TITLE 8 CHAPTER II REGULATIONS OF THE COMMISSIONER

§ 50.1 Definitions.

(a) Department means the Education Department of the State of New York.

(b)  Adequate, approved, equivalent, satisfactory, sufficient, mean adequate, approved, equivalent, satisfactory, sufficient, respectively in the judgment of the commissioner.

(b) for the issuance of a dental graduate permit, $10;

(c) for the issuance of a permit to practice under supervision in registered professional nursing, licensed practical nursing, or physiotherapy, $5;

(d) for the issuance of a trainee permit in ophthalmic dispensing, $5;

(1) Definitions. As used in this subdivision:

(i) Annotation of a teaching certificate means the recognition that the holder of an appropriate valid teaching certificate has additional pedagogical knowledge, skills and experiences attained on a voluntary basis, and subject to the limitations and requirements set forth in the teacher certification requirements of this Title.

(ii) Classroom teaching certificate means a teaching certificate other than a certificate in pupil personnel service or administrative and supervisory service.

(iii) Cognate means a subject the knowledge of which is directly related to understanding fully the knowledge of a second subject, as chemistry is a cognate of biology. The determination of what subject will be designated a cognate for the second subject at a given institution will be made by the faculty for that second subject at the institution.

(iv) Concentration means major, as defined in this paragraph.

(v) English language learners means pupils with limited English proficiency, as defined in Part 154 of this Title.

(vi) Extension of a teaching certificate means the required authorization for the holder of an appropriate valid teaching certificate to teach an additional student population, grade or subject not otherwise authorized by the certificate held, and subject to the limitations and requirements set forth in the teacher certification requirements of this Title.

(vii) Field experience means direct observation of teaching, participation in teaching, or teaching itself that is related to the teacher education program in which the candidate is enrolled; engaged in prior to student teaching or practica; and carefully selected and planned by program faculty.

(viii) Initial certificate means the first teaching certificate obtained by a candidate that qualifies that individual to teach in the public schools of New York State, excluding the transitional certificate and temporary license, and subject to the limitations and requirements set forth in the teacher certification requirements of this Title.

(ix) Major means sequential study in a subject or interdisciplinary field of at least 30 semester hours that provides knowledge of breadth and depth in that subject or interdisciplinary field, except as otherwise prescribed in this subdivision.

(x) Mentored teaching experience means teaching by a new teacher with guidance and professional support provided to the new teacher by an experienced certified teacher who holds a permanent or professional certificate and has applied to and been approved by the school or school district to provide such mentoring to the new teacher.

(xi) Practica means structured, college-supervised learning experiences for a student in a teacher education program in which the student teacher practices the skills being learned in the teacher education program through direct experiences with individual students, or with groups of students. These skills are practiced under the direct supervision of the certified teacher who has official responsibility for the students.

(xii) Professional certificate means the final teaching certificate obtained by a candidate that qualifies that individual to teach in the public schools of New York State, subject to the limitations and requirements set forth in the teacher certification requirements of this Title.

(xiii) Student teaching means a structured, college-supervised learning experience for a student in a teacher education program in which the student teacher practices the skills being learned in the teacher education program and gradually assumes increased responsibility for instruction, classroom management, and other related duties for a class of students in the area of the certificate sought. These skills are practiced under the direct supervision of the certified teacher who has official responsibility for the class.

(xiv) Subject means a branch of knowledge or study.

(xv) Transitional A certificate means the first teaching certificate obtained by a candidate that qualifies that individual to teach a specific career and technical subject within the field of agriculture, health, or a trade in the public schools of New York State, subject to the requirements and limitations of Part 80 of this Title, and excluding the provisional certificate, initial certificate, temporary license, transitional B certificate, and transitional C certificate.

(xvi) Transitional B certificate means the first teaching certificate obtained by a candidate enrolled in an alternative teacher certification program, as prescribed in this section, that qualifies that individual to teach in the public schools of New York State, subject to the requirements and limitations of Part 80 of this Title, and excluding the provisional certificate, initial certificate, temporary license, transitional A certificate, and transitional C certificate.

(xvii) Transitional C certificate means the first teaching certificate obtained by a candidate holding an appropriate graduate academic or graduate professional degree and enrolled in an intensive program leading to a professional certificate that qualifies that individual to teach in the public schools of New York State, subject to the requirements and limitations of Part 80 of this Title, and excluding the provisional certificate, initial certificate, temporary license, transitional A certificate, and transitional B certificate.

(2) General requirements. In addition to meeting the applicable provisions of this Part, to be registered as a program leading to certification in teacher education, such program shall meet the general requirements set forth in this subdivision, except to the extent that such general requirements are explicitly stated to be inapplicable in this paragraph or in the specific requirements for the certification title as set forth in paragraph (3) of this subdivision, and shall also meet the specific requirements set forth in paragraph (3) of this subdivision.

(i) Standards for all programs. In addition to meeting the applicable provisions of this Part, including but not limited to the applicable provisions of section 52.2 of this Part, all programs leading to certification in teacher education shall meet the following requirements:

(a) Programs shall have a written statement of the philosophy, purposes and objectives of the program.

(b) Institutions shall demonstrate how faculty in the arts and sciences and faculty in education cooperate for the purpose of ensuring that prospective teachers receive academic preparation of high quality, equivalent to that of students in other fields.

