Teacher Licensure in Support of the 2019 Science Standards



Teacher Licensure in Support of the 2019 Science StandardsBackgroundThe Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) is proposing changes to the science academic standards and benchmarks. Notably, MDE is proposing to move “earth and space science” from 8th grade to 6th grade, and “physical science” from high school to 8th grade. MDE has been in frequent communication with the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) and has begun identifying solutions for teachers who may be impacted by the proposed changes to the science academic standards. More information will be released to help teachers and school districts navigate the proposed changes. This document provides clarification of the present requirements and opportunities.Proposed 2019 Science Standards Benchmark Assignments These assignments are to be implemented by the 2023-24 school year, pending approval of the standards by the Minnesota Rulemaking process. The standards and benchmarks are available on the Minnesota Department of Education Academic Standards Science webpage ().Grades K-5 – Life Science, Physical Science and Earth and Space Science benchmarks at each grade 6th Grade – Earth and Space Science benchmarks7th Grade – Life Science benchmarks8th Grade – Physical Science benchmarksGrades 9-12 – Life Science, Earth and Space Science, plus either Physics or Chemistry benchmarksGraduation Requirements in ScienceStudents beginning 9th grade in the 2011-12 school year and later must successfully complete the following high school level credits for graduation:Three credits of science, including at least one credit of biology, one credit of chemistry or physics, and one elective credit of science. The combination of credits under this clause must be sufficient to satisfy (i) all of the academic standards in either chemistry or physics and (ii) all other academic standards in science; (Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.024).Teacher Licensure Rules The Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) establishes the rules governing teacher licensure. Common science licenses include: A teacher with a grades 5-8 or grades 5-9 General Science license may teach science courses in the grade level of their license (Minnesota Statutes, section 8710.4750, subdivision 2). A teacher with a grades 5-8 General Science license may teach a physical science or integrated science course at the 9th-grade level (Minnesota Statutes, section 8710.4750, subdivision 2a).A teacher with a grades 7-12 license (life sciences, physical science, earth science) may teach related courses in that content area and in the grade level of their license (Minnesota Statutes, section 8710.4750, subdivision 2). A teacher with an elementary education license may teach science standards and benchmarks in grades K-6 (Minnesota Statutes, section 8710.3200, subdivision 2). (Note: Some licensed elementary teachers are only licensed to teach grades 1-6.) Please see the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board Licensure Assignment Table to see which assignments a teacher may hold, by licensure field at (). Out-of-field Permission (OFP)A PELSB Out-of-field Permission (OFP) Request authorizes a licensed Tier 2, 3, or 4 teacher to teach in a field outside their licensure field(s) or grade level(s). The request is initiated by the applicant and verified by the hiring public school district. OFP is valid for up to one school year and is renewable. PELSB is responsible for reviewing and issuing OFPs. Methods of adding a science licenseAll methods are based on the science licensure standards (Minnesota Statutes, section 8710.4750, subdivision 2a) and require passing the relevant Minnesota Teacher License Exam.Be recommended by an approved teacher preparation program as having completed the courses it requires to meet the licensure standards. Complete the PELSB portfolio process. ()Science teachers with a grades 7-12 or grades 9-12 science license and three years science teaching experience within the 7-12 or 9-12 grade levels may add a license by passing the relevant PELSB license exam ().More Information For more information about Minnesota PELSB teacher licensure, visit the PELSB website (). Updated versions of this document will be released in the coming months to help teachers and school districts navigate the proposed changes. Updates will be posted on the MDE Academic Standards Science webpage (). ................
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