, but whose effectiveness is documented by the local school district, charter school, or other employing authority.
17 DE Reg. 610 (12/01/13)
18.0 Reporting
The Department shall provide quarterly reports to the Professional Standards Board regarding implementation of this regulation. The Department shall also provide upon request specific data reports regarding licensure, certification, and professional development.
18 DE Reg. 218 (09/01/14)
19.0 Approved Examination of General Knowledge
Assessment
Cut Score
Effective Date-Tests taken
Provider & Test#
Assessment adopted by the Standards Board with the approval of the State Board pursuant to section 7.1
As adopted by the Standards Board with the approval of the State Board
As adopted by the Standards Board with the approval of the State Board
Core The Praxis Series Core Academic Skills for
Educators
Reading-156
Writing- 162
Math- 150
Sept. 1, 2013* and thereafter
ETS-
5712,
5722,
5732
Praxis I -
Computerized Pre Professional Skills Test (Praxis I CPPST)
Paper and Pencil Test (PPST)
Reading-175
Writing- 173
Math- 174
Jan. 1, 2002- June 30, 2014*
*Overlap from Sept. 1, 2013 to June 30 for either Praxis I or CORE
ETS-
Praxis I - CBT
Computer Based
Test
Reading- 322
Writing- 319
Math- 319
Oct. 23,1993- Dec.31,2001
ETS Praxis Series
Pre Professional Skills
Test
Reading- 175
Writing- 172
Math- 175
July 1, 1983- Oct. 22, 1993
ETS Praxis Series
CBEST-California
Test of Basic Skills
Total Scores 123
With a minimum of at least 37 in each category
Accepted if test was taken as a condition of meeting certification or licensure requirements in another state.
Approved Examination of General Knowledge by Component
Accepted Reading Component (**See 7.1.3 for restrictions)
Exam/Assessment
Cut Score / Component
Effective Date – test taken
Range
Provider & Test info
SAT-Scholastic Aptitude Test
Verbal- 560
April 1, 1995 and thereafter
ETS College Board
SAT-Scholastic Aptitude Test
Verbal- 480
Prior to April 1, 1995
ETS College Board
ACT- American College Testing
English - 24
Date taken
ACT
GRE- Revised Graduate Record Examination
Verbal - 152
August 1, 2011 and thereafter
ETS
GRE-Graduate Record Examination
Verbal- 490
Prior to August 1, 2011
ETS
Accepted Math Component (**See 7.1.3 for restrictions)
Exam/Assessment
Cut Score
Effective Date Range
Provider & Test info
SAT-Scholastic Aptitude Test
Math- 540
April 1, 1995 and thereafter
ETS College Board
SAT-Scholastic Aptitude Test
Math- 520
Prior to April 1, 1995
ETS College Board
ACT- American College Testing
Mathematics - 24
Date taken
ACT
GRE- Revised Graduate Record Examination
Quantitative - 145
August 1, 2011 and thereafter
ETS
GRE-Graduate Record Examination
Quantitative - 145
Prior to August 1, 2011
ETS
Accepted Writing Component (**See 7.1.3 for restrictions)
Exam/Assessment
Cut Score
Effective Date Range
Provider & Test info
NTE-National
Teacher Exam Core Battery Communication Skills
670
**Scores must pre-date the application
ETS
SAT-Scholastic Aptitude Test
Writing - *
*As set by the Standards Board with the approval of the State Board
After April 1, 1995
ETS College Board
7 DE Reg. 161 (8/1/03)
7 DE Reg. 623 (11/103)
7 DE Reg. 1181 (3/1/04)
12 DE Reg. 945 (01/01/09)
17 DE Reg. 610 (12/01/13)
18 DE Reg. 218 (09/01/14)