(c) Institutions shall demonstrate efforts to recruit qualified faculty and student bodies for teacher education from groups historically underrepresented in such programs.

(d) Institutions shall demonstrate efforts to recruit and retain qualified faculty who understand the problems of high need schools and have professional experience in such schools.

(e) Institutions shall publish information about each of its teacher education programs that shall be made available to prospective and enrolled students. The information shall include but need not be limited to, as available, relevant statistics about the labor market and job availability for each certificate title for which a teacher education program is offered, including the source of the statistics and the period of time and geographic area to which the statistics refer.

(f) Institutions shall demonstrate how they maintain formal relationships with local schools for the purpose of improving the preparation of teachers and improving teaching and learning at both the institutional and the elementary and/or secondary school levels.

(g) Institutions shall demonstrate how they promote faculty involvement with public or nonpublic schools for the purpose of improving the preparation of teachers with regard to understanding diversity and issues facing high need schools.

(h) Institutions shall provide sufficient numbers of qualified, full-time faculty in order to: foster and maintain continuity and stability in teacher education programs and policies; ensure that the majority of credit-bearing courses in the program are offered by full-time faculty; and ensure the proper discharge of all other faculty responsibilities. Faculty teaching assignments shall not exceed 12 semester hours per semester for undergraduate courses, or 9 semester hours per semester for graduate courses, or 21 semester hours per academic year for faculty who teach a combination of graduate and undergraduate courses, while still providing sufficient course offerings to allow students to complete their programs in the minimum time required for earning the degree. Individual faculty members shall not supervise more than 18 student teachers per semester. Supervision of field experiences, practica, and student teaching shall be considered by the institution in determining faculty load, and institutions shall demonstrate how such supervision is considered in determining faculty load. The commissioner may grant a waiver from one or more requirements of this clause upon a showing of good cause satisfactory to the commissioner, including but not limited to a showing that the institution cannot meet the requirement because of the nature of the program, which otherwise meets the requirements of this Part.

(i) Institutions shall demonstrate that participation in relationships with local schools is a valued component of the responsibilities of the faculty with primary appointments to teacher education.

(j) Institutions shall provide sufficient resources and equipment and adequate facilities and physical space, as prescribed in section 52.2(a) of this Part, to support effective teaching and scholarship by faculty and effective learning and scholarship by students in the program.

(k) Institutions shall demonstrate how they use various types of assessments to evaluate students for admission to teacher education programs and based on such assessments prescribe study and experiences that will enable students to develop the knowledge, understanding, and skills necessary to successfully meet the requirements for certification upon program completion.

(ii) Standards for programs leading to an initial certificate. In addition to meeting the applicable provisions of this Part, including but not limited to the applicable provisions of section 52.2 of this Part, programs leading to an initial certificate shall be programs leading to a baccalaureate or higher degree, which shall include a requirement that the candidate complete a general education core in the liberal arts and sciences as prescribed in clause (a) of this subparagraph, a content core as prescribed in clause (b) of this subparagraph, and a pedagogical core as prescribed in clause (c) of this subparagraph.

(a) General education core in the liberal arts and sciences. The program shall include a requirement that the candidate complete study that prepares candidates with knowledge, understanding, and skills in the liberal arts and sciences, including but not limited to: artistic expression; communication; information retrieval; concepts in history and social sciences; humanities; a language other than English; scientific and mathematical processes; and written analysis and expression.

(b) Content core. The program shall include a requirement that the candidate complete study in the subject(s) to be taught which shall prepare candidates with the knowledge base to teach the subject(s), in accordance with the State learning standards for students, as prescribed in Part 100 of this Title, and shall prepare candidates for refining and expanding that knowledge base.

(c) Pedagogical core. The program shall include a requirement that the candidate complete study in a pedagogical core that provides the candidate with the pedagogical knowledge, understanding, and skills as set forth in subclause (1) of this clause and field experiences, and student teaching and/or practica as set forth in subclause (2) of this clause.

(1) Pedagogical knowledge, understanding, and skills. The program shall provide study that will permit candidates to obtain the following pedagogical knowledge, understanding, and skills:

(i) human developmental processes and variations, including but not limited to: the impact of culture, heritage, socioeconomic level, personal health and safety, nutrition, past or present abusive or dangerous environment, and factors in the home, school, and community on students’ readiness to learn—and skill in applying that understanding to create a safe and nurturing learning environment that is free of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs and that fosters the health and learning of all students, and the development of a sense of community and respect for one another;

(ii) learning processes, motivation, communication, and classroom management—and skill in applying those understandings to stimulate and sustain student interest, cooperation, and achievement to each student’s highest level of learning in preparation for productive work, citizenship in a democracy, and continuing growth;

(iii) the nature of students within the full range of disabilities and special health-care needs, and the effect of those disabilities and needs on learning and behavior— and skill in identifying strengths, individualizing instruction, and collaborating with others to prepare students with disabilities and special needs to their highest levels of academic achievement and independence;

(iv) language acquisition and literacy development by native English speakers and students who are English language learners—and skill in developing the listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills of all students, including at least six semester hours of such study for teachers of early childhood education, childhood education, middle childhood education, and adolescence education; teachers of students with disabilities, students who are deaf or hard-of-hearing, students who are blind or visually impaired, and students with speech and language disabilities; teachers of English to speakers of other languages; and library media specialists. This six semester hour requirement may be waived upon a showing of good cause satisfactory to the commissioner, including but not limited to a showing that the program provides adequate instruction in language acquisition and literacy development through other means;

