Virginia 2025 Regular Session

Virginia Senate Bill SB898 Compare Versions

Version 1 (Old)

Version 2 (New)

Old	New		Differences
1		-	OFFERED FOR CONSIDERATION 1/30/2025
	1	+	OFFERED FOR CONSIDERATION 1/23/2025
2	2
3	3		SENATE BILL NO. 898
4	4
5	5		AMENDMENT IN THE NATURE OF A SUBSTITUTE
6	6
	7	+	(Proposed by the Senate Committee on Education and Health
	8	+
	9	+	on ________________)
	10	+
7	11		(Patron Prior to SubstituteSenator Craig)
8	12
9		-	A BILL to amend and reenact 22.1-298.1, as it is currently effective and as it shall become effective, of the Code of Virginia, relating to part-time or adjunct instructors in public schools; locally awarded subject matter expert credentials; ~~career and technical education~~ subjects or courses.
	13	+	A BILL to amend and reenact 22.1-298.1, as it is currently effective and as it shall become effective, of the Code of Virginia, relating to part-time or adjunct instructors in public schools; locally awarded subject matter expert credentials; non-core subjects or courses.
10	14
11	15
12		-
13		-	on January 30, 2025)
14	16
15	17		Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
16	18
17	19		1. That 22.1-298.1, as it is currently effective and as it shall become effective, of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:
18	20
19	21		22.1-298.1. (Effective until July 1, 2030) Regulations governing licensure.
20	22
21	23		A. As used in this section:
22	24
23	25		"Alternate route to licensure" means a nontraditional route to teacher licensure available to individuals who meet the criteria specified in the guidelines developed pursuant to subsection P or regulations issued by the Board.
24	26
	27	+	"Core subject or course" means an English, reading or language arts, mathematics, science, or history and social science course or program of instruction. "Core subject or course" includes any course or program of instruction the completion for which students may earn a verified credit or which have a corresponding Standards of Learning Assessment.
	28	+
25	29		"Industry certification credential" means an active career and technical education credential that is earned by successfully completing a Board-approved industry certification examination, being issued a professional license in the Commonwealth, or successfully completing an occupational competency examination.
26	30
27	31		"Licensure by reciprocity" means the issuance of a license as a teacher in the Commonwealth to an individual coming into the Commonwealth from another state when that individual meets certain conditions specified in the Board's regulations.
28	32
29	33		"Local eligibility license" means a nonrenewable license issued in accordance with subsection M, not to exceed one year, to an individual who needs to take additional coursework but otherwise meets certain conditions for licensure set forth in the Board's regulations and subsection M, and who may be employed by a school division in the Commonwealth with the intention of such individual, upon satisfaction of the applicable requirements set forth in Board regulations, receiving full licensure with a renewable license.
30	34
31		-	"Locally awarded subject matter expert credential" means a nontransferable credential issued in accordance with subsection Q in order to expand opportunities for individuals with relevant work or industry experience or expertise in a content or subject matter area to provide instruction in public schools as a part-time or adjunct instructor in one career and technical education course per semester.
	35	+	"Locally awarded subject matter expert credential" means a nontransferable credential issued in accordance with subsection Q, in order to expand opportunities for individuals with relevant work or industry experience or expertise in a content or subject matter area to provide instruction in a non-core subject or course as a part-time or adjunct instructor in public schools.
	36	+
	37	+	"Non-core subject or course" means any course or program of instruction that is not a core subject or course.
32	38
33	39		"Professional teacher's assessment" means those tests mandated for licensure as prescribed by the Board.
34	40
35	41		"Provisional license" means a nonrenewable license issued by the Board or by a division superintendent as permitted pursuant to subdivision D 5 for a specified period of time, not to exceed three years, to an individual who may be employed by a school division in the Commonwealth and who generally meets the requirements specified in the Board's regulations for licensure, but who may need to take additional coursework, pass additional assessments, or meet alternative evaluation standards to be fully licensed with a renewable license.
36	42
37	43		"Renewable license" means a license issued by the Board for 10 years to an individual who meets the requirements specified in the Board's regulations.
38	44
39	45		"Universal licensure by reciprocity" means the issuance of a license as a teacher in the Commonwealth to any individual who holds a valid out-of-state teaching license with full credentials and without deficiencies that has been in force and in use by the individual as an employed teacher in a non-virtual classroom setting at a public or private elementary or secondary school for at least three years prior to and is in force at the time the Department receives such individual's application for a license as a teacher in the Commonwealth.
