Kentucky Program Guidelines - Initial and Advanced Programs

Required Content for Educator Preparation Program Submissions

• The EPSB must approve all certification programs. The Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) must approve all degree programs.
• Proposals for new degree programs must follow CPE format and submission schedule. Contact CPE for additional information.
• All program review document revisions/additions/deletions MUST be initiated by the Chair/Dean of Education as all certification issues fall under the responsibility of the unit head. All programs must follow established guidelines. Programs not submitted by the Chair/Dean or not meeting the guidelines will be returned to the institution.
• Updated program review documents to all approved certification programs must be submitted 12 months in advance of the on-site continuing accreditation visit (18 months in advance for a first accreditation visit).
• Certification programs must be submitted by February 15 for fall semester implementation and by September 15 for spring semester implementation. Revisions may be submitted at any time.
• For new certification programs, the institution must submit a one-page executive summary along with the hard copy of the program review document. New programs also must include a letter of support from the institution’s chief academic officer.
• Terms used in the programs are to be consistent with NCATE (see Professional Standards for the Accreditation of Schools, Colleges, and Departments of Education, 2006 Edition).
• Program submissions are intended to be brief. Pages must be numbered. Submissions must be dated.
• The attached, (see link at bottom of page) review worksheet is used by the Reading Committee to evaluate the program review document(s). This worksheet may serve as a guide for organizing the document as it outlines the required componants and provides the rubric.
• All programs must be submitted electronically via institutional website, email Allison.Bell@ky.gov or disc/CD along with one hard copy of each program review document to the Division of Educator Preparation. Be advised the EPSB email server cannot accept attachments larger than 3 MB.
• After programs have been reviewed by Division of Educator Preparation staff, Content Area Review Committees, the Continuous Assessment Review Committee (CARC), and the Reading Committee, a Program Review Update identifying concerns will be generated and sent to the institution requesting clarification and/or additional information.
• The attached review worksheet (see link at the bottom of page) is used by the Reading Review Committee to evaluate the program review document(s). This worksheet may serve as a guide for organizing the document as it outlines the required componants and provides the rubric.
• The institution should respond to the Program Review Update by submitting a rejoinder. One copy of the specific revised page(s) within the program is needed. All concerns/questions in the Program Review Update should be outlined in a letter.
• A final Program Review Update indicating program status will be sent to the institution’s Educator Preparation Unit Dean/Chair and a copy of the report will be distributed to the Board of Examiners team during on-site visits for a recommendation vote.
• Program contents organization matrices will be provided via email upon request.
• These Program Guidelines go into effect for institutions submitting programs for February 2007 submissions.
  

Contents of Program Submissions - Initial and Advanced Programs

Include title page that includes the name of the institution, name of program and certification level, date submitted and catalog URL if available. If this program is governed by a particular regulation, the regulation number should be included on the title page.

One-page Executive Summary* must include:

1. Theme of the unit
2. Brief description of the continuous assessment plan including admission and exit requirements
3. Unique features of the program including mode(s) of delivery
4. Rationale for the implementation of the program

* This summary is necessary for NEW (not previously approved) programs only!

Document 1: Conceptual Framework
Click here for Powerpoint presentation on Conceptual Framework and Continuous Assessment

The conceptual framework must be submitted as a separate document. For any programs that share the same conceptual framework, one document may be submitted. This document will explicate the Unit’s statement of its conceptual framework. It may include tables, charts, and the research base that supports the unit’s philosophy of preparation. The narrative must include the following items: (a) Mission and vision of the institution and unit; (b) Unit’s philosophy and dispositions; (c) All knowledge bases; (d) Performance standards; and (e) Summarized description of candidate proficiencies (including diversity and technology), curriculum and assessment system.

Document 2: Continuous Assessment
Click here for Powerpoint presentation on Conceptual Framework and Continuous Assessment

The continuous assessment plan must be submitted as a separate document. For any programs that share the same continuous assessment, one document may be submitted. The plan should include a description of how the unit's continuous assessment:

• integrates with the Conceptual Framework;
• is based on standards;
• is an assessment system with monitoring checkpoints;
• identifies dispositions and modes of assessment;
• includes multiple assessments;
• includes a plan for collecting P-12 student impact data;
• contains feedback loops for candidates and program(s); and
• contains evidence of a technology-supported assessment system
• includes a plan for how the unit ensures its assessments are accurate, fair, and consistent

Document 3: Program Experiences

This portion of the program review document(s) should demonstrate the relationship among the certification program with the unit's Conceptual Framework and Continuous Assessment Plan. It should also describe the courses and experiences (including a description of mode(s) of delivery and off-campus sites being used, if applicable), and demonstrate the integration of the appropriate Kentucky performance standards (New/Experienced Teacher, Counselor, etc.). Choice of formats (matrix, diagram, narrative, etc.). An explanation describing how the Code of Ethics is integrated, shared, and discussed with the candidates is needed.

A. Content Standards: A matrix showing the incorporation of the appropriate learned society standards/guidelines is required. If NCATE has approved a learned society, the institution must address that learned society's standards/guidelines. Also, include brief course descriptions for all courses outside the Professional Education Core.

B. KERA Initiatives: Show detailed alignment of the Kentucky Curriculum and Assessment requirements listed below within the coursework. Include a description how the KERA initiatives are integrated into the coursework. This description should explain where the necessary content knowledge is delivered in the curriculum (general and professional studies). A general matrix will no longer be acceptable.

• Learner Goals based on Academic Expectations
• Program of Studies
• Core Content/Commonwealth Accountability Testing System (CATS)

C. EPSB Themes: Show integration of the following items within the coursework. Choice of formats (matrix, diagram, narrative, etc.) may be used.

• Diversity (with specific attention to exceptional children including the gifted and talented, cultural and ethnic diversity)
• Assessment (developing skills to assess student learning)
• Literacy/Reading
• Closing the Achievement Gap (identify what courses emphasize strategies for closing the gap)

D. Program Faculty: List name; highest degree, field, & university; assignment; faculty rank; scholarship, leadership in professional associations, and service; and relationship (full-time, part-time, etc.) to the institution, unit, and program. Do not sent vitae.

E. Syllabi: Complete syllabi for the Professional Education core and Methods courses must be included. Also include a sampling of Content Course syllabi. All submitted syllabi must demonstrate integration of the performance standards, the KERA initiatives, and the EPSB themes.

F. Curriculum Contract/Guidesheet: Attach a copy (see below for minimum requirements)

Minimum Requirements - Student Curriculum Contract/Guidesheet

1. Name of IHE, name of program (degree of non-degree), resulting certification with appropriate grade level
2. Candidate’s name
3. Admission Criteria
4. Required course work and electives (prefix, number, hours)
5. Exit Criteria (GPA, Praxis II, PLT, other)
6. Portfolio requirements, TWS requirements, or other required exit assessments, as appropriate
7. Space for candidate and advisor to sign and date
8. Test disclaimer
   

Click Here for Checksheet on the Review of Program Submissions

NOTE: The institution’s catalog will be used as a resource. Please make sure latest copies are on file with the EPSB, and include an addendum to identify course and faculty changes, and other information needed for clarity. If the institution maintains its catalog on an institutional website, the URL should be indicated on the title page.

Contact the Division of Educator Preparation

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