(v) curriculum development, instructional planning, and multiple research-validated instructional strategies for teaching students within the full range of abilities— and skill in designing and offering differentiated instruction that enhances the learning of all students in the content area(s) of the certificate;

(vi) uses of technology, including instructional and assistive technology, in teaching and learning—and skill in using technology and teaching students to use technology to acquire information, communicate, and enhance learning;

(vii) formal and informal methods of assessing student learning and the means of analyzing one’s own teaching practice—and skill in using information gathered through assessment and analysis to plan or modify instruction, and skill in using various resources to enhance teaching;

(viii) history, philosophy, and role of education, the rights and responsibilities of teachers and other professional staff, students, parents, community members, school administrators, and others with regard to education, and the importance of productive relationships and interactions among the school, home, and community for enhancing student learning—and skill in fostering effective relationships and interactions to support student growth and learning, including skill in resolving conflicts;

(ix) means to update knowledge and skills in the subject(s) taught and in pedagogy;

(x) means for identifying and reporting suspected child abuse and maltreatment, which shall include at least two clock hours of coursework or training regarding the identification and reporting of suspected child abuse or maltreatment, in accordance with the requirements of section 3004 of the Education Law;

(xi) means for instructing students for the purpose of preventing child abduction, in accordance with Education Law section 803-a; preventing alcohol, tobacco and other drug abuse, in accordance with Education Law section 804; providing safety education, in accordance with Education Law section 806; and providing instruction in fire and arson prevention, in accordance with Education Law section 808;

(xii) means for the prevention of and intervention in school violence, in accordance with section 3004 of the Education Law. This study shall be composed of at least two clock hours of course work or training that includes, but is not limited to, study in the warning signs within a developmental and social context that relate to violence and other troubling behaviors in children; the statutes, regulations and policies relating to a safe nonviolent school climate; effective classroom management techniques and other academic supports that promote a nonviolent school climate and enhance learning; the integration of social and problem solving skill development for students within the regular curriculum; intervention techniques designed to address a school violence situation; and how to participate in an effective school/community referral process for students exhibiting violent behavior.

(2) Field experiences, student teaching and practica.

(i) The program shall include at least 100 clock hours of field experiences related to coursework prior to student teaching or practica. The program shall include at least two college-supervised student-teaching experiences of at least 20 school days each; or at least two college-supervised practica with individual students or groups of students of at least 20 school days each. This requirement shall be met by student teaching, unless the specific requirements for the certificate title in paragraph (3) of this subdivision require practica.

(ii) The field experiences, student teaching and practica shall:

(A) be consistent with the program’s philosophy, purposes and objectives and carefully selected and planned by program faculty, with learning outcomes specified and their achievement regularly evaluated;

(B) be accompanied by coursework or seminars and supervised by one or more faculty who participate actively in the program and in program development, and who have training and skills in supervision and the expertise to provide supervision related to content and pedagogy. Full-time faculty shall participate in supervising students during their student-teaching or practica experiences;

(C) provide candidates with experiences in a variety of communities and across the range of student developmental levels of the certificate, experiences practicing skills for interacting with parents or caregivers, experiences in high need schools, and experiences with each of the following student populations: socioeconomically disadvantaged students, students who are English language learners, and students with disabilities; and

(D) for programs preparing candidates for more than one certificate, ensure that candidates have field experiences and/or student-teaching or practica experiences related to each certificate, as prescribed in paragraph (3) of this subdivision.

(iii) Upon written application by the institution, the commissioner may grant a time-limited approval for an alternate model for field experiences and college-supervised student teaching or practica, provided that the institution demonstrates the success of such model or has an adequate plan for demonstrating that the model will be successful.

(iv) Other options for candidates holding another classroom teaching certificate to meet the student teaching or practica requirement are set forth in the teacher certification requirements of this Title for the particular certificate title. 

(iii) Standards for programs leading to a professional certificate.

(a) In addition to meeting the applicable provisions of this Part, including but not limited to the applicable provisions of section 52.2 of this Part, programs registered as leading to a professional certificate shall lead to a master’s or higher degree and meet one of the following requirements:

(1) the program shall meet the requirements for an initial certificate;

(2) the program shall meet the requirements for an extension or annotation of a certificate for candidates holding such certificate or simultaneously meeting the requirements for such certificate;

(3) for professional certificates in early childhood education, childhood education, middle childhood education (generalist), teaching students with disabilities in early childhood, teaching students with disabilities in childhood, teaching students with disabilities in middle childhood (generalist), teaching students who are deaf or hard of hearing, teaching students who are blind or visually impaired, teaching English to speakers of other languages, and educational technology specialist, and for no other professional certificates, the program shall lead to a master’s or higher degree that includes at least 12 semester hours in graduate study that links pedagogy and content in each of the following areas of the State learning standards for students: English language arts; mathematics, science and technology; and social studies. Such programs shall be jointly designed by faculty of these content areas and faculty of education to link content and pedagogy; or

(4) for professional certificates in middle childhood education (specialist); adolescence education; teacher of students with disabilities in middle childhood education (specialist); teacher of students with disabilities in adolescence education; teacher of a special subject; or teacher of the career field of agriculture, or business and marketing; and for no other professional certificates, the program shall lead to a master’s or higher degree that includes at least 12 semester hours in graduate study that links pedagogy and content in the subject of the certificate or a related subject. Such programs shall be jointly designed by faculty of these content areas and faculty of education to link content and pedagogy.