40	46
41	47		B. The Board shall prescribe, by regulation, the requirements for the licensure of teachers and other school personnel required to hold a license. Such regulations shall include procedures for (i) the denial, suspension, cancellation, revocation, and reinstatement of licensure; (ii) written reprimand of license holders on grounds established by the Board, in accordance with law, notice of which shall be made by the Superintendent to division superintendents or their designated representatives; and (iii) the immediate and thorough investigation by the division superintendent or his designee of any complaint alleging that a license holder has engaged in conduct that may form the basis for the revocation of his license. At a minimum, such procedures for investigations contained in such regulations shall require (a) the division superintendent to petition for the revocation of the license upon completing such investigation and finding that there is reasonable cause to believe that the license holder has engaged in conduct that forms the basis for revocation of a license; (b) the school board to proceed to a hearing on such petition for revocation within 90 days of the mailing of a copy of the petition to the license holder, unless the license holder requests the cancellation of his license in accordance with Board regulations; and (c) the school board to provide a copy of the investigative file and such petition for revocation to the Superintendent at the time that the hearing is scheduled. The Board shall revoke the license of any person for whom it has received a notice of dismissal or resignation pursuant to subsection F of 22.1-313 and, in the case of a person who is the subject of a founded complaint of child abuse or neglect, after all rights to any administrative appeal provided by 63.2-1526 have been exhausted. In the case of a teacher who is the subject of a founded complaint of child abuse or neglect and whose license has been revoked pursuant to this subsection, in the event that a court reverses such finding of abuse or neglect and the individual submits to the Department an application for the reinstatement of his license as a teacher, the Board shall consider and act upon such application no later than 90 days after the date of submission. Regardless of the authority of any other agency of the Commonwealth to approve educational programs, only the Board shall have the authority to license teachers to be regularly employed by school boards, including those teachers employed to provide nursing education.
42	48
43	49		The Board shall prescribe by regulation the licensure requirements for teachers who teach only online courses, as defined in 22.1-212.23. Such license shall be valid only for teaching online courses. Teachers who hold a 10-year renewable license issued by the Board may teach online courses for which they are properly endorsed.
44	50
45	51		C. The Board's regulations shall include requirements that a person seeking initial licensure:
46	52
47	53		1. Demonstrate proficiency in the relevant content area and other core skills for educators by achieving a qualifying score on professional assessments or meeting alternative evaluation standards as prescribed by the Board. Such assessments for any individual seeking initial licensure with an endorsement in early/primary education preschool through grade three, elementary education preschool through grade six, special education general curriculum kindergarten through grade 12, special education deaf and hard of hearing preschool through grade 12, or special education blindness/visual impairments preschool through grade 12 or as a reading specialist shall include a rigorous test of science-based reading research and evidence-based literacy instruction;
48	54
49	55		2. Complete study in attention deficit disorder;
50	56
51	57		3. Complete study in gifted education, including the use of multiple criteria to identify gifted students; and
52	58
53	59		4. Complete study in methods of improving communication between schools and families and ways of increasing family involvement in student learning at home and at school.
54	60
55	61		D. In addition, such regulations shall include requirements that:
56	62
57	63		1. Every person seeking initial licensure and persons seeking licensure renewal as teachers who have not completed such study shall complete study in child abuse recognition and intervention in accordance with curriculum guidelines developed by the Board in consultation with the Department of Social Services that are relevant to the specific teacher licensure routes;
58	64
59	65		2. Every person seeking renewal of a license shall complete all renewal requirements, including professional development in a manner prescribed by the Board, except that no person seeking renewal of a license shall be required to satisfy any such requirement by completing coursework and earning credit at an institution of higher education;
60	66
61	67		3. Every person seeking initial licensure or renewal of a license shall provide evidence of completion of certification or training in emergency first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and the use of automated external defibrillators. The certification or training program shall (i) be based on the current national evidence-based emergency cardiovascular care guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of an automated external defibrillator, such as a program developed by the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross, and (ii) include hands-on practice of the skills necessary to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The Board shall provide a waiver for this requirement for any person with a disability whose disability prohibits such person from completing the certification or training;
62	68
63	69		4. Every person seeking licensure with an endorsement as a teacher of the blind and visually impaired shall demonstrate proficiency in reading and writing Braille;
64	70
65	71		5. Every teacher seeking an initial license in the Commonwealth with an endorsement in the area of career and technical education shall have an industry certification credential in the area in which the teacher seeks endorsement. If a teacher seeking an initial license in the Commonwealth has not attained an industry certification credential in the area in which the teacher seeks endorsement, the division superintendent may issue the teacher a provisional license to allow time for the teacher to attain such credential;
66	72
67	73		6. Every person seeking initial licensure or renewal of a license shall complete awareness training, provided by the Department, on the indicators of dyslexia, as that term is defined by the Board pursuant to regulations, and the evidence-based interventions and accommodations for dyslexia;
68	74
69	75		7. Every person seeking initial licensure or renewal of a license with an endorsement as a school counselor shall complete training in the recognition of mental health disorder and behavioral distress, including depression, trauma, violence, youth suicide, and substance abuse;
70	76
71	77		8. Every person seeking initial licensure as a teacher who has not received the instruction described in subsection D of 23.1-902 shall receive instruction or training on positive behavior interventions and supports; crisis prevention and de-escalation; the use of physical restraint and seclusion, consistent with regulations of the Board; and appropriate alternative methods to reduce and prevent the need for the use of physical restraint and seclusion;
72	78
73	79		9. Every person seeking initial licensure or renewal of a license shall complete instruction or training in cultural competency;
74	80
75	81		10. Every person seeking initial licensure or renewal of a license with an endorsement in history and social sciences shall complete instruction in African American history, as prescribed by the Board;
76	82
77	83		11. Every person seeking renewal of a license as a teacher shall complete training in the instruction of students with disabilities that includes (i) differentiating instruction for students depending on their needs; (ii) understanding the role of general education teachers on the individualized education program team; (iii) implementing effective models of collaborative instruction, including co-teaching; and (iv) understanding the goals and benefits of inclusive education for all students; and
78	84
79	85		12. Every person seeking initial licensure with an endorsement in early/primary education preschool through grade three, elementary education preschool through grade six, special education general curriculum kindergarten through grade 12, special education deaf and hard of hearing preschool through grade 12, or special education blindness/visual impairments preschool through grade 12 or as a reading specialist shall complete study in science-based reading research and evidence-based literacy instruction.
