FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
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STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
John L. Winn
Commissioner of Education
F. PHILIP HANDY,
Chairman
T. WILLARD FAIR,
Vice Chairman
Members
DONNA G. CALLAWAY
R
OBERTO MARTÍNEZ
P
HOEBE RAULERSON
KATHLEEN SHANAHAN
LINDA K. TAYLOR
Contact:
Name: Beverly Gregory
Phone: 850/245-0431
E-mail: beverly.gregory@fldoe.org
K-12:
2006-109
MEMORANDUM:
TO:
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School District Superintendents
School District Certification Contact Persons
FROM:
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Beverly Gregory
DATE:
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August 4, 2006
SUBJECT:
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Educator Certification Legislative Changes 2006 Session
This memorandum provides information regarding minor changes in educator certification to
enhance educator quality that were enacted in the A++ Legislation (HB 7087) and SB 266
passed in the 2006 Legislative Session. The A++ bill may be viewed at
http://static.lobbytools.com/bills/2006/PDF/7087ER.PDF and SB 266 at
http://static.lobbytools.com/bills/2006/PDF/0266ER.PDF. Please direct questions to me as
shown above.
/bg
BEVERLY GREGORY
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CHIEF, BUREAU OF EDUCATOR CERTIFICATION
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325 W. GAINES STREET • SUITE 201 • TALLAHASSEE, FL 32399-0400 • (850) 245-0431 • www.fldoe.org
Memorandum
August 4, 2006
Page Two
House Bill 7087 A++
Section 6 Amending Section 1001.03, Florida Statutes
Legislative staff has advised that a rule for a reading credential for non-degreed career/technical
education teachers is not to be developed since the provision would not comply with the NCLB
requirement that all core academic courses, including reading courses, be taught by a highly
qualified teacher which requires a bachelor’s or higher degree.
Section 38 Amending Section 1007.2615, Florida Statutes
The date by which all teachers of American Sign Language (ASL) must have certification in the
ASL endorsement is changed from January 1, 2008, to July 1, 2009. This change will provide
additional time for the development of district add-on programs and college/university ASL
courses. The new July 1, 2009, date also eliminates the implementation of a new certification
requirement in mid-year.
Section 61 Amending Section 1012.56, Florida Statutes
Language is added that school districts are encouraged to provide mechanisms for middle
school teachers who have only Elementary Education certification to prepare to add middle
grades subject area certification thorough courses or professional development. It is intended
that these mechanisms assist teachers in earning a passing score on the subject area
examination required to add middle grades level subject certification.
Senate Bill 266
This bill amends the requirements for licensure as an athletic trainer as administered by the
Department of Health by requiring completion of an approved athletic training curriculum from
an accredited college/university. A cardiovascular pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certificate
from the American Heart Association is added as an option for an approved CPR certificate, a
requirement for licensure and licensure renewal. Exemptions are deleted for the obsolete
classifications of teacher apprentice trainer I and II. The bill removes the employment
classifications of first responder and teacher athletic trainer within school district programs.
Language also clarifies employment flexibility for school districts so that a fully licensed athletic
trainer employed by a school district is not required to have a teaching certificate unless the
athletic trainer is providing instruction in classes for which a teaching certificate is required.