(b) Other options for fulfilling the educational requirements for the professional certificate are set forth in the teacher certification requirements of this Title. 

(iv) Institutional accountability.

(a) Institutions shall be accountable for the quality of their programs leading to certification in teacher education and the candidates who complete such programs, and shall demonstrate that their teacher education programs are evaluated regularly and that such evaluations are considered for making program improvements.

(b) Candidate performance on New York State teacher certification examinations.

(1) The department shall conduct a registration review in the event that fewer than 80 percent of students, who have satisfactorily completed the institution’s program during a given academic year and have also completed one or more of the examinations required for a teaching certificate, pass each such examination that they have completed.  For purposes of this clause, students who have satisfactorily completed the institution’s program shall mean students who have met each educational requirement of the program, excluding any institutional requirement that the student pass each required examination of the New York State teacher certification examinations for a teaching certificate in order to complete the program. Students satisfactorily meeting each educational requirement may include students who earn a degree or students who complete each educational requirement without earning a degree. For determining this percentage, the department shall consider the performance on each certification examination of those students completing an examination not more than five years before the end of the academic year in which the program is completed or not later than the September 30th following the end of such academic year, academic year defined as July 1st through June 30th, and shall consider only the highest score of individuals taking a test more than once.

(2) The registration review initiated by not meeting the percentage prescribed in subclause (1) of this clause shall require the institution to submit a corrective action plan within four months of being notified by the department of not meeting the percentage. If the department approves the plan, the department shall define a timeframe for its implementation and shall assess the effectiveness of the plan within three years of initiation of the plan. If the department does not approve the plan or determines that the institution is not meeting the terms of the plan, and the department determines that the institution is not meeting the other requirements of this Part, the institution shall be subject to denial of re-registration in accordance with the requirements of section 52.23 of this Part.

(3) By January 15, 2000 and annually by January 15th thereafter, each institution with programs registered pursuant to this section shall provide the department with a list of all students who satisfactorily complete each of its teacher education programs in the preceding year, July 1st through June 30th.

(c) Accreditation.

(1) For programs registered prior to September 1, 2001, the requirements of sub-clause (2) of this clause shall be met by December 31, 2006. For such programs the institution shall submit to the acceptable professional education accrediting association or the department pursuant to the Regents accreditation process, the self-study or its equivalent as prescribed by the department, required for the accreditation review, by July 1, 2004.  For programs registered for the first time after September 1, 2001, the requirements of subclause (2) of this clause shall be met within seven years of the date of the commencement of such initial registration.

(2) Programs shall be accredited by either:

(i) an acceptable professional education accrediting association, meaning an organization which is determined by the department to have equivalent standards to the standards set forth in this Part; or

(ii) the Regents, pursuant to a Regents accreditation process.

(3) Specific requirements. To be registered as a program leading to certification, the program shall meet the specific requirements of this paragraph for the particular certificate title. The general requirements prescribed in paragraph (2) of this subdivision shall also be applicable, unless such general requirements are explicitly stated to be inapplicable in paragraph (2) of this subdivision or by the specific requirements set forth in this paragraph.

(i) Programs leading to initial certificates valid for teaching early childhood education (birth through grade 2).

(a) Content core. In addition to meeting the general requirements for the content core prescribed in clause (2)(ii)(b) of this subdivision, the content core shall be a major, concentration, or the equivalent in one or more of the liberal arts and sciences, which, in combination with the general education core and pedagogical core, shall ensure that the candidate has a knowledge base for teaching to the State learning standards for students, as prescribed in Part 100 of this Title, in the following areas of the early childhood education curriculum: the arts; career development and occupational studies; English language arts; health, physical education, and family and consumer sciences; a language other than English; mathematics, science and technology; and social studies.

(b) Pedagogical core. In addition to meeting the general requirements for the pedagogical core prescribed in clause (2)(ii)(c) of this subdivision, the pedagogical core shall focus on early childhood education and include, but need not be limited to:

(1) study in the following:

(i) processes of social, emotional, cognitive, linguistic, physical, and aesthetic growth and development in early childhood within socio-cultural contexts and how to provide learning experiences and conduct assessments reflecting understanding of those processes;

(ii) early childhood curriculum development and the implications of environmental design for implementing curriculum; and

(iii) teaching the literacy skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing to native English speakers and students who are English language learners, including methods of reading enrichment and remediation; and

(2) field experiences and student teaching experiences with children in each of the three early childhood groups, pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, and grades I through 2, through the combined field experiences and student teaching experience, and student teaching with at least two of these three groups. The time requirements for field experience, student teaching and practica of item (2)(ii)(c)(2)(i) of this subdivision shall not be applicable for candidates holding another classroom teaching certificate or for candidates who are simultaneously preparing for another classroom teaching certificate and completing the full field experience, student teaching and practica requirement for that other certificate. In such instances, the programs shall require such candidates to complete at least 50 clock hours of field experiences and at least 20 days of practica or student teaching with students in early childhood, including experiences with each of the three early childhood groups.

(ii) Programs leading to initial certificates valid for teaching childhood education (grades 1 through 6).