80	86
81	87		E. No teacher who seeks a provisional license shall be required to meet any requirement set forth in subdivision D 1, 3, 6, or 8 as a condition of such licensure, but each such teacher shall complete each such requirement during the first year of provisional licensure.
82	88
83	89		F. The Board shall issue a license to an individual seeking initial licensure who has not completed professional assessments as prescribed by the Board, if such individual (i) holds a provisional license that will expire within three months or, at the discretion of the school board and division superintendent, within six months if the individual has received a satisfactory mid-year performance review in the current school year; (ii) is employed by a school board; (iii) is recommended for licensure by the division superintendent; (iv) has attempted, unsuccessfully, to obtain a qualifying score on the professional assessments as prescribed by the Board; (v) has received an evaluation rating of proficient or above on the performance standards for each year of the provisional license, and such evaluation was conducted in a manner consistent with the Guidelines for Uniform Performance Standards and Evaluation Criteria for Teachers, Principals, and Superintendents; and (vi) meets all other requirements for initial licensure.
84	90
85	91		G. Each division superintendent may waive for any individual whom he seeks to employ as a career and technical education teacher and who is also seeking initial licensure or renewal of a license with an endorsement in the area of career and technical education any applicable requirement set forth in subsection C or subdivision D 2, 4, or 6.
86	92
87	93		H. The Board's regulations shall require that initial licensure for principals and assistant principals be contingent upon passage of an assessment as prescribed by the Board.
88	94
89	95		I. The Board shall establish criteria in its regulations to effectuate the substitution of experiential learning for coursework for those persons seeking initial licensure through an alternate route as defined in Board regulations. Such alternate routes shall include eligibility for any individual to receive, notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, a renewable one-year license to teach in public high schools in the Commonwealth if he has:
90	96
91	97		1. Received a graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education;
92	98
93	99		2. Completed at least 30 credit hours of teaching experience as an instructor at a regionally accredited institution of higher education;
94	100
95	101		3. Received qualifying scores on the professional teacher's assessments prescribed by the Board, including the content-area assessment for the endorsement sought. Such assessments for any individual seeking initial licensure through an alternate route with an endorsement in early/primary education preschool through grade three, elementary education preschool through grade six, special education general curriculum kindergarten through grade 12, special education deaf and hard of hearing preschool through grade 12, or special education blindness/visual impairments preschool through grade 12 or as a reading specialist shall include a rigorous test of science-based reading research and evidence-based literacy instruction; and
96	102
97	103		4. Met the requirements set forth in subdivisions D 1 and 3.
98	104
99	105		J. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the Board (i) may provide for the issuance of a provisional license, valid for a period not to exceed three years, pursuant to subdivision D 5 or to any person who does not meet the requirements of this section or any other requirement for licensure imposed by law; (ii) shall provide for the issuance of a provisional license, valid for a period not to exceed three years, to any former member of the Armed Forces of the United States or the Virginia National Guard who has received an honorable discharge and has the appropriate level of experience or training but does not meet the requirements for a renewable license; and (iii) may provide for the issuance of a provisional license, valid for a period not to exceed three years, to any individual who has held within the last five years a valid and officially issued and recognized license or certification to teach issued by an entity outside of the United States but does not meet the requirements for a renewable license if the individual's license or certification to teach has been evaluated and verified by an entity approved by the Department.
100	106
101	107		K. The Board's licensure regulations shall also provide for licensure by reciprocity:
102	108
103	109		1. With comparable endorsement areas for those individuals holding a valid out-of-state teaching license and national certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards or a nationally recognized certification program approved by the Board. The application for such individuals shall require evidence of such valid licensure and national certification and shall not require official student transcripts; and
104	110
105	111		2. For any spouse of an active duty or reserve member of the Armed Forces of the United States or a member of the Virginia National Guard who has obtained a valid out-of-state license, with full credentials and without deficiencies, that is in force at the time the application for a Virginia license is received by the Department. Each such individual shall establish a file in the Department by submitting a complete application packet, which shall include official student transcripts and an official copy of the military permanent assignment orders of the individual's spouse. No service requirements or licensing assessments shall be required for any such individual. The Department shall determine and communicate such individual's eligibility for licensure by reciprocity within 15 business days of receipt of the complete application packet.
