Ariz. Admin. Code § 7-2-615

Current through Register Vol. 30, No. 49, December 6, 2024

Section R7-2-615 - Endorsements

A. An endorsement shall be automatically renewed with the certificate on which it is posted.

B. Except as noted, all endorsements are subject to the general certification provisions in R7-2-607.

C. Endorsements which are optional as specified herein may be required by local governing boards.

D. Special subject endorsements - grades Pre-K through 12

1. Special subject endorsements shall be issued in the area of art, computer science, dance, dramatic arts, music, or physical education.

2. Special subject endorsements are optional.

3. The requirements are:

a. An Arizona elementary, secondary, or special education certificate;

b. One course in the methods of teaching the subject at the elementary level and one course in the methods of teaching the subject at the secondary level; and

c. One of the following:

i. Thirty semester hours of courses in the subject area which may include the courses listed in subsection (D)(3)(b);

ii. A passing score on the subject area portion of the Arizona Teacher Proficiency Assessment, if an assessment has been adopted by the Board; or

iii. A passing score on a comparable out-of-state subject area assessment.

E. Mathematics Specialist Endorsement "" grades K through eight. This subsection is valid until June 30, 2011.

1. The mathematics specialist endorsement is optional.

2. The requirements are:

a. An Arizona elementary or special education certificate,

b. Three semester hours of courses in the methods of teaching elementary school mathematics, and

c. Fifteen semester hours of courses in mathematics education for teachers of elementary or middle school mathematics.

F. Mathematics Endorsement - grades K through eight. This subsection becomes effective on July 1, 2011.

1. The mathematics endorsement is optional for all K through eight teachers, but recommended for an individual in the position of mathematics specialist, consultant, interventionist, or coach. Nothing in this Section prevents school districts from requiring certified staff to obtain a mathematics endorsement as a condition of employment. The mathematics endorsement does not waive the requirements set forth in R7-2-607(J).

2. The requirements are:

a. An Arizona elementary or special education certificate;

b. Three years of full-time teaching experience in grades K through eight; and

c. Eighteen semester hours to include:

i. Three semester hours of data analysis, probability, and discrete mathematics;

ii. Three semester hours of geometry and measurement;

iii. Six semester hours of patterns, algebra, and functions; and

iv. Six semester hours of number and operations.

d. Six semester hours to include:

i. Three semester hours of mathematics classroom assessment;

ii. Three semester hours of research-based practices, pedagogy, and instructional leadership in mathematics.

e. A passing score on the middle school mathematics knowledge portion of the Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessment may be substituted for the 18 semester hours described in subsection (F)(2)(c).

f. Completion of a comparable valid mathematics specialist certificate or endorsement from another state may be substituted for the requirements described in subsection (F)(2)(c) and (d).

G. Reading Specialist Endorsement - grades K through 12. This subsection is valid until June 30, 2011.

1. The reading specialist endorsement shall be required of an individual in the position of reading specialist, reading consultant, remedial reading teacher, special reading teacher, or in a similar position.

2. The requirements are:

a. An Arizona elementary, secondary, or special education certificate; and

b. Fifteen semester hours of courses to include decoding, diagnosis and remediation of reading difficulties, and practicum in reading.

H. Reading Endorsement. This subsection becomes effective on July 1, 2011.

1. A reading endorsement shall be required of an individual in the position of reading or literacy specialist, reading or literacy coach, and reading or literacy interventionist.

2. Reading Endorsement for grades K through eight. The requirements are:

a. A valid Arizona elementary special education or early childhood certificate,

b. Three years of full-time teaching experience,

c. Three semester hours of a supervised field experience or practicum in reading completed for the grades K through eight, and

d. One of the following:

i. Twenty-one semester hours beyond requirements of initial provisional or standard teaching certificate to include the following:

(1) Three semester hours in the theoretical and research foundations of language and literacy;

(2) Three semester hours in the essential elements of elementary reading and writing instruction (K through eight);

(3) Three semester hours in the elements of elementary content area reading and writing (K through eight);

(4) Six total semester hours in reading assessment systems;

(5) Three semester hours in leadership; and

(6) Three semester hours of elective courses in an area of focus that will deepen knowledge in the teaching of reading to elementary students, such as children's literature, or teaching reading to English Language Learners.

ii. Proof of a comparable valid reading specialist certificate or endorsement from another state may be substituted for the requirements described in subsections (H)(2)(c) and (d)(i).

e. A passing score on the reading endorsement subject knowledge portion of the Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessment for grades K through eight may be substituted for 21 semester hours of reading endorsement coursework as described in subsection (H)(2)(d)(i).