(a) Content core. In addition to meeting the general requirements for the content core prescribed in clause (2)(ii)(b) of this subdivision, the content core shall be a major, concentration, or the equivalent in one or more of the liberal arts and sciences, which, in combination with the general education core and pedagogical core, ensures that the candidate has a knowledge base for teaching to the State learning standards for students in the following areas of the childhood education curriculum: the arts; career development and occupational studies; English language arts; health, physical education, and family and consumer sciences; languages other than English; mathematics, science and technology; and social studies, as prescribed in Part 100 of this Title.

(b) Pedagogical core. In addition to meeting the general requirements for the pedagogical core prescribed in clause (2)(ii)(c) of this subdivision, the pedagogical core shall focus on childhood education and include, but need not be limited to:

(1) study in the following:

(i) processes of growth and development in childhood and how to provide learning experiences and conduct assessments reflecting understanding of those processes;

(ii) teaching the literacy skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing to native English speakers and students who are English language learners at the childhood level, including methods of reading enrichment and remediation; and

(2) field experiences and student teaching experiences in both childhood education settings, grades I through 3 and grades 4 through 6. The time requirements for field experience, student teaching and practica of item (2)(ii)(c)(2)(i) of this subdivision shall not be applicable for candidates holding another classroom teaching certificate or for candidates who are simultaneously preparing for another classroom teaching certificate and completing the full field experience, student teaching and practica requirement for that other certificate. In such instances, the programs shall require such candidates to complete at least 50 clock hours of field experiences, practica, or student teaching with students in childhood education, including experiences in both childhood education settings.

(iii) Programs leading to initial certificates valid for teaching middle childhood education (grades 5 through 9).

(a) Content core. In addition to meeting the general requirements for the content core prescribed in clause (2)(ii)(b) of this subdivision, the content core shall be study that provides a content knowledge base for assisting students in grades 5 through 9 in meeting the State learning standards for students, as prescribed in Part 100 of this Title, through the following options:

(1) specialist option - a major or the equivalent in English, a language other than English, biology, chemistry, earth science, physics, mathematics, or social studies; provided that the content core in social studies shall include study in economics, government, and at least a total of 21 semester hours of study in the history and geography of the United States and the world; or

(2) generalist option - a major, concentration, or the equivalent, in one or more of the liberal arts and sciences, which, in combination with the general education core and pedagogical core, shall ensure that the candidate has a knowledge base for teaching to the State learning standards for students in the following areas of the middle childhood education curriculum: the arts; career development and occupational studies; English language arts; health, physical education, and family and consumer sciences; languages other than English; mathematics, science and technology; and social studies; as prescribed in Part 100 of this Title.

(b) Pedagogical core. In addition to meeting the general requirements for the pedagogical core prescribed in clause (2)(ii)(c) of this subdivision, the pedagogical core shall focus on middle childhood education and include, but need not be limited to:

(1) study in the following:

(i) processes of growth and development in middle childhood and how to provide learning experiences, including interdisciplinary experiences, and conduct assessments reflecting understanding of those processes;

(ii) teaching the literacy skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing to native English speakers and students who are English language learners at the middle childhood level, including methods of reading enrichment and remediation; and

(2) student teaching in both middle childhood settings, grades 5 through 6 and grades 7 through 9. The time requirements for field experience, student teaching and practica of item (2)(ii)(c)(2)(i) of this subdivision shall not be applicable for candidates holding another classroom teaching certificate or for candidates who are simultaneously preparing for another classroom teaching certificate and completing the full field experience, student teaching and practica requirement for that other certificate. In such instances, the program shall require such candidates to complete at least 50 clock hours of field experiences, practica, or student teaching with middle childhood students, including experiences in both middle childhood settings, grades 5 through 6 and grades 7 through 9.

(iv) Programs leading to initial certificates valid for teaching adolescence education (grades 7 through 12).

(a) Content core. In addition to meeting the general requirements for the content core prescribed in clause (2)(ii)(b) of this subdivision, the content core shall be a major or its equivalent in one of the liberal arts and sciences that provides a knowledge base for assisting students in grades 7 through 12 in meeting the State learning standards for students, as applicable to one of the following subjects and prescribed in Part 100 of this Title: English, a language other than English, biology, chemistry, earth science, physics, mathematics, or social studies, provided that the content core in social studies shall include study in economics, government, and at least a total of 21 semester hours of study in the history and geography of the United States and the world.

(b) Pedagogical core. in addition to meeting the general requirements for the pedagogical core prescribed in clause (2)(ii)(c) of this subdivision, the pedagogical core shall focus on adolescence education and include, but need not be limited to:

(1) study in the processes of growth and development in adolescence and how to provide learning experiences and conduct assessments reflecting understanding of those processes; and

(2) student teaching in both adolescence education settings, grades 7 through 9 and grades 10 through 12. The time requirements for field experience, student teaching and practica of item (2)(ii)(c)(2)(i) of this subdivision shall not be applicable for candidates holding another classroom teaching certificate or candidates who are simultaneously preparing for another classroom teaching certificate and completing the full field experience, student teaching and practica requirement for that other certificate. In such instances, programs shall require such candidates to complete at least 50 clock hours of field experiences, practica, or student teaching with students in adolescence, including experiences in both adolescence education settings, grades 7 through 9 and grades 10 through 12.

(v) Programs leading to initial certificates valid for teaching a special subject (all grades).