106	112
107	113		L. The Board's licensure regulations shall also provide for universal licensure by reciprocity for any individual who holds a valid out-of-state teaching license with full credentials and without deficiencies that has been in force for at least three years prior to and is in force at the time of application. No service requirements or licensing assessments shall be required for any individual who applies for universal licensure by reciprocity. Any individual who applies for universal licensure by reciprocity shall provide a copy of the individual's out-of-state teaching license that meets the criteria set forth in this subsection. Any such individual shall be subject to the provisions of 22.1-296.2 and 22.1-296.4. The Department shall prioritize applications for universal licensure by reciprocity.
108	114
109	115		M. The Board shall include in its regulations an alternate route to licensure for elementary education preschool through grade six and an alternate route to licensure for special education general curriculum kindergarten through grade 12. Each such alternate route to licensure shall require individuals to (i) meet the qualifying scores on the content area assessment prescribed by the Board for the endorsements sought and (ii) complete an alternative certification program that provides training in the pedagogy and methodology of the respective content or special education areas prescribed by the Board. The curriculum of any such alternative certification program shall be approved by the Board. Nothing in this subsection shall preclude the Board from establishing other alternate routes to licensure.
110	116
111	117		N. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the Board, upon recommendation of the division superintendent or school board, may provide for the issuance of a valid one-year nonrenewable local eligibility license to any individual who (i) received a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education and (ii) has experience or training in a subject or content area as the local school board and division superintendent may deem appropriate for the applicable teaching position or endorsement area. Any such one-year nonrenewable local eligibility license shall be issued in accordance with the following criteria:
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113	119		1. Each school board shall ensure that the number of teachers employed by the school board under such local eligibility license does not exceed five percent of the teachers employed by such school board during the preceding school year;
114	120
115	121		2. No school board shall issue such local eligibility license to any individual who is (i) seeking to provide instruction in special education or (ii) eligible for a collegiate professional license or postgraduate professional license;
116	122
117	123		3. Any individual who is issued a local eligibility license pursuant to this subsection shall be required to complete within such one-year period the requirements set forth in subsection C and subdivisions D 1, 3, 6, 8, and 9 as well as any additional training requirements that may be prescribed by the school board and division superintendent;
118	124
119	125		4. Such local eligibility license shall only be valid within the issuing school division;
120	126
121	127		5. Each school board may, upon an individual's completion of a local eligibility license, issue a provisional license to such individual upon receiving from the division superintendent (i) a recommendation for such license and (ii) a satisfactory performance evaluation for such individual for the local eligibility licensure period;
122	128
123	129		6. Any individual issued a one-year local eligibility license shall be considered a probationary teacher and shall be subject to the probationary terms of employment pursuant to 22.1-303;
124	130
125	131		7. Any teacher employed under a one-year local eligibility license shall be issued a collegiate professional or postgraduate professional license upon the expiration of the local eligibility license if such teacher, before or by the expiration of such local eligibility license, (i) receives a recommendation from the division superintendent and the school board, (ii) satisfies all requirements for the applicable license pursuant to relevant law and regulations, and (iii) satisfies any other criteria as may be prescribed by the Board; and
126	132
127	133		8. The Department's Office of Licensure shall review each local eligibility license within a month of issuance to any individual to ensure compliance with all Board regulations.
128	134
129	135		O. The Board, in its regulations providing for licensure by reciprocity established pursuant to subsections K and L, shall (i) permit applicants to submit third-party employment verification forms and (ii) grant special consideration to individuals who have successfully completed a program offered by a provider that is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.
130	136
131	137		P. The Board shall develop guidelines that establish a process to permit a school board or any organization sponsored by a school board to petition the Board for approval of an alternate route to licensure that may be used to meet the requirements for a provisional or renewable license or any endorsement. Any such alternate route may include alternatives to the regulatory requirements for teacher preparation, including alternative professional assessments and coursework. The petitioner may proffer or the Board may impose conditions in conjunction with the approval of such petition.
