Administrative Rule Review Report  #AR11-002

Legislative Service Office

22-Feb-11

AGENCY: Professional Teaching Standards Board.

DATE SUBMITTED: January 5, 2011.

SUBJECT: Chapter 4, Program Approval Standards for Endorsement Areas (Section 4, Table 1; Section 5, (k)); and Chapter 9, Due Process (Section (a)).

NATURE OF RULES:  Legislative; procedural.

STATUTORY AUTHORITY:  W.S. 21‑2‑802

DETERMINATION OF PROCEDURAL COMPLIANCE BASED UPON INFORMATION SUBMITTED BY THE AGENCY TO LSO:  Apparently complete to date.

SUMMARY OF RULES:  The rules are amended in chapter 4, section 4, table 1 to change the ages of certain endorsements.  The early childhood endorsement is amended from ages 3 to 8 to birth to age 8, the early childhood preschool endorsement is amended from ages 3 to 5 to birth to age 5 and the speech language therapist endorsement is amended from grades K to 12 to birth to grade 12.  These changes are made to bring the endorsements in line with accredited programs and national standards.

The rules are amended in chapter 4, section 5 by adding a new subsection (k) to provide for endorsement as a teacher of American Indian children.  The amended rules provide requirements for a program which an applicant must complete to receive the endorsement.

The rules are amended in chapter 9, section 6.  Previously the rules required the investigation committee to prepare an investigative report after the completion of an investigation.  These rules would amend that to allow the investigative committee to dismiss a complaint if it finds no evidence of wrongdoing.

FINDINGS:  The rules appear to be within the scope of statutory authority and legislative intent.

STAFF RECOMMENDATION:  That the rules be placed on the Consent List and be approved by the Council as submitted by the Agency.

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Joshua Anderson

Staff Attorney

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Lynda G. Cook

Staff Attorney

JDA/