PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS BOARD

Meeting of Thursday, February 2, 2006

1:00p.m.

Cabinet Room, Department of Education

(2nd Floor South Wing, TownsendBuilding)

MINUTES

Members Present: Sharon Brittingham, Heath Chasanov, Edward Czerwinski, Karen Gordon, Barbara Grogg,Leslie Holden, Carla Lawson,Gretchen Pikus, Harold Roberts, Karen Schilling Ross, and Carol Vukelich

Members Absent: Norman Brown, Angela Dunmore, Bruce Harter, and Mary Mirabeau

Others Present: Ann Case, State Board of Education; Vicky Cairns, DSEA; Paula Fontello, Deputy Attorney General; Patricia Carlson, PSB Executive Director

I. Opening
  1. Call to Order

Mr. Harold Roberts called the meeting to order at 1:09p.m.

  1. Approval of Agenda

A motion was made by Edward Czerwinski and seconded by Carla Lawson to approve the agenda, as amended to delete Items D1 & D3, and add item D4. Motion carried unanimously.

  1. Approval of Minutes of January 5, 2006

A motion was made by Edward Czerwinskiand seconded by Karen Gordonto approve the minutes of January 5, 2006. Motion carried unanimously.

II.Public Comment

None.

III.DE Department of Education Report

None.

IV.Executive Director’s Report

Ms. Carlson reported on her meeting with Secretary of Education Valerie Woodruff, who stated that, with the Governor's approval, she would recommend that the sunset provision on the Professional Standards Board be lifted.

She acknowledged the help Elaner Brown had given her in preparing for this meeting, and announced that Pearl Carrington would begin on Monday, February 6, as the new administrative assistant for the Standards Board.

She informed the Board that she would be chairing a Middle States accreditation visit on February 22, 23, and 24.

Ms. Carlson advised the Board that she had contacted all of the constituencies that nominate Board members and requested that they submit nominees to the Governor's Office as soon as possible. She reminded members that they were eligible to serve additional terms, if they so desired. They should contact the representative for their constituency if they wish to continue to serve.

V.Presentation

A. Garrett Lydic, 2006 Delaware Teacher of the Year

Mr. Lydic's presentation had to be rescheduled due to family illness. He hopes to join the Standards Board at its April meeting.

VI.Discussion

A.Review of PRAXIS™ II Cut Scores Recommendations

Ms. Carlson provided an overview of the recommendations with respect to the PRAXIS™ II cut scores, the recommendations about the use of the tests for specific purposes, and the retirement date for the tests that will no longer be accepted. She advised the Board that if adjustments were to be made in cut scores, the adjustments should be made by standard error of measurement.

There was considerable discussion among the members about where the cut scores should be set. Some members favored accepting the study values developed by the committees, but to raise some of the scores. Others recommended raising all of the cut scores above the study values. Ms. Ross commented that the scores should be fair across the board. Mr. Czerwinski asked if there had been studies which correlated PRAXIS™ II scores and classroom performance, especially student achievement. Ms. Grogg noted that she did not believe such studies existed. Mr. Roberts noted that regardless of the cut scores established, candidates were not guaranteed jobs. Mr. Chasanov noted that the districts would like as much leeway as possible in hiring teachers.

VII.Action Items

A. Amendment Regulation 1511 Issuance and Renewal of Continuing License

There was discussion about how some of the license renewal options applied to nurses, who must also maintain their state licenses. The wording for NBPTS was also examined. Ms. Carlson was asked to make some additional revisions to the proposed regulation, including deleting the 45 clock hour limit in the options, as there is a reference to 45 hours directly related to an educator's position elsewhere in the regulation.

A motion was made by Carol Vukelich and seconded by Leslie Holden to table action on the amendment of regulation 1511. Motion carried unanimously.

B. Amendment Regulation 1516 Standard Certificates

There was discussion about removing the phrase taken either as part of a degree program or in addition to it, from a regionally accredited college or university or a professional development provider approved by the employing school district or charter school from 3.1.5 and including it in the definition of "fifteen credits or their equivalent in professional development". It was agreed that this change would make section 3.1.5 more understandable.

A motion was made by Carol Vukelich and seconded by Sharon Brittingham to approve Amendment Regulation 1516 Standard Certificates, as amended,for republication and to forward the amended regulation to the State Board of Education for concurrence to publish. Ms. Brittingham, Mr. Chasanov, Ms. Gordon, Ms. Grogg, Mr. Holden, Ms. Lawson, Ms. Ross, Ms. Vukelich, and Mr. Roberts voted yes. Mr. Czerwinski and Ms. Pikus voted no. Mr. Brown, Ms. Dunmore, Mr. Harter, and Ms. Mirabeau were absent. Motion failed.