132	138
133		-	Q. A division superintendent or comprehensive community college may issue a locally awarded subject matter expert credential, valid for a period ~~of one year~~, to any individual who has expertise in a content or subject matter area ~~relating to career and technical education~~ in order for such individual to provide instruction or coursework as a part-time or adjunct instructor in ~~one career and technical education~~ course ~~per semester~~ in grades six through 12 at any public school in the Commonwealth or at a comprehensive community college in the Commonwealth, including dual enrollment or concurrent enrollment courses. ~~Nothing in this section shall be construed to allow the hiring of an individual issued a locally awarded subject matter expert credential instead of an individual holding a valid teaching license.~~ For a candidate applying for a locally awarded subject matter expert credential to provide instruction or coursework in a ~~career and technical education~~ course, expertise in a corresponding ~~career and technical education~~ content or subject matter area may be demonstrated through:
	139	+	Q. A division superintendent or comprehensive community college may issue a locally awarded subject matter expert credential, valid for a period not to exceed three years, to any individual who has expertise in a content or subject matter area in order for such individual to provide instruction or coursework as a part-time or adjunct instructor in a corresponding non-core subject or course in grades six through 12 at any public school in the Commonwealth or at a comprehensive community college in the Commonwealth, including dual enrollment or concurrent enrollment courses. For a candidate applying for a locally awarded subject matter expert credential to provide instruction or coursework in a non-core subject or course, expertise in a corresponding content or subject matter area may be demonstrated through:
134	140
135		-	1. a. Passage of a content or subject matter area test and possession of a baccalaureate degree, a master's degree, or a doctoral degree from a regionally or nationally accredited public or private institution of higher education in the ~~career and technical education~~ content or subject matter area to be taught;
	141	+	1. a. Passage of a content or subject matter area test and possession of a baccalaureate degree, a master's degree, or a doctoral degree from a regionally or nationally accredited public or private institution of higher education in the non-core content or subject matter area to be taught;
136	142
137		-	b. Possession of (i) the valid professional licensure or (ii) an industry certification credential in the career and technical education content or subject matter area to be taught and submission of written proof of at least five years of full-time work-related experience in such career and technical education content or subject area; or
	143	+	b. Possession of (i) the valid professional licensure in the content or subject matter area to be taught or (ii) an industry certification credential in the career and technical education content or subject matter area to be taught and submission of written proof of at least five years of full-time work-related experience in such content or subject matter area or career and technical education content or subject area; or
138	144
139		-	c. Submission of written proof of full-time employment at a regionally or nationally accredited public or private institution of higher education during which the individual successfully taught courses relevant to the ~~career and technical education~~ content or subject matter area for at least five years; and
	145	+	c. Submission of written proof of full-time employment at a regionally or nationally accredited public or private institution of higher education during which the individual successfully taught courses relevant to the content or subject matter area for at least five years; and
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141	147		2. Submission of written proof of the completion of two microcredentials established and administered by the Department, one of which shall be in the unique learning needs of special education students and the other of which shall be in classroom management and lesson planning.
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143		-	R. No individual who seeks a locally awarded subject matter expert credential pursuant to subsection Q shall be required, as a condition of the issuance of such credential, to demonstrate professional knowledge proficiency except as otherwise required in subsection Q. School divisions and institutions of higher education may hire individuals possessing a subject matter expert credential as a part-time or adjunct instructor to teach ~~career and technical education~~ subjects or courses. Any such individual shall be subject to a background clearance check and the provisions of 22.1-296.2 and 22.1-296.4 and have no pending disciplinary actions or investigations. The employing school board or institution of higher education shall assign a mentor to supervise any individual issued a ~~one~~-year locally awarded subject matter expert credential during such individual's employment at the public school and shall pay such mentor a stipend in an amount equal to two percent of his annual salary as compensation for such additional professional responsibility. Such mentor shall be an individual employed by a school board in a Standards of Quality-funded position and such stipend shall be subject to a state match through the Standards of Quality.
	149	+	R. No individual who seeks a locally awarded subject matter expert credential pursuant to subsection Q shall be required, as a condition of the issuance of such credential, to demonstrate professional knowledge proficiency except as otherwise required in subsection Q. School divisions and institutions of higher education may hire individuals possessing a subject matter expert credential as a part-time or adjunct instructor to teach non-core subjects or courses. Any such individual shall be subject to a background clearance check and the provisions of 22.1-296.2 and 22.1-296.4 and have no pending disciplinary actions or investigations. The employing school board or institution of higher education shall assign a mentor to supervise any individual issued a three-year locally awarded subject matter expert credential during such individual's first two years of employment at the public school and shall pay such mentor a stipend in an amount equal to two percent of his annual salary as compensation for such additional professional responsibility. Such mentor shall be an individual employed by a school board in a Standards of Quality-funded position and such stipend shall be subject to a state match through the Standards of Quality.
144	150
145	151		S. Locally awarded subject matter expert credentials shall be nontransferable from school division to school division, provided that nothing in this section shall prohibit a division superintendent from awarding such a credential to a candidate who is transferring from a different school division in which he held such credential and who meets the requirements set forth in subsection Q.
146	152
147		-	T. Upon the expiration of a subject matter expert credential, the division superintendent may extend for ~~one year~~ such locally awarded subject matter expert credential for any individual who receives satisfactory performance evaluations.
	153	+	T. Upon the expiration of a subject matter expert credential, the division superintendent may extend for a period not to exceed three additional years such locally awarded subject matter expert credential for any individual who receives satisfactory performance evaluations for each year of the original three-year locally awarded subject matter credential.
148	154
149	155		U. Any individual issued a locally awarded subject matter credential pursuant to subsection Q shall not be eligible for continuing contract status while employed under such credential and shall be subject to the probationary terms of employment specified in 22.1-303.
