To: Members, Indiana Professional Standards Board (IPSB)
From: Members, Executive Committee (EC)
Date: November 15, 2000
Subject: License Renewal Waiver for Participants in Induction Field Test
On October 18, 2000, the Teacher Induction Committee, based on a poll of its members, made a recommendation to the Executive Committee (EC) for a waiver of license renewal to participating beginning teachers in the induction field test. The EC approved the recommendation.
Beginning teachers would have one of two options during the time that the disciplines are in the stage of field testing: the option of receiving a stipend of $500 and mileage to attend support seminars or a license renewal only.
The EC recognizes the assessment as a compelling experience to improve standards-based classroom practice that will enhance student learning. To qualify, beginning teachers commit to full participation and successful completion of the field test design of the induction program. Participation in the induction program includes attending and contributing to the support seminars for the two-year period and submitting the content specific portfolio assessment in the second year.
This waiver may allow the induction staff of the IPSB to work with significant numbers of teachers in order to adequately test the design of the support seminars and build a library of Indiana portfolio exemplars and benchmarks.
The license renewal option is currently being offered to participants in the continuing education pilot for teacher professional growth plan development as well as mentors who support beginning teachers during the field testing of the two-year induction program.
License renewal would not be an option for beginning teachers in a pilot of a portfolio once the new licensing rules (Rules 2001) and the Initial License are in place. Under the two-year non-renewable Initial License, an alternative assessment will be required in a teacher area where no portfolio exists. The TEC and the EC recommended that a beginning teacher who completes a field test of a portfolio instead of the alternative assessment would earn the Proficient Practitioner License for that area.
Recommendation:
The Executive Committee recommends that the Board approve adding a license renewal option for beginning teachers with a standard 5-year license under Rules who complete a field test of a portfolio assessment, and that a beginning teacher with a two-year Initial License under Rules 2001 who completes a field test of a portfolio assessment instead of the alternative assessment would earn the Proficient Practitioner License for that area.
Professional Standards Board Action: