TCTA reminds certificate seekers about new rule to go into effect

The Texas Education Agency wants elementary-level certificate seekers to be aware that there will be a new requirement for test-takers after Dec. 31, according to the Texas Classroom Teachers Association (TCTA).

After the state House of Representatives passed a bill that created a mandate for all teachers who were pursuing certification for pre-kindergarten through sixth grade to be proficient in the science of teaching reading in a new exam, the website states.

The new requirement applies to five different certificates: Early Childhood: EC-Grade 3, Core Subjects: Early Childhood-Grade 6, Core Subjects: Grades 4-8, English Language Arts and Reading: Grades 4- and English Language Arts and Reading/Social Studies: Grades 4-8, according to the website. The Science of Teaching Reading (STR) exam requirement will begin on Jan. 1.

The requirement applies to those who are currently enrolled and pursuing the certification and won't be finished before Dec. 31, as well as future candidates, those who have completed a preparation program and won't receive their certificate before Jan. 1, those who have not completed all testing requirements before Jan. 1 and teachers who are seeking certification by exam after Jan. 1, according to the TCTA website.

However, TCTA notes that teachers who are currently standard certified in the above subjects won't be required to pass the new exam for renewal. It only impacts those who are seeking certification after Jan. 1.

The TCTA notes that candidates who complete their educator preparation programs this fall need to pass all required certification exams, complete fingerprinting, pay all certification fees, apply for a standard certificate and obtain a recommendation for standard certification to ensure they receive their standard certificate before Dec. 31.

TCTA urges certificate seekers to actively communicate with their EPP and notify them that they have applied for standard certification to make sure that they get the recommendation they need, the website states.