C. Amendment Standard Certificates

  1. 1521 Agriculture Teacher
  2. 1522 Business Education Teacher
  3. 1525 English Teacher
  4. 1528 World Language Teacher Comprehensive
  5. 1534 Mathematics Teacher Secondary
  6. 1539 Social Studies Teacher Secondary
  7. 1540 Science Teacher Secondary
  8. 1541 Mathematics Teacher Middle Level
  9. 1542 Science Teacher Middle Level
  10. 1543 Art Teacher Comprehensive
  11. 1548 Music Teacher Comprehensive
  12. 1551 Physical Education Teacher Comprehensive
  13. 1554 Reading Specialist
  14. 1556 Elementary Teacher (Grades K-6)

A motion was made by Leslie Holden and seconded by Carol Vukelichto table action onAmendment Standard Certificates. Motion carried unanimously.

D. Adoption of Cut Scores for PRAXIS™ II Tests

A motion was made by Carol Vukelich and seconded by Leslie Holden to approve the cut score at 157 for the PRAXIS™ II test 0235, Biology: Content Knowledge. Ms. Brittingham, Mr. Chasanov, Mr. Czerwinski, Ms. Gordon, Ms. Grogg, Mr. Holden, Ms. Pikus, Ms. Ross, Ms. Vukelich, and Mr. Roberts voted yes. Ms. Lawson voted no. Mr. Brown, Ms. Dunmore, Mr. Harter, and Ms. Mirabeau were absent. Motion carried.

A motion was made by Heath Chasanov and seconded by Sharon Brittingham to approve the cut score at 152 for the PRAXIS™ II test 0245, Chemistry: Content Knowledge. Ms. Brittingham, Mr. Chasanov, Ms. Gordon, Ms. Grogg, Mr. Holden, Ms. Lawson, Ms. Pikus, and Mr. Roberts voted yes. Mr. Czerwinski, Ms. Ross, and Ms. Vukelich voted no. Mr. Brown, Ms. Dunmore, Mr. Harter, and Ms. Mirabeau were absent. Motion failed.

It was moved by Edward Czerwinski and seconded by Gretchen Pikus to approve the cut score at 158 for the PRAXIS™ II test 0245, Chemistry: Content Knowledge. Ms. Brittingham, Mr. Chasanov, Mr. Czerwinski, Ms. Gordon, Ms. Grogg, Mr. Holden, Ms. Lawson, Ms. Pikus, Ms. Vukelich, and Mr. Roberts voted yes. Ms. Ross voted no. Mr. Brown, Ms. Dunmore, Mr. Harter, and Ms. Mirabeau were absent. Motion carried.

It was moved by Barbara Grogg and seconded by Carla Lawson to approve the cut score at 144 for PRAXIS™ II test 0014, Elementary Education: Content Knowledge. Mr. Chasanov, Ms. Gordon, Ms. Grogg, Ms. Lawson, Ms. Pikus, and Ms. Ross voted yes. Ms. Brittingham, Mr. Czerwinski, Mr. Holden, Ms. Vukelich, and Mr. Roberts voted no. Motion failed.

It was moved by Gretchen Pikus and seconded by Karen Gordon to approve the cut score at 151 for the PRAXIS™ II test 0014, Elementary Education: Content Knowledge. Motion carried unanimously.

It was moved by Carol Vukelich and seconded by Leslie Holden to approve the cut score at 161 for the PRAXIS™ II test 0049, English Language Arts (Middle School). Motion carried unanimously.

It was moved by Heath Chasanov and seconded by Sharon Brittingham to approve the cut score at 155 for the PRAXIS™ II test 0511, Fundamental Subjects. Motion carried unanimously.

It was moved by Carol Vukelich and seconded by Gretchen Pikus to approve the cut score at 160 for the PRAXIS™ II test 0435, General Science. Motion carried unanimously.

It was moved by Carol Vukelich and seconded by Edward Czerwinski to approve the cut score at 560 for the PRAXIS™ II test 0300, Reading Specialist. Ms. Brittingham, Mr. Chasanov, Mr. Czerwinski, Ms. Gordon, Ms. Grogg, Mr. Holden, Ms. Lawson, Ms. Pikus, Ms. Vukelich, and Mr. Roberts voted yes. Ms. Ross voted no. Mr. Brown, Ms. Dunmore, Mr. Harter and Ms. Mirabeau were absent. Motion carried.

It was moved by Carol Vukelich and seconded by Heath Chasanov to approve the cut score at 153 for the PRAXIS™ II test 0439 Science (Middle School). Ms. Brittingham, Mr. Chasanov, Mr. Czerwinski, Ms. Gordon, Mr. Holden, Ms. Lawson, Ms. Ross, Ms. Vukelich, and Mr. Roberts voted yes. Ms. Grogg and Ms. Pikus voted no. Mr. Brown, Ms. Dunmore, Mr. Harter and Ms. Mirabeau were absent. Motion failed.

