Leadership Matters - February 2013

Educator preparation and licensure update

By Brad Hutchison Superintendent, Olympia 16

practices, national and Illinois trends on the topic of teacher preparation, and partnerships so that the best possible recommendations could be provided to ISBE. The committee also conducted surveys of more than 2,500 non-tenured teachers, cooperating teachers, school and district administrators, and faculty of colleges/universities in hopes of having the best feedback possible as we worked to complete the assigned task. Armed with this information, members of the steering committee developed the following key success factors that need to exist to foster meaningful partnerships between P-12 Districts and community colleges/universities:  Partnerships should include P-12 districts, community colleges, and colleges/ universities.  Partnerships should be developed to foster partnerships across multiple programs and the units should include an Advisory Committee.  Partnerships should demonstrate collaboration in the design, including the design and implementation of the clinical experiences.  Partnership roles and expectations should be clearly defined and agreed upon in writing and or with a memorandum of understanding.  ISBE should engage stakeholders in developing a rubric that will guide the development and assessment of the Memoranda of Understanding that meet state requirements for the partners. A copy of the full report titled: “ Educator Preparation and Licensure Recommendations ” that was presented to ISBE on December 20, 2012 can be accessed by clicking on the above highlighted link. Actively participating in educational reform committees takes time and energy, but I am appreciative to have a voice in the process and would encourage other IASA members to volunteer to serve when the opportunity presents itself.

One mission of the IASA is to support school leaders as they tirelessly work to improve the educational experience for all learners. One way that members of IASA work to support the continual school improvement efforts within Illinois is to voluntarily

serve on a wide array of committees. Fellow IASA Board of Directors member Dr. Robert Lupo (Superintendent of Ridgewood Community No. 234) and I recently served on the ISBE-sponsored Illinois P20 Council Educator Licensure Steering Group. The committee was formed at the request of State Superintendent Chris Koch to advise the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and policymakers on educator licensure and teacher preparation changes required as part of Public Act 97-0607. Other professional stakeholder organizations such as ISBE, the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE), the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB), public/ private teachers prep colleges/universities, professional organizations, unions and policy/ advocacy groups also were invited to serve on the steering group committee. Dr. Erika Hunt, director of the Illinois State University Action for Education Leadership Project, and Audrey Soglin, executive director of the Illinois Education Association (IEA) were appointed co-chairs of the steering group committee. A key component of the law required that the number of Illinois certifications be reduced from 66 to 3 licensures by July 1, 2013. To accomplish this daunting task, the Educator Licensure Steering Group divided the volunteers into two subcommittee focus areas:  Partnerships and Clinical Experience  Educator Pipeline Multiple meetings, webinars and video conferences were conducted for more than six months by members of the Educator Licensure Steering Committee who worked to bring forth meaningful recommendations. Members reviewed research, best

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