150	156
151	157		V. Each school board shall annually report to the Department the number of locally awarded subject matter expert credentials issued pursuant to this section.
152	158
153	159		22.1-298.1. (Effective July 1, 2030) Regulations governing licensure.
154	160
155	161		A. As used in this section:
156	162
157	163		"Alternate route to licensure" means a nontraditional route to teacher licensure available to individuals who meet the criteria specified in the guidelines developed pursuant to subsection O or regulations issued by the Board.
158	164
	165	+	"Core subject or course" means an English, reading or language arts, mathematics, science, or history and social science course or program of instruction. "Core subject or course" includes any course or program of instruction the completion for which students may earn a verified credit or which have a corresponding Standards of Learning Assessment.
	166	+
159	167		"Industry certification credential" means an active career and technical education credential that is earned by successfully completing a Board-approved industry certification examination, being issued a professional license in the Commonwealth, or successfully completing an occupational competency examination.
160	168
161	169		"Licensure by reciprocity" means the issuance of a license as a teacher in the Commonwealth to an individual coming into the Commonwealth from another state when that individual meets certain conditions specified in the Board's regulations.
162	170
163		-	"Locally awarded subject matter expert credential" means a nontransferable credential issued in accordance with subsection P in order to expand opportunities for individuals with relevant work or industry experience or expertise in a content or subject matter area to provide instruction in public schools as a part-time or adjunct instructor in one career and technical education course per semester.
	171	+	"Locally awarded subject matter expert credential" means a nontransferable credential issued in accordance with subsection P, in order to expand opportunities for individuals with relevant work or industry experience or expertise in a content or subject matter area to provide instruction in a non-core subject or course as a part-time or adjunct instructor in public schools.
	172	+
	173	+	"Non-core subject or course" means any course or program of instruction that is not a core subject or course.
164	174
165	175		"Professional teacher's assessment" means those tests mandated for licensure as prescribed by the Board.
166	176
167	177		"Provisional license" means a nonrenewable license issued by the Board of by a division superintendent as permitted pursuant to subdivision D 5 for a specified period of time, not to exceed three years, to an individual who may be employed by a school division in the Commonwealth and who generally meets the requirements specified in the Board's regulations for licensure, but who may need to take additional coursework, pass additional assessments, or meet alternative evaluation standards to be fully licensed with a renewable license.
168	178
169	179		"Renewable license" means a license issued by the Board for 10 years to an individual who meets the requirements specified in the Board's regulations.
170	180
171	181		"Universal licensure by reciprocity" means the issuance of a license as a teacher in the Commonwealth to any individual who holds a valid out-of-state teaching license with full credentials and without deficiencies that has been in force and in use by the individual as an employed teacher in a non-virtual classroom setting at a public or private elementary or secondary school for at least three years prior to and is in force at the time the Department receives such individual's application for a license as a teacher in the Commonwealth.
172	182
173	183		B. The Board shall prescribe, by regulation, the requirements for the licensure of teachers and other school personnel required to hold a license. Such regulations shall include procedures for (i) the denial, suspension, cancellation, revocation, and reinstatement of licensure; (ii) written reprimand of license holders on grounds established by the Board, in accordance with law, notice of which shall be made by the Superintendent to division superintendents or their designated representatives; and (iii) the immediate and thorough investigation by the division superintendent or his designee of any complaint alleging that a license holder has engaged in conduct that may form the basis for the revocation of his license. At a minimum, such procedures for investigations contained in such regulations shall require (a) the division superintendent to petition for the revocation of the license upon completing such investigation and finding that there is reasonable cause to believe that the license holder has engaged in conduct that forms the basis for revocation of a license; (b) the school board to proceed to a hearing on such petition for revocation within 90 days of the mailing of a copy of the petition to the license holder, unless the license holder requests the cancellation of his license in accordance with Board regulations; and (c) the school board to provide a copy of the investigative file and such petition for revocation to the Superintendent at the time that the hearing is scheduled. The Board shall revoke the license of any person for whom it has received a notice of dismissal or resignation pursuant to subsection F of 22.1-313 and, in the case of a person who is the subject of a founded complaint of child abuse or neglect, after all rights to any administrative appeal provided by 63.2-1526 have been exhausted. In the case of a teacher who is the subject of a founded complaint of child abuse or neglect and whose license has been revoked pursuant to this subsection, in the event that a court reverses such finding of abuse or neglect and the individual submits to the Department an application for the reinstatement of his license as a teacher, the Board shall consider and act upon such application no later than 90 days after the date of submission. Regardless of the authority of any other agency of the Commonwealth to approve educational programs, only the Board shall have the authority to license teachers to be regularly employed by school boards, including those teachers employed to provide nursing education.
174	184
175	185		The Board shall prescribe by regulation the licensure requirements for teachers who teach only online courses, as defined in 22.1-212.23. Such license shall be valid only for teaching online courses. Teachers who hold a 10-year renewable license issued by the Board may teach online courses for which they are properly endorsed.
