Virginia Law

A. Institutions of higher education seeking approval of an education endorsement program shall be accredited by an accrediting agency.

B. Professional education programs in Virginia shall obtain and maintain national accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). Professional education programs in Virginia seeking accreditation through CAEP shall adhere to procedures and timelines established by CAEP and the CAEP/Virginia Partnership Agreement. Professional education programs shall ensure and document that programs are aligned with standards set forth in 8VAC20-543-40 through 8VAC20-543-50 and meet competencies outlined in 8VAC20-543-60 through 8VAC20-543-640.

C. If a professional education program fails to maintain accreditation, enrolled candidates shall be permitted to complete their programs of study. Professional education programs that fail to maintain accreditation shall not admit new candidates. Candidates shall be notified of the education endorsement program's approval status.

D. Teacher candidates may complete academic degrees in the arts and sciences, or equivalent. "Education preparation program" includes four-year bachelor's degree programs in teacher education. Candidates in early/primary education (preK-3), elementary education (preK-6), middle education (6-8), and special education programs may complete a major in interdisciplinary studies or its equivalent. Candidates seeking a secondary endorsement area must have earned a major, or the equivalent, in the area sought.

E. Professional studies coursework and methodology, including field experiences, required in this chapter shall be designed for completion within an approved program.

F. Professional education programs shall ensure that, as a condition of degree completion, each student enrolled in the education preparation program receives instruction on positive behavior interventions and supports; crisis prevention and de-escalation; the use of physical restraint and seclusion, consistent with the regulations of the State Board of Education; and appropriate alternative methods to reduce and prevent the need for the use of physical restraint and seclusion; ensure that candidates demonstrate proficiency in the use of educational technology for instruction; complete study in child abuse recognition and intervention; and complete training or certification in emergency first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and the use of automated external defibrillators. Candidates in education endorsement programs must demonstrate an understanding of competencies, including the core concepts and facts of the disciplines and the Virginia Standards of Learning, for the content areas they plan to teach. Professional education programs shall ensure that candidates demonstrate skills needed to help preK-12 students achieve college and career performance expectations.

G. Each education preparation program graduate in a K-12 general education endorsement area is required to demonstrate proficiency in (i) differentiating instruction for students depending on their needs; (ii) understanding the role of general education teachers on the individualized education program team; (iii) implementing effective models of collaborative instruction, including co-teaching; and (iv) understanding the goals and benefits of inclusive education for all students.

H. Standards and procedures for the review and approval of each education endorsement program shall adhere to procedures for administering the chapter as defined in this section and in 8VAC20-543-40, 8VAC20-543-50, and 8VAC20-543-60. These procedures shall result in biennial recommendations to the State Board of Education for one of the following three ratings: "approved," "approved with stipulations," or "approval denied."

I. Education endorsement programs shall be approved under this chapter biennially based on compliance with the criteria described in 8VAC20-543-40, 8VAC20-543-50, and 8VAC20-543-60.

J. The Department of Education will determine the timeline and procedures for applying for education endorsement program approval.

K. Education endorsement programs in Virginia shall address the competencies set forth in this chapter, and the curriculum for each program must be documented and submitted to the Department of Education for approval.

L. Professional education programs shall submit to the Department of Education on behalf of each education endorsement program under consideration a biennial accountability measurement report and an annual professional education program profile to include data prescribed by the State Board of Education on education endorsement programs in accordance with department procedures and timelines.

M. The professional education program authorized administrator shall maintain copies of approved education endorsement programs and required reports.

N. The Department of Education may conduct onsite visits to review education endorsement programs and verify data.

O. The Advisory Board on Teacher Education and Licensure (ABTEL) is authorized to review and make recommendations to the State Board of Education on approval of Virginia education endorsement programs for school personnel. The Board of Education has final authority on education endorsement program approval.

P. In administering this chapter, licensure requirements for Virginia are outlined in the Licensure Regulations for School Personnel (8VAC20-23). This document should be referenced for detailed information regarding requirements for Virginia licensure. An individual must meet licensure requirements set forth in the Code of Virginia.

Q. Modifications may be made by the Superintendent of Public Instruction in the administration of this chapter. Proposed modifications shall be made in writing to the Superintendent of Public Instruction, Commonwealth of Virginia.

R. As of August 23, 2018, the State Board of Education grants colleges and universities two years to align their existing approved programs with this chapter and allows only college and universities that as of August 23, 2018, are accredited by the State Board of Education process four years to become accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) with the option of submitting a progress report to the Superintendent of Public Instruction to request an additional year, if needed.