(a) Content core. In addition to meeting the general requirements for the content core prescribed in clause (2)(ii)(b) of this subdivision, the content core shall be a major or its equivalent in the subject area of the certificate that provides a knowledge base for assisting students in meeting the State learning standards for students, as applicable to one of the following subjects and prescribed in Part 100 of this Title: dance, family and consumer science, health education, music, physical education, technology education, theatre, or visual arts.

(b) Pedagogical core. In addition to meeting the general requirements for the pedagogical core prescribed in clause (2)(ii)(c) of this subdivision, the pedagogical core shall include, but need not be limited to:

(1) for teachers of health education, study for instructing students in middle childhood and adolescence about child development and parental skills and responsibility, pursuant to Education Law section 804-b; and for instructing students in middle childhood and adolescence about methods of preventing and detecting certain cancers, pursuant to Education Law section 804(3-a); and

(2) student teaching of the special subject in both settings, pre-kindergarten through grade 6 and grades 7 through 12. The time requirements for field experience, student teaching and practica of item (2)(ii)(c)(2)(i) of this subdivision shall not be applicable for candidates holding another classroom teaching certificate or candidates who are simultaneously preparing for another classroom teaching certificate and completing the full field experience, student teaching and practica requirement for that other certificate. In such instances, the programs shall require such candidates to complete at least 50 clock hours of field experiences, practica, or student teaching with students in the special subject class, including experiences in both settings, pre-kindergarten through grade 6 and grades 7 through 12.

(vi) Programs leading to initial certificates valid for teaching students with disabilities in early childhood, childhood, middle childhood, or adolescence.

(a) Content core. In addition to meeting the general requirements for the content core prescribed in clause (2)(ii)(b) of this subdivision, the content core shall include the preparation for meeting the content core requirements for the general teaching certificate at the same student developmental level: early childhood, childhood, middle childhood, or adolescence, as prescribed in this subdivision.

(b) Pedagogical core. In addition to meeting the general requirements for the pedagogical core prescribed in clause (2)(ii)(c) of this subdivision, the pedagogical core shall include the preparation for meeting the pedagogical core requirement for the general teaching certificate at the same developmental level and shall focus on developing comprehensive knowledge, understanding, and skills for teaching students with mild, moderate, severe, and multiple disabilities at the student developmental level of the certificate and include, but need not be limited to:

(1) study in the following:

(i) historical, social, and legal foundations of special education, employment and independence for individuals with disabilities;

(ii) characteristics of learners with disabilities;

(iii) managing behavior of students with disabilities and promoting development of positive social interaction skills;

(iv) participating in collaborative partnerships for the benefit of students with disabilities, including family strengthening partnerships;

(v) assessment, diagnosis, and evaluation of students with disabilities;

(vi) curriculum development and research-validated methods of instructing students with disabilities, including methods of teaching reading and mathematics and methods of enrichment and remediation in reading and mathematics;

(vii) use of assistive and instructional technology in the teaching of and learning by students with disabilities; and

(viii) planning and managing teaching and learning environments for individuals with disabilities, including planning for and supporting students with disabilities in general education settings; and

(2) field experiences and student teaching with students with disabilities across the age/grade range of the student developmental level of the certificate, through combined field experiences and student teaching, and student teaching in two settings as appropriate to the certificate: pre-K through kindergarten and grades 1 through 2; or grades 1 through 3 and grades 4 through 6; or grades 5 through 6 and grades 7 through 9; or grades 7 through 9 and grades 10 through 12. The time requirements for field experience, student teaching and practica of item (2)(ii)(c)(2)(i) of this subdivision shall not be applicable for candidates holding another classroom teaching certificate or candidates who are simultaneously preparing for another classroom teaching certificate and completing the full field experience, student teaching and practica requirement for that other certificate. In such instances, the programs shall require such candidates to complete at least the equivalent of 50 clock hours of field experiences and at least 20 days of practica or student teaching with students with disabilities, including experiences across the age/grade range of the student developmental level of the certificate.

(vii) Programs leading to initial certificates valid for teaching students who are deaf or hard-of-hearing (all grades).

(a) Content core. In addition to meeting the general requirements for the content core prescribed in clause (2)(ii)(b) of this subdivision, the content core shall include two options for candidates:

(1) content core, as prescribed in this subdivision, for the early childhood education certificate or the childhood education certificate; or

(1) Option B.

(i) Option B shall not be available for programs leading to specific family and consumer sciences, business and marketing, and technical subject certificates.

(ii) Initial certificate. The program shall require candidates to complete a total of 18 semester hours of undergraduate study. Such programs shall include:

(A) study in the liberal arts and sciences and in the areas of pedagogy prescribed in item (1)(i) of this clause; and

(B) field experiences of at least 25 hours and student teaching of at least 30 days, both in grades 7 through 12, related to teaching the subject of the certificate.

(iii) Professional certificate. The program shall lead to a certificate of completion of at least 30 semester hours of undergraduate study in addition to that required for the initial certificate under Option B or an associate degree or its equivalent. Such program shall include study in the liberal arts and sciences, in career and technical education, and in the areas of pedagogy prescribed in item (1)(ii) of this clause in addition to the pedagogical preparation prescribed in item (1)(i) of this clause.

(xiv) Programs leading to initial and professional certificates valid for service as a library media specialist (all grades).