176	186
177	187		C. The Board's regulations shall include requirements that a person seeking initial licensure:
178	188
179	189		1. Demonstrate proficiency in the relevant content area and other core skills for educators by achieving a qualifying score on professional assessments or meeting alternative evaluation standards as prescribed by the Board. Such assessments for any individual seeking initial licensure with an endorsement in early/primary education preschool through grade three, elementary education preschool through grade six, special education general curriculum kindergarten through grade 12, special education deaf and hard of hearing preschool through grade 12, or special education blindness/visual impairments preschool through grade 12 or as a reading specialist shall include a rigorous test of science-based reading research and evidence-based literacy instruction;
180	190
181	191		2. Complete study in attention deficit disorder;
182	192
183	193		3. Complete study in gifted education, including the use of multiple criteria to identify gifted students; and
184	194
185	195		4. Complete study in methods of improving communication between schools and families and ways of increasing family involvement in student learning at home and at school.
186	196
187	197		D. In addition, such regulations shall include requirements that:
188	198
189	199		1. Every person seeking initial licensure and persons seeking licensure renewal as teachers who have not completed such study shall complete study in child abuse recognition and intervention in accordance with curriculum guidelines developed by the Board in consultation with the Department of Social Services that are relevant to the specific teacher licensure routes;
190	200
191	201		2. Every person seeking renewal of a license shall complete all renewal requirements, including professional development in a manner prescribed by the Board, except that no person seeking renewal of a license shall be required to satisfy any such requirement by completing coursework and earning credit at an institution of higher education;
192	202
193	203		3. Every person seeking initial licensure or renewal of a license shall provide evidence of completion of certification or training in emergency first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and the use of automated external defibrillators. The certification or training program shall (i) be based on the current national evidence-based emergency cardiovascular care guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of an automated external defibrillator, such as a program developed by the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross, and (ii) include hands-on practice of the skills necessary to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The Board shall provide a waiver for this requirement for any person with a disability whose disability prohibits such person from completing the certification or training;
194	204
195	205		4. Every person seeking licensure with an endorsement as a teacher of the blind and visually impaired shall demonstrate proficiency in reading and writing Braille;
196	206
197	207		5. Every teacher seeking an initial license in the Commonwealth with an endorsement in the area of career and technical education shall have an industry certification credential in the area in which the teacher seeks endorsement. If a teacher seeking an initial license in the Commonwealth has not attained an industry certification credential in the area in which the teacher seeks endorsement, the division superintendent may issue the teacher a provisional license to allow time for the teacher to attain such credential;
198	208
199	209		6. Every person seeking initial licensure or renewal of a license shall complete awareness training, provided by the Department, on the indicators of dyslexia, as that term is defined by the Board pursuant to regulations, and the evidence-based interventions and accommodations for dyslexia;
200	210
201	211		7. Every person seeking initial licensure or renewal of a license with an endorsement as a school counselor shall complete training in the recognition of mental health disorder and behavioral distress, including depression, trauma, violence, youth suicide, and substance abuse;
202	212
203	213		8. Every person seeking initial licensure as a teacher who has not received the instruction described in subsection D of 23.1-902 shall receive instruction or training on positive behavior interventions and supports; crisis prevention and de-escalation; the use of physical restraint and seclusion, consistent with regulations of the Board; and appropriate alternative methods to reduce and prevent the need for the use of physical restraint and seclusion;
204	214
205	215		9. Every person seeking initial licensure or renewal of a license shall complete instruction or training in cultural competency;
206	216
207	217		10. Every person seeking initial licensure or renewal of a license with an endorsement in history and social sciences shall complete instruction in African American history, as prescribed by the Board;
208	218
209	219		11. Every person seeking renewal of a license as a teacher shall complete training in the instruction of students with disabilities that includes (i) differentiating instruction for students depending on their needs; (ii) understanding the role of general education teachers on the individualized education program team; (iii) implementing effective models of collaborative instruction, including co-teaching; and (iv) understanding the goals and benefits of inclusive education for all students; and
210	220
211	221		12. Every person seeking initial licensure with an endorsement in early/primary education preschool through grade three, elementary education preschool through grade six, special education general curriculum kindergarten through grade 12, special education deaf and hard of hearing preschool through grade 12, or special education blindness/visual impairments preschool through grade 12 or as a reading specialist shall complete study in science-based reading research and evidence-based literacy instruction.
212	222
213	223		E. No teacher who seeks a provisional license shall be required to meet any requirement set forth in subdivision D 1, 3, 6, or 8 as a condition of such licensure, but each such teacher shall complete each such requirement during the first year of provisional licensure.
