FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
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CHARLIE CRIST
Commissioner
M E M O R A N D U M
TO:
District School Superintendents
FROM:
€
DATE:
July 24, 2002
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Betty Coxe
BETTY COXE
DEPUTY COMMISSIONER
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
CONTACT PERSON
Name:
Lezlie Cline
€
Phone:
(850) 488-1106
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Suncom:
278-1106
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E-mail:
lezlie.cline@FLDOE.org
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DPS:
03-008
SUBJECT:
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Teacher Certification for Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Programs and
Professional Development Activities
We are pleased to announce a new certification subject area and a new endorsement area in exceptional
student education (ESE) programs. These changes were approved by the State Board of Education on
March 12, 2002, and represent years of collaborative work to streamline educator certification in ESE
programs while retaining the appropriate requirements to ensure appropriate training.
Rule 6A-4.01795, FAC, “Specialization Requirements for Certification in Exceptional Student Education
(Grades K-12),” creates a new coverage area to replace the separate categorical areas of emotionally
handicapped (EH), mentally handicapped (MH), specific learning disabilities (SLD), physically impaired
(PI), and varying exceptionalities (VE). Rule 6A-4.01796, FAC, “Autism Endorsement,” creates the new
endorsement area. For your information, copies of both rules are enclosed.
Beginning July 1, 2002, applicants will apply for initial or add-on certification in Exceptional Student
Education K-12 and will no longer apply for the separate categorical areas of EH, MH, SLD, PI, or VE as
these coverage areas are no longer available for new applicants effective July 1, 2002.
Additionally, district inservice add-on certification programs in these areas should be discontinued. For
information regarding certification process and timelines, please refer to DPE memo #02-13, available at
www.firn.edu/doe/dpe/memos/dpe02-13.pdf.
PLAZA LEVEL – 08, THE CAPITOL – TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA 32399-0400 – (850) 413-0555 – FAX (850) 488-2869
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http:/www.firn.edu/doe
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An affirmative action/equal opportunity employer
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District School Superintendents
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July 15, 2002
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Page 2
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The categorical EH, MH, SLD, PI, or VE coverages will not be converted to the new coverage when a
Professional Certificate is renewed.
These categorical areas will be retained on the Professional
Certificate when renewed if the subject area renewal requirements are met. The 2002-03 Course Code
Directory will be reviewed and revised to continue to designate these certification areas as “in field.” The
new ESE Grades K-12 certification area and the Autism endorsement will also be added as “in field,” as
appropriate.
However, it is anticipated that in the next few years, the Autism endorsement will be
required for teachers to be determined “in field” for certain courses and/or classes of students with autism.
We are also pleased to announce that on March 12, 2002, the State Board of Education approved
revisions to Rule 6A-4.01792, FAC, “Specialization Requirements for the Prekindergarten Disabilities
Endorsement--Academic Class,” and Rule 6A-4.01793, FAC, “Specialization Requirements for
Endorsement in Severe or Profound Disabilities--Academic Class.” The revisions to both of these rules
updated the terminology used regarding students with disabilities.
The Bureau of Instructional Support and Community Services is excited to coordinate a statewide effort
to provide alternate methods for professional development, called Professional Development Alternatives
-- Exceptional Student Education. To support the new certification coverage, a comprehensive, statewide
initiative for the design, development, and delivery of specialized training for teachers of students with
disabilities is underway. This professional development program will utilize online training modules, in
conjunction with mentoring and other local delivery options, to ensure that quality training is widely
available and accessible. More information on this professional development activity will be forthcoming.
Plans are also underway to provide districts technical assistance information on the implementation of the
Autism Endorsement which includes the continuation of the summer and Weekends with the Experts
training opportunities for teachers of students with autism.
If you have any questions regarding certification issues, please contact Beverly Gregory, Chief, Bureau of
Educator Certification, at (850) 487-3663, or via email at beverly.gregory@fldoe.org.
Enclosures – 4
cc:
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Directors, Exceptional Student Education
Exceptional Student Education University Chairs
Deans, Colleges of Education
State Advisory Committee Members
Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System Centers
PLAZA LEVEL – 08, THE CAPITOL – TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA 32399-0400 – (850) 413-0555 – FAX (850) 488-2869
€
http:/www.firn.edu/doe
€
An affirmative action/equal opportunity employer
€