(a) Notwithstanding the requirement of subparagraph (2)(ii) of this subdivision that programs leading to an initial certificate shall lead to a baccalaureate or higher degree, a program leading to an initial certificate valid for service as a library media specialist shall lead to a master’s or higher degree in library science. In addition, the requirements for the content core prescribed in clause (2)(ii)(b) of this subdivision shall not apply.

(b) In addition to the general requirements for the pedagogical core prescribed in clause (2)(ii)(c) of this subdivision, the program shall include but need not be limited to:

(1) study that will permit candidates to obtain the following pedagogical skills:

(i) skill in collaborating with other professional staff to support instruction through library services that enhances the learning and independence of students with disabilities and special needs;

(ii) skill in collaborating with other professional staff to support instruction through library services that enhances the listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills of all students; and

(iii) skill in collaborating with other professional staff to support instruction through library services that enhances student learning in content areas and in the uses of instructional and assistive technology to acquire information and communicate; and

(2) at least 100 clock hours of field experiences in elementary and secondary schools and at least two college-supervised practica of at least 20 days each in elementary and secondary schools.

(c) The general requirements for programs leading to a professional certificate prescribed in subparagraph (2)(iii) of this subdivision shall not be applicable.

(xv) Programs leading to initial certificates valid for service as an educational technology specialist (all grades).

(a) Content core. In addition to meeting the general requirements for the content core prescribed in clause (2)(ii)(b) of this subdivision, the content core shall be a major or its equivalent in educational technology that prepares candidates with the knowledge, understanding, and skills for using various types of technology for teaching to the State learning standards for students, as set forth in Part 100 of this Title, and for instructing other school staff and students in using technology for teaching and learning.

(b) Pedagogical core. In addition to the general requirements for the pedagogical core prescribed in clause (2)(ii)(c) of this subdivision, the program shall include but need not be limited to:

(1) study that will permit students to obtain the following pedagogical skills:

(i) skill in collaborating with other professional staff to support instruction through educational technology that enhances the learning and independence of students with disabilities and special needs;

(ii) skill in collaborating with other professional staff to support instruction through educational technology that enhances the listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills of all students; and

(iii) skill in collaborating with other professional staff to support instruction through educational technology that enhances student learning in content areas and in the uses of instructional and assistive technology to acquire information and communicate; and

(2) at least 100 clock hours of field experiences in elementary and secondary schools and at least two college-supervised practica of at least 20 days each in elementary and secondary schools. The time requirements for field experience, student teaching and practica of item (2)(ii)(c)(2)(i) of this subdivision shall not be applicable for candidates holding another classroom teaching certificate or candidates who are simultaneously preparing for another classroom teaching certificate and completing the full field experience, student teaching and practica requirement for that other certificate. In such instances, the programs shall require such candidates to complete at least the equivalent of 50 hours of field experiences or practica in elementary and/or secondary schools.

(xvi) Intensive programs leading to professional certificates for individuals, including career changers and others, holding a transitional C certificate and an appropriate graduate academic or graduate professional degree.

(a) The general requirements in subparagraphs (2)(i) and (iv) of this subdivision shall be applicable. The other requirements of paragraph (2) of this subdivision shall not be applicable, except to the extent that the general requirements for the pedagogical core are applicable pursuant to clause (b) of this subparagraph.

(b) Pedagogical core.

(1) The program shall include undergraduate or graduate pedagogical core study required for the initial certificate in the area of the candidate’s transitional certificate, as prescribed for the certificate title in this paragraph, that is integrated into an intensive and streamlined program of study, except that the field experience, student teaching or practica requirement shall not be applicable. The program shall result in the award of a degree or the award of a certificate signifying program completion, as defined in section 50.1 (j) of this Title. The program may permit a candidate to meet a portion of the coursework requirements in the pedagogical core through assessment methods used by the program that shall ensure that the candidate has the knowledge, understanding, and skills that would be acquired in such coursework. These assessment methods may include, but need not be limited to: testing, portfolio reviews, nd demonstration of pedagogical knowledge and skills.

(2) The program shall require the completion of two school years of mentored teaching under the supervision of a faculty member of the program. The institution shall be required to execute a written agreement with the employing school or school district to establish a plan for two years of mentoring and assistance for the candidate by a support team comprised of a faculty member of the program, the school principal or designee, an experienced certified teacher, and a school curriculum supervisor or specialist. The agreement shall specify that daily mentoring shall be provided by the experienced certified teacher during at least the first 20 days of the candidate’s teaching.

(c) The program shall require the candidate to present evidence that the candidate meets the requirements for a transitional C certificate for admission to the program. The candidate shall present evidence of holding such transitional C certificate prior to the commencement of mentored teaching, based in part on the holding of an appropriate graduate academic or graduate professional degree.

(xvii) Alternative teacher certification program.

(a) General requirements. (1) The general requirements in subparagraphs (b)(2)(i), (ii) and (iv) of this section shall be applicable. The other requirements of paragraph (2) of this subdivision shall not be applicable. The program shall require candidates to have acquired the knowledge, understanding, and skills identified for the general education core in the liberal arts and sciences and the content core for the initial certificate in the area of the transitional B certificate, as set forth in subparagraph (b)(2)(ii) of this section, or to complete study to ensure the acquisition of such knowledge, understanding, and skills before completing the program.

