Section 515IAC8-2-1. Test requirements and exemptions

   (a) To:

(1) demonstrate proficiency in a content area as described in 515 IAC 8-1-8 through 515 IAC 8-1-44; and

(2) be eligible for inclusion of the content area on the license;

an applicant for an initial practitioner license or an applicant for the addition of a content area on an existing license under subsection (e) must obtain at least the minimum acceptable score on a content area examination under section 2 of this rule.

  (b) In addition to the requirements of subsection (a), an applicant for an initial practitioner license with a content area established under 515 IAC 8-1-8 through 515 IAC 8-1-39 must complete the following requirements:

(1) Until June 30, 2011, obtain at least a minimum acceptable score as established under section 2 of this rule on the Praxis I examination administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS).

(2) After August 31, 2013, obtain at least a minimum acceptable score on an examination established under section 2 of this rule that demonstrates proficiency in pedagogy.

  (c) An applicant with a disability that needs to be accommodated during the administration of an examination is responsible for notifying the testing company of the need for the accommodation when applying to take the examination.

  (d) An applicant who receives accommodations during the administration of an examination, but fails to obtain a minimum acceptable score as established under section 2 of this rule may request a determination of proficiency through alternate means by providing the following documents to the department:

(1) A letter requesting a review of the applicant's proficiencies in the pertinent content areas.

(2) Credible documentation of the disability from an appropriate professional.

(3) Documentation demonstrating that the applicant has taken the examination with accommodations.

(4) A written statement from an education professional who has worked with the applicant attesting to the applicant's competency as a classroom teacher.

(5) A written statement from a faculty member of an approved program or institution of higher learning who has supervised the applicant's clinical experience attesting to the applicant's proficiency in classroom performance.

(6) A statement that outlines any special assistance or accommodations the applicant received during the time the applicant attended an institution of higher learning, if the applicant attended an institution of higher learning.

(7) The applicant's examination history.

(8) A transcript copy that shows evidence of completion of a teacher preparation program, including student teaching and degree posted on the transcript.

(9) Any other relevant documentation, such as, but not limited to, letters from:

(A) employers;

(B) colleagues;

(C) fellow members of service organizations; or

(D) other individuals with knowledge of the applicant's proficiency in the relevant test areas.

  (e) The holder of any license under this title may add content areas listed in 515 IAC 8-1-8 through 515 IAC 8-1-39 except for 515 IAC 8-1-16, 515 IAC 8-1-19, 515 IAC 8-1-21, 515 IAC 8-1-22, 515 IAC 8-1-24; 515 IAC 8-1-25, or 515 IAC 8-1-28, for which the applicant has successfully completed:

(1) testing requirements set forth in subsection (a); or

(2) requirements of the content area established under 515 IAC 8-1-8 through 515 IAC 8-1-39.

(Advisory Board of the Division of Professional Standards; 515 IAC 8-2-1; filed Mar 31, 2010, 3:43 p.m.: 20100414-IR-515090481FRA; errata filed Apr 14, 2010, 4:00 p.m.: 20100428-IR-515090481ACA)