3. Reading Endorsement for grades six through 12. The requirements are:

a. A valid Arizona elementary, secondary, or special education certificate;

b. Three years of full-time teaching experience;

c. Three semester hours of supervised field experience or practicum in reading completed for the grades six through 12; and

d. One of the following:

i. Twenty-one semester hours beyond requirements of initial provisional or standard teaching certificate to include the following:

(1) Three semester hours in the theoretical and research foundations of language and literacy;

(2) Three semester hours in the essential elements of reading and writing instruction for adolescents (grades six through 12);

(3) Three semester hours in the elements of content area reading and writing for adolescents (grades six through 12);

(4) Six total semester hours in reading assessment systems;

(5) Three semester hours in leadership; and

(6) Three semester hours of elective courses in an area of focus that will deepen knowledge in the teaching of reading such as adolescent literature, or teaching reading to English Language Learners.

ii. Proof of a comparable valid reading specialist certificate or endorsement from another state may be substituted for the requirements described in subsections (H)(3)(c) and (d)(i).

e. A passing score on the reading endorsement subject knowledge portion of the Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessment for grades six through 12 may be substituted for 21 semester hours of reading endorsement coursework as described in subsection (H)(3)(d)(i).

4. Reading Endorsement - grades K through 12. The requirements are:

a. A valid Arizona elementary, secondary, special education certificate or early childhood certificate;

b. Three years of full-time teaching experience;

c. Three semester hours of a supervised field experience or practicum in reading completed for the grades K through five;

d. Three semester hours of a supervised field experience or practicum in reading completed for the grades six through 12; and

e. One of the following:

i. Twenty-four semester hours beyond requirements of initial provisional or standard teaching certificate to include the following:

(1) Three semester hours in the theoretical and research foundations of language and literacy,

(2) Three semester hours in the essential elements of elementary reading and writing instruction (grades K through eight),

(3) Three semester hours in the essential elements of reading and writing instruction for adolescents (grades six through 12),

(4) Three semester hours in the elements of elementary content area reading and writing (grades K through eight),

(5) Three semester hours in the elements of content area reading and writing for adolescents (grades six through 12),

(6) Six total semester hours in reading assessment systems, and

(7) Three semester hours in leadership,

ii. Proof of a comparable valid reading specialist certificate or endorsement from another state may be substituted for the requirements described in subsections (H)(4)(c), (d) and (e)(i).

f. A passing score on the reading endorsement subject knowledge portion of the Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessment for grades K through eight and a passing score on the reading endorsement professional knowledge portion of the Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessment for grades six through 12 may be substituted for 24 semester hours of reading endorsement coursework as described in subsection (H)(4)(e)(i).

I. Elementary Foreign Language Endorsement - grades K through eight

1. The elementary foreign language endorsement is optional.

2. The requirements are:

a. An Arizona elementary, secondary or special education certificate.

b. Proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing a language other than English, verified by the appropriate language department of an accredited institution. American Indian language proficiency shall be verified by an official designated by the appropriate tribe.

c. Three semester hours of courses in the methods of teaching a foreign language at the elementary level.

J. Bilingual Endorsements - PreK through 12

1. A provisional bilingual endorsement or a bilingual endorsement is required of an individual who is a bilingual classroom teacher, bilingual resource teacher, bilingual specialist, or otherwise responsible for providing bilingual instruction.

2. The provisional bilingual endorsement is valid for three years and is not renewable. The requirements are:

a. An Arizona elementary, secondary, supervisor, principal, superintendent, special education, early childhood, arts education or CTE certificate; and

b. Proficiency in a spoken language other than English, verified by one of the following:

i. A passing score on the Arizona Classroom Spanish Proficiency exam;

ii. A passing score on a foreign language subject knowledge portion of the Arizona Teacher Proficiency Assessment or a comparable foreign language subject knowledge exam from another state;

iii. If an exam in the language is not offered through the Arizona Teacher Proficiency Assessment or the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, proficiency may be verified by the language department of an accredited institution. A minimum passing score of "Advanced Low" is required on the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages for Speaking and Writing Exams in the foreign language;

iv. Proficiency in American Indian languages shall be verified by an official designated by the appropriate tribe; or

c. Proficiency in sign language is verified through 24 hours of coursework from an accredited institution.

3. The holder of the bilingual endorsement is also authorized to teach English as a Second Language.

4. The requirements are:

a. An Arizona elementary, secondary, supervisor, principal, superintendent, special education, early childhood, arts education or CTE certificate;

b. Completion of a bilingual education program from an accredited institution or the following courses:

i. Three semester hours of foundations of instruction for non-English-language-background students;

ii. Three semester hours of bilingual methods;

iii. Three semester hours of English as a Second Language for bilingual settings;

iv. Three semester hours of courses in bilingual materials and curriculum, assessment of limited-English-proficient students, teaching reading and writing in the native language, or English as a Second Language for bilingual settings;

v. Three semester hours of linguistics to include psycholinguistics, sociolinguistics, first language acquisition, and second language acquisition for language minority students, or American Indian language linguistics;

vi. Three semester hours of courses dealing with school, community, and family culture and parental involvement in programs of instruction for non-English-language-background students; and

vii. Three semester hours of courses in methods of teaching and evaluating handicapped children from non-English-lan-guage backgrounds. These hours are only required for bilingual endorsements on special education certificates.

c. A valid bilingual certificate or endorsement from another state may be substituted for the courses described in subsection (J)(4)(b);

d. Practicum in a bilingual program or two years of verified bilingual teaching experience; and

e. Proficiency in a spoken language other than English, verified by one of the following:

i. A passing score on the Arizona Classroom Spanish Proficiency exam;

ii. A passing score on a foreign language subject knowledge portion of the Arizona Teacher Proficiency Assessment or a comparable foreign language subject knowledge exam from another state;

iii. If an exam in the language is not offered through the Arizona Teacher Proficiency Assessment or the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages, proficiency may be verified by the language department of an accredited institution. A minimum passing score of "Advanced Low" is required on the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages for Speaking and Writing Exams in the foreign language;

iv. Proficiency in American Indian languages shall be verified by an official designated by the appropriate tribe; or

f. Proficiency in sign language is verified through 24 hours of coursework from an accredited institution.

K. English as a Second Language (ESL) Endorsements - grades Pre-K through 12

1. An ESL or bilingual endorsement is required of an individual who is an ESL classroom teacher, ESL specialist, ESL resource teacher, or otherwise responsible for providing ESL instruction.

2. The provisional ESL endorsement is valid for three years and is not renewable. The requirements are:

a. An Arizona elementary, secondary, supervisor, principal, superintendent, special education, early childhood, arts education or CTE certificate; and

b. Six semester hours of courses specified in subsection (K)(3)(b), including at least one course in methods of teaching ESL students.

3. The requirements for the ESL endorsement are:

a. An Arizona elementary, secondary, supervisor, principal, superintendent, special education, early childhood, arts education or CTE certificate;

b. Completion of an ESL education program from an accredited institution or the following courses:

i. Three semester hours of courses in foundations of instruction for non-English-language-background students. Three semester hours of courses in the nature and grammar of the English language, taken before January 1, 1999, may be substituted for this requirement;

ii. Three semester hours of ESL methods;

iii. Three semester hours of teaching of reading and writing to limited-English-proficient students;

iv. Three semester hours of assessment of limited-English-proficient students;

v. Three semester hours of linguistics; and

vi. Three semester hours of courses dealing with school, community, and family culture and parental involvement in programs of instruction for non-English-language-background students.

vii. A passing score on a foreign language subject knowledge portion of the Arizona Teacher Proficiency Assessment or a comparable foreign language subject knowledge exam from another state; or

c. Three semester hours of a practicum or two years of verified ESL or bilingual teaching experience, verified by the district superintendent;

d. Second language learning experience, which may include sign language. Second language learning experience may be documented by any of the following:

i. Six semester hours of courses in a single second language, or the equivalent, verified by the department of language, education, or English at an accredited institution;

ii. Completion of intensive language training by the Peace Corps, the Foreign Service Institute, or the Defense Language Institute;

iii. Placement by the language department of an accredited institution in a third-semester level;

iv. Placement at level 1-intermediate/low or more advanced score on the Oral Proficiency Interview, verified by the American Council for the Teaching of Foreign Languages;

v. Passing score on the Arizona Classroom Spanish Proficiency Examination approved by the Board; or

vi. Proficiency in an American Indian language, verified by an official designated by the appropriate tribe.

vii. A passing score on a foreign language subject knowledge portion of the Arizona Teacher Proficiency Assessment or a comparable foreign language subject knowledge exam from another state; or

e. A valid ESL certificate or endorsement from another state may be substituted for the requirements described in subsection (K)(3)(b), (c) and (d).

L. Structured English Immersion (SEI) Endorsement - Pre-K through 12. A Provisional or full Structured English Immersion (SEI) endorsement, or an English as a Second Language or Bilingual endorsement, shall be required of a teacher who is instructing students in a sheltered English immersion or structured English immersion model.

1. The provisional SEI endorsement is valid for three years and is not renewable. The requirements are:

a. An Arizona elementary, secondary, special education, CTE, early childhood, Pre-K through 12 teaching, supervisor, principal or superintendent certificate; and

b. One semester hour or 15 clock hours of professional development in Structured English Immersion methods of teaching English Language Learner (ELL) students, including but not limited to instruction in SEI strategies, teaching with the ELL Proficiency Standards adopted by the Board and monitoring ELL student academic progress using a variety of assessment tools through a training program that meets the requirements of A.R.S. § 15-756.09(B).

2. The requirements for the SEI endorsement are: an Arizona elementary, secondary, special education, CTE, early childhood, Pre-K through 12 teaching, supervisor, principal, or superintendent certificate; and one of the following:

a. Three semester hours of courses related to the teaching of the English Language Learner Proficiency Standards adopted by the Board, including but not limited to instruction in SEI strategies, teaching with the ELL Proficiency Standards adopted by the Board and monitoring ELL student academic progress using a variety of assessment tools; or

b. Completion of 45 clock hours of professional development in the teaching of the English Language Learner Proficiency Standards adopted by the Board, including but not limited to instruction in SEI strategies, teaching with the ELL Proficiency Standards adopted by the Board and monitoring ELL student academic progress using a variety of assessment tools through a training program that meets the requirements of A.R.S. § 15-756.09(B).

c. A passing score on the Structured English Immersion portion of the Arizona Teacher Proficiency Assessment.

3. Nothing in this Section prevents a school district or charter school from requiring certified staff to obtain an SEI, ESL or bilingual endorsement as a condition of employment.

M. Gifted Endorsements - grades Pre-K through 12

1. A gifted endorsement is required of individuals whose primary responsibility is teaching gifted students.

2. The provisional gifted endorsement is valid for three years and is not renewable. The requirements are an Arizona elementary, secondary, early childhood or special education certificate and one of the following:

a. Two years of verified teaching experience in which most students were gifted,

b. Ninety clock hours of verified in-service training in gifted education, or

c. Six semester hours of courses in gifted education.

3. Requirements for the gifted endorsement are:

a. An Arizona elementary, secondary, early childhood or special education certificate;

b. Completion of nine semester hours of upper division or graduate level courses in an academic discipline such as science, mathematics, language arts, foreign language, social studies, psychology, fine arts, or computer science; and

c. Two of the following:

i. Three years of verified teaching experience in gifted education as a teacher, resource teacher, specialist, or similar position, verified by the district; or

ii. A minimum of 135 clock hours of verified in-service training in gifted education; or

iii. Completion of 12 semester hours of courses in gifted education. District in-service programs in gifted education may be substituted for up to six semester hours of gifted education courses. Fifteen clock hours of in-service is equivalent to one semester hour. In-service hours shall be verified by the district superintendent or personnel director. Practicum courses shall not be accepted toward this requirement; or

iv. Completion of six semester hours of practicum or two years of verified teaching experience in which most students were gifted.

N. Early Childhood Education Endorsements - birth through age 8

1. When combined with an Arizona elementary education teaching certificate or an Arizona special education teaching certificate, the early childhood endorsement may be used in lieu of an early childhood education certificate as described in R7-2-608. When combined with an Arizona cross-categorical, specialized special education, or severe and profound teaching certificate as described in R7-2-611, the early childhood endorsement may be used in lieu of an Early Childhood Special Education certificate.

2. The provisional early childhood endorsement is valid for three years and is not renewable. The requirements are:

a. A valid Arizona elementary teaching certificate as provided in R7-2-609 or a valid Arizona special education teaching certificate as provided in R7-2-611, and

b. A passing score on the early childhood subject knowledge portion of the Arizona Teacher Proficiency Assessment.

3. The requirements for the early childhood endorsement are:

a. A valid Arizona elementary education teaching certificate as provided in R7-2-609 or a valid Arizona special education teaching certificate as provided in R7-2-611, and

b. Early childhood education coursework and practicum experience which includes both of the following:

i. Twenty-one semester hours of early childhood education courses to include all of the following areas of study:

(1) Foundations of early childhood education;

(2) Child guidance and classroom management;

(3) Characteristics and quality practices for typical and atypical behaviors of young children;

(4) Child growth and development, including health, safety and nutrition;

(5) Child, family, cultural and community relationships;

(6) Developmentally appropriate instructional methodologies for teaching language, math, science, social studies and the arts;

(7) Early language and literacy development;

(8) Assessing, monitoring and reporting progress of young children; and

ii. A minimum of eight semester hours of practicum including:

(1) A minimum of four semester hours in a supervised field experience, practicum, internship or student teaching setting serving children birth through preschool. One year of full-time verified teaching experience with children in birth through preschool may substitute for this student teaching experience. This verification may come from a school-based education program or center-based program licensed by the Department of Health Services or regulated by tribal or military authorities; and

(2) A minimum of four semester hours in a supervised student teaching setting serving children in kindergarten through grade three. One year of full-time verified teaching experience with children in kindergarten through grade three in an accredited school may substitute for this student teaching experience;

c. A valid fingerprint clearance card issued by the Arizona Department of Public Safety, and

d. A passing score on the early childhood professional knowledge portion of the Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessment may be substituted for the 21 semester hours of early childhood education courses as described in subsection (N)(3)(b)(i); and

e. A passing score on the early childhood subject knowledge portion of the Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessment.

4. Teachers with a valid Arizona elementary education certificate or Arizona special education certificate meet the requirements of this Section with evidence of the following:

a. A minimum of three years infant/toddler, preschool or kindergarten through grade three classroom teaching experience; and

b. A passing score on the early childhood subject knowledge portion of the Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessment.

O. Library-Media Specialist Endorsement - grades Pre-K through 12

1. The library-media specialist endorsement is optional.

2. Requirements are:

a. An Arizona elementary, secondary, early childhood or special education certificate;

b. A passing score on the Library Media Specialist portion of the Arizona Teacher Proficiency Assessment. A master's degree in Library Science may be substituted for a passing score on the assessment; and

c. One year of teaching experience.

P. Middle Grade Endorsement - grades five through nine

1. The middle grade endorsement is optional. The middle grade endorsement may expand the grades a teacher is authorized to teach on an elementary or secondary certificate.

2. The requirements are:

a. An Arizona elementary or secondary certificate, and

b. Six semester hours of courses in middle grade education to include:

i. One course in early adolescent psychology;

ii. One course in middle grade curriculum; and

iii. A practicum or one year of verified teaching experience, in grades five through nine.

Q. Drivers Education Endorsement

1. The drivers education endorsement is optional.

2. The requirements are:

a. An Arizona teaching certificate,

b. A valid Arizona driver's license,

c. One course in each of the following:

i. Safety education,

ii. Driver and highway safety education, and

iii. Driver education laboratory experience, and

d. A driving record with less than seven violation points and no revocation or suspension of driver's license within the two years preceding application.