(2) Programs registered on or after July 1, 2001 shall meet all requirements of this subparagraph. Programs registered prior to July 1, 2001 shall meet the requirements in effect at the time of registration. For registration to continue beyond August 31, 2002, programs shall demonstrate compliance with all the requirements of this subparagraph.

(3) The program may permit a candidate to meet a portion of coursework requirements in the introductory and/or in-service components of the program through assessment methods used by the program that shall ensure that the candidate has the knowledge, understanding, and skills that would be acquired through such coursework. Methods of assessment may include, but need not be limited to, determination of equivalency of prior study, testing, portfolio reviews, and demonstration of knowledge, understanding, and skills.

(4) In lieu of offering an introductory component, the program may admit candidates who meet all admission requirements of this subparagraph (xvii) on the condition that they receive a transitional B certificate issued by the department based on having completed equivalent study to that required for the introductory component in this subparagraph (xvii), as determined by the department, and having met any other requirements for such certificate, as prescribed in section 80-5.13 of this Title. The candidate shall present satisfactory evidence of holding the transitional B certificate prior to the commencement of mentored teaching in the in-service component.

(b) The program shall meet the requirements in each of the following subclauses:

(1) Admission requirements. Alternative teacher certification programs that are registered prior to July 1, 2001 shall meet the admission requirements in effect at the time of registration or the admission requirements of this subclause. All alternative teacher certification programs that are registered on or after July 1, 2001 shall meet the admission requirements of this subclause.

(i) As used in this subclause, major means sequential study comprising at least 30 semester hours that provides knowledge of breadth and depth in an interdisciplinary field or a subject, provided that such 30 semester hours may include up to 12 semester hours in cognates. The program shall evaluate the preparation of candidates to determine whether they have a sufficient knowledge base to teach to the State Learning Standards appropriate to the certificate sought and shall require candidates to complete additional study, if necessary, to address deficiencies prior to completion of the program.

(ii) The program shall require candidates to hold a baccalaureate or graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education or from an institution authorized by the Board of Regents to confer degrees. Candidates shall have achieved a 3.0 cumulative grade point average, or its equivalent, in the program leading to the baccalaureate or graduate degree, or shall have been found by an officer designated by the registered alternative teacher certification program to have the necessary knowledge and skills to successfully complete the program, which finding shall be in writing and include the basis for that finding.

(iii) Candidates for a certificate in the classroom teaching service shall have completed an undergraduate or graduate major in the subject of the certificate sought, or an undergraduate or graduate major in a related field approved by the department for this purpose at the time of program registration, except that candidates for a certificate in early childhood education, childhood education, and middle childhood education-generalist, or special education at those developmental levels, or in teaching common branch subjects in the lower (PreK-3) and upper (4-6) elementary grades (PreK-6)shall meet the requirements of item (iv) of this subclause.

(iv) Candidates for certificates in early childhood education, childhood education, and middle childhood education-generalist, or special education at those developmental levels, or in teaching common branch subjects in the lower (PreK-3) and upper (4-6) elementary grades (PreK-6) shall have completed an undergraduate or graduate major in a liberal arts and sciences subject or interdisciplinary field.

(2) Introductory component. (i) The introductory component shall lead to the transitional B certificate in a certificate title in the classroom teaching service, and may also lead to a bilingual education extension of such transitional B certificate. It shall be offered by faculty employed by the institution offering the registered program and may include other instructors approved by the institution offering the registered program, such as school district personnel or other educational providers.

(ii) Except as provided in item (iii) of this subclause, the introductory component shall include pedagogical core study of at least 200 clock hours, including field experience appropriate to the certificate title sought of at least 40 clock hours under the supervision of a certified teacher.

(iii) A program leading to a transitional B certificate authorizing the teaching of English to speakers of other languages, students with disabilities, students who are deaf or hard-of-hearing, students who are blind or visually impaired, or students with speech and language disabilities, which may also lead to a bilingual education extension of one of those certificates, shall meet the clock hour and field experience requirements as prescribed in item (ii) of this subclause or the following requirements: pedagogical core study of at least 100 clock hours, including field experience appropriate to the certificate title sought of at least 40 clock hours under the supervision of a certified teacher, provided that the program only places such students in grades seven though twelve, if authorized by the certificate, arranges for at least a 25 percent reduced teaching load during the first semester of teaching, and requires the candidate to complete all of the remaining pedagogical study of the introductory component prescribed in item (ii) of this subclause by the end of the first semester of teaching in the in-service component of the program.

(iv) The introductory component shall include, but shall not be limited to, undergraduate or graduate study designed to permit the candidate to obtain the following pedagogical knowledge, understanding, and skills:

(A) introduction to the community in which the school or school district is located and the learning needs of students in that community, including field experiences within the community that provide interactions with community leaders and residents;

(B) historical, social, and legal foundations of education, including special education, the education of students with limited English proficiency, and multicultural education;

(C) rights and responsibilities of teachers and other professional staff, students, parents, community members, school administrators, and others with regard to education;

(D) child or adolescent development, as appropriate to the certificate sought, including the processes of first and second language acquisition and the characteristics of learners with disabilities;

(E) instructional planning and effective teaching strategies, including the use of technology, for assisting all students, including native English speakers, English language learners, and students with disabilities, to achieve the State Learning Standards in English language arts and the subject(s) appropriate to the certificate;

(F) school organization and classroom management, including methods of managing behavior of students with disabilities and promoting development of positive social interaction skills in all students;

(G) means