It was moved by Barbara Grogg and seconded by Gretchen Pikus to approve the cut score at 146 for the PRAXIS™ II test 0439 Science (Middle School). Ms. Brittingham, Mr. Chasanov, Mr. Czerwinski, Ms. Gordon, Ms. Grogg, Mr. Holden, Ms. Lawson, Ms. Pikus, Ms. Ross, and Mr. Roberts voted yes. Ms. Vukelich voted no. Mr. Brown, Ms. Dunmore, Mr. Harter and Ms. Mirabeau were absent. Motion carried.

It was moved by Leslie Holden and seconded by Heath Chasanov to approve the cut score at 158 for the PRAXIS™ II test 0089, Social Studies (Middle School). Ms. Brittingham, Mr. Chasanov, Ms. Gordon, Ms. Grogg, Mr. Holden, Ms. Lawson, Ms. Pikus, Ms. Ross, and Mr. Roberts voted yes. Mr. Czerwinski and Ms. Vukelich voted no. Mr. Brown, Ms. Dunmore, Mr. Harter and Ms. Mirabeau were absent. Motion failed.

It was moved by Edward Czerwinski and seconded by Carol Vukelich to approve the cut score at 164 for the PRAXIS™ II test 0089 Social Studies (Middle School). Motion carried unanimously.

It was moved by Leslie Holden and seconded by Heath Chasanov to approve the uses of test 0014, Elementary Education: Content Knowledge, for certification and for the highly qualified designation in grades K through 6 only, and for the highly qualified designation for elementary teachers of special education students and elementary teachers of gifted and talented students. Motion carried unanimously.

It was moved by Carol Vukelich and seconded by Gretchen Pikus to accept the test scores of the PRAXIS™ II tests being retired through the August, 2006 administration of the tests. Motion carried unanimously.

It was moved by Heath Chasanov and seconded by Sharon Brittingham to accept test 0011, Elementary Education: Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment for certification through August, 2006, and for the highly qualified designation through the 2005-06 Teacher Quality Survey. Beginning September 1, 2006, new elementary teachers must take 0014, Elementary Education: Content Knowledge for both certification and highly qualified purposes. Motion carried unanimously.

It was moved by Heath Chasanov and seconded by Carla Lawsonthat either middle level or secondary PRAXIS™ II content area tests may be accepted for middle school teachers for both certification purposes, if applicable, and for achieving the highly qualified designation. Motion carried unanimously.

E. Professional Development Clusters

  1. Collaborative Instruction

The Professional Development and Associated Compensation Committee had reviewed the application and recommended its approval. A copy of the cluster was provided for the Board’s review.

A motion was made by Gretchen Pikusand seconded by Barbara Grogg to approve Collaborative Instruction as a professional development cluster with a value of 2% of an educator’s base salary, valid for five years. Motion carried unanimously.

2.Forming and Reforming Reading/Writing/Talking Across the Curriculum:

Addressing the Needs of English Language Learners

A motion was made by Sharon Brittingham and seconded by Carla Lawson to approve Forming and Reforming Reading/Writing/Talking Across the Curriculum as a professional development cluster with a value of 2% of an educator's base salary, valid for five years. Motion carried unanimously.

F. Extra Responsibility Salary Supplement – Cooperating Teachers/Internship Supervisors

The proposed extra responsibility salary supplement for Cooperating Teachers and Internship Supervisors has been reviewed by both the Licensure and Certification Criteria Committee and the Professional Development and Associated Compensation Committee and by all of Delaware's higher education institutions that place student teachers and interns, and is recommended for approval.

It was moved by Karen Gordon and seconded by Heath Chasanov to approve the extra responsibility salary supplement for Cooperating Teachers/Internship Supervisors in the amount of $750 for supervising an experience lasting between 7 and 9 weeks and in the amount of $1,500 for supervising an experience lasting between 10 and 16 weeks.

G. Approval of RFP for Study on Effectiveness of Professional Development Clusters

The revised RFP was reviewed. Ms. Carlson solicited individuals and organizations which should receive the RFP.

A motion was made by Karen Rossand seconded by Gretchen Pikusto approve the RFP for Study on Effectiveness of Professional Development Clusters. Motion carried unanimously.

VIII.PSB Standing Committees

A.Licensure and Certification Criteria

The minutes of the January meeting were provided to Board members. The next meeting is scheduled for February 28.

B.Professional Development and Associated Compensation

Due to a change in the meeting date, the minutes were not distributed. The next meeting is scheduled for February 20.

IX.PSB Ad Hoc Committees

A.Research Priorities

The RFP constitutes the report of this committee.

B.Legislative Action

None.

X.Other

It was requested that a presentation on NBPTS renewal be scheduled. It was requested that folders be purchased for the presentation of certificates. Ms. Grogg asked about the status of paraeducator permit renewal and professional development opportunities for them.

XI.Public Comment

None.

XII.Adjournment

A motion was made by Leslie Holden and seconded by Sharon Brittinghamto adjourn. Motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 3:15 p.m.

The next meeting of the Professional Standards Board will be held on Thursday, March 2, 2006 at

5:15p.m. at the Department of Education, in the TownsendBuilding, Cabinet Room, 2nd Floor, Dover, Delaware.

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