3. For the purposes of this Section, a course is defined as a three hour semester course offered by an accredited institution of higher learning or 45 clock hours of educational classes approved by the Department. Each semester hour of courses shall be equivalent to 15 clock hours of training. If semester hours are used, the required documentation for the semester hours shall be an official transcript.

R. Cooperative Education Endorsement - grades K through 12

1. The cooperative education endorsement is required for individuals who coordinate or teach CTE.

2. The requirements are:

a. A provisional or standard CTE certificate in the areas of agriculture, business, family and consumer sciences, health occupations, marketing, or industrial technology; and

b. One course in CTE.

S. Computer Science, PreK through eight Endorsement

1. The computer science, PreK through eight endorsement authorizes the holder to teach computer science in prekindergarten through grade eight.

2. The requirements are:

a. An Arizona Standard Professional Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle Grades, Secondary, Special Education, or PreK through 12 Teaching certificate;

b. Three semester hours in foundations for teaching computer science which addresses the following topics:

i. Introduction to computer science;

ii. Inclusive recruitment, retention, and pedagogical strategies in computing education;

iii. Computational thinking;

iv. Instructional planning based on the Arizona state standards for computer science, or comparable computer science standards.

c. Six semester hours in computer science to include the following:

i. Three semester hours in teaching and learning programming for educators; and

ii. Three semester hours in a computer science elective which may include, but is not limited to, physical computing or mobile computing.

3. Completion of a training program through an Arizona public local education agency or an accredited institution may substitute for the semester hours required in subsection (S)(2)(b) (S)(2)(c). Fifteen clock hours of training, or the equivalent competencybased credential, is equivalent to one semester hour of college coursework. Training programs shall be verified by a superintendent or personnel director of the Arizona local education agency or the appropriate administrator of an accredited institution.

T. Computer Science, grades six through 12 Endorsement

1. The computer science, grades six through 12 endorsement authorizes the holder to teach computer science in grades six through 12.

2. The requirements are:

a. A valid Arizona Standard Professional Elementary, Middle Grades, Secondary, Hearing Impaired, Visually Impaired, Mild/Moderate Disabilities, Moderate/Severe Disabilities, or PreK through 12 Teaching certificate;

b. Three semester hours in foundations for teaching computer science which addresses the following topics:

i. Introduction to computer science;

ii. Inclusive recruitment, retention, and pedagogical strategies in computing education;

iii. Computational thinking;

iv. Instructional planning based on the Arizona state standards for computer science or comparable computer science standards.

c. Nine semester hours of courses in computer science to include the following:

i. Three semester hours in teaching and learning programming for educators; and

ii. Six semester hours in computer science electives which may include, but is not limited to, computer programming, cybersecurity, algorithms and data structures, operating systems, artificial intelligence, machine learning, database development and management, computer networks, and data mining and analytics.

3. Completion of a training program through an Arizona public local education agency or an accredited institution may substitute for the semester hours required in subsections (T)(2)(b) and (c). Fifteen clock hours of training, or the equivalent competencybased credential, is equivalent to one semester hour of college coursework. Training programs shall be verified by a superintendent or personnel director of the Arizona local education agency or the appropriate administrator of an accredited institution.

U. Literacy, K through Five Endorsement

1. For the purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:

a. "Literacy instruction" means instruction in English language arts provided by a teacher.

b. "Science of reading instruction" means instruction which includes a focus on the elements of structured literacy, to include oral language, phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and foundational writing skills, including spelling and handwriting.

c. "Teaching certificate" means an Alternative Teaching certificate, International Teaching certificate, Classroom-Based Standard Teaching certificate, or Standard Professional teaching certificate.

2. An individual who receives a teaching certificate in early childhood education, elementary education, middle grades education, or special education issued on or before August 1, 2025 and who provides literacy instruction in kindergarten programs or in any of grades one through five must obtain a Literacy, K through five endorsement, a Reading Specialist endorsement - grades K through 12, a Reading endorsement for grades K through 12, or a Reading endorsement for grades K through eight by August 1, 2028.

3. An individual who receives a teaching certificate in early childhood education, elementary education, middle grades education, or special education issued after August 1, 2025 and who provides literacy instruction in kindergarten or in any of grades one through five must obtain a Literacy, K through five endorsement, a Reading Specialist endorsement - grades K through 12, a Reading endorsement for grades K through 12, or a Reading endorsement for grades K through eight within three years after the teaching certificate is issued.

4. Literacy, K through Five Endorsement

a. The Literacy, K through five Endorsement authorizes the holder to provide literacy instruction within the grade range and subject area of the teaching certificate it endorses. The requirements are:

i. A valid teaching certificate in early childhood education, elementary education, middle grades education, or special education;

ii. Three semester hours in the science of reading instruction, including systematic phonics instruction;

iii. Three semester hours in reading instruction, including assessments, instructional practices, and interventions to improve student reading proficiency for struggling readers, including students with the characteristics of dyslexia;

iv. A passing score on a literacy instruction assessment approved by the Board for the Literacy, K through five endorsement.

b. Completion of Department-approved training may substitute for the semester hours required in sections (4)(a)(ii) and (4)(a)(iii). Fifteen clock hours of training, or the equivalent competency-based credential, is equivalent to one semester hour.

5. Applicants may meet the requirements described in sections (4)(a)(ii), (4)(a)(iii), and (4)(a)(iv) with verification from an Arizona public school superintendent, principal or personnel director that the applicant meets the following requirements: The applicant is a teacher who provides literacy instruction in kindergarten through grade five and has demonstrated through classroom observations and student achievement data across subgroups using evidence-based measures for at least three consecutive years, based on criteria established by the Board, that the teacher possesses the instructional knowledge and skills to:

a. Effectively teach foundational reading skills, phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension; and

b. Implement reading instruction using high-quality instructional materials; and

c. Provide effective instruction and interventions for students with reading deficiencies, including students with characteristics of dyslexia.

Ariz. Admin. Code § R7-2-615

Adopted effective December 4, 1998 (Supp. 98-4). Amended by final rulemaking at 6 A.A.R. 1132, effective March 10, 2000 (Supp. 00-1). Amended by exempt rulemaking at 15 A.A.R. 1838, effective August 29, 2006 (Supp. 09-1). Amended by exempt rulemaking at 15 A.A.R. 1306, effective September 26, 2006 (Supp. 09-1). Former R7-2-615 recodified to R7-2-616; new R7-2-615 recodified from R7-2-614 at 15 A.A.R. 2146, effective August 25, 2008 (Supp. 09-4). Former R7-2-615 recodified to R7-2-616; new R7-2-615 recodified from R7-2-614at 16 A.A.R. 68, effective December 8, 2008 (Supp. 10-1). Amended by exempt rulemaking at 16 A.A.R. 52, effective December 8, 2008 (Supp. 10-1). Amended by exempt rulemaking at 16 A.A.R. 119, effective September 21, 2009 (Supp. 10-2). Amended by exempt rulemaking at 16 A.A.R. 129, effective September 21, 2009 (Supp. 10-2). Amended by exempt rulemaking at 16 A.A.R. 734, effective July 1, 2011 (Supp. 10-3). Amended by exempt rulemaking at 16 A.A.R. 1249, effective May 24, 2010 (Supp. 10-4). Amended by exempt rulemaking at 16 A.A.R. 1496, effective July 1, 2011 (Supp. 11-1). Amended by exempt rulemaking at 22 A.A.R. 227, effective 6/23/2014. Amended by exempt rulemaking at 22 A.A.R. 219, effective 5/4/2015. Amended by exempt rulemaking at 22 A.A.R. 233, effective 9/28/2015. Amended by exempt rulemaking at 22 A.A.R. 670, effective 1/25/2016. Amended by exempt rulemaking at 22 A.A.R. 1912, effective 10/1/2011. Amended by exempt rulemaking at 22 A.A.R. 2241, effective 8/6/2016. Amended by final exempt rulemaking at 25 A.A.R. 1552, effective 5/20/2019. Amended by final exempt rulemaking at 27 A.A.R. 2353, effective 9/27/2021. Amended by final exempt rulemaking at 28 A.A.R. 180, effective 1/25/2022.