214	224
215	225		F. The Board shall issue a license to an individual seeking initial licensure who has not completed professional assessments as prescribed by the Board, if such individual (i) holds a provisional license that will expire within three months or, at the discretion of the school board and division superintendent, within six months if the individual has received a satisfactory mid-year performance review in the current school year; (ii) is employed by a school board; (iii) is recommended for licensure by the division superintendent; (iv) has attempted, unsuccessfully, to obtain a qualifying score on the professional assessments as prescribed by the Board; (v) has received an evaluation rating of proficient or above on the performance standards for each year of the provisional license, and such evaluation was conducted in a manner consistent with the Guidelines for Uniform Performance Standards and Evaluation Criteria for Teachers, Principals, and Superintendents; and (vi) meets all other requirements for initial licensure.
216	226
217	227		G. Each division superintendent may waive for any individual whom he seeks to employ as a career and technical education teacher and who is also seeking initial licensure or renewal of a license with an endorsement in the area of career and technical education any applicable requirement set forth in subsection C or subdivision D 2, 4, or 6.
218	228
219	229		H. The Board's regulations shall require that initial licensure for principals and assistant principals be contingent upon passage of an assessment as prescribed by the Board.
220	230
221	231		I. The Board shall establish criteria in its regulations to effectuate the substitution of experiential learning for coursework for those persons seeking initial licensure through an alternate route as defined in Board regulations. Such alternate routes shall include eligibility for any individual to receive, notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, a renewable one-year license to teach in public high schools in the Commonwealth if he has:
222	232
223	233		1. Received a graduate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education;
224	234
225	235		2. Completed at least 30 credit hours of teaching experience as an instructor at a regionally accredited institution of higher education;
226	236
227	237		3. Received qualifying scores on the professional teacher's assessments prescribed by the Board, including the content-area assessment for the endorsement sought. Such assessments for any individual seeking initial licensure through an alternate route with an endorsement in early/primary education preschool through grade three, elementary education preschool through grade six, special education general curriculum kindergarten through grade 12, special education deaf and hard of hearing preschool through grade 12, or special education blindness/visual impairments preschool through grade 12 or as a reading specialist shall include a rigorous test of science-based reading research and evidence-based literacy instruction; and
228	238
229	239		4. Met the requirements set forth in subdivisions D 1 and 3.
230	240
231	241		J. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the Board (i) may provide for the issuance of a provisional license, valid for a period not to exceed three years, pursuant to subdivision D 5 or to any person who does not meet the requirements of this section or any other requirement for licensure imposed by law; (ii) shall provide for the issuance of a provisional license, valid for a period not to exceed three years, to any former member of the Armed Forces of the United States or the Virginia National Guard who has received an honorable discharge and has the appropriate level of experience or training but does not meet the requirements for a renewable license; and (iii) may provide for the issuance of a provisional license, valid for a period not to exceed three years, to any individual who has held within the last five years a valid and officially issued and recognized license or certification to teach issued by an entity outside of the United States but does not meet the requirements for a renewable license if the individual's license or certification to teach has been evaluated and verified by an entity approved by the Department.
232	242
233	243		K. The Board's licensure regulations shall also provide for licensure by reciprocity:
234	244
235	245		1. With comparable endorsement areas for those individuals holding a valid out-of-state teaching license and national certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards or a nationally recognized certification program approved by the Board. The application for such individuals shall require evidence of such valid licensure and national certification and shall not require official student transcripts; and
236	246
237	247		2. For any spouse of an active duty or reserve member of the Armed Forces of the United States or a member of the Virginia National Guard who has obtained a valid out-of-state license, with full credentials and without deficiencies, that is in force at the time the application for a Virginia license is received by the Department. Each such individual shall establish a file in the Department by submitting a complete application packet, which shall include official student transcripts and an official copy of the military permanent assignment orders of the individual's spouse. No service requirements or licensing assessments shall be required for any such individual. The Department shall determine and communicate such individual's eligibility for licensure by reciprocity within 15 business days of receipt of the complete application packet.
238	248
239	249		L. The Board's licensure regulations shall also provide for universal licensure by reciprocity for any individual who holds a valid out-of-state teaching license with full credentials and without deficiencies that has been in force for at least three years prior to and is in force at the time of applications. No services requirements or licensing assessments shall be required for any individual who applies for universal licensure by reciprocity. Any individual who applies for universal licensure by reciprocity shall provide a copy of the individual's out-of-state teaching license that meets the criteria set forth in this subsection. Any such individual shall be subject to the provisions of 22.1-296.2 and 22.1-296.4. The Department shall prioritize applications for universal licensure by reciprocity.
240	250
241	251		M. The Board shall include in its regulations an alternate route to licensure for elementary education preschool through grade six and an alternate route to licensure for special education general curriculum kindergarten through grade 12. Each such alternate route to licensure shall require individuals to (i) meet the qualifying scores on the content area assessment prescribed by the Board for the endorsements sought and (ii) complete an alternative certification program that provides training in the pedagogy and methodology of the respective content or special education areas prescribed by the Board. The curriculum of any such alternative certification program shall be approved by the Board. Nothing in this subsection shall preclude the Board from establishing other alternate routes to licensure.
242	252
243	253		N. The Board, in its regulations providing for licensure by reciprocity established pursuant to subsections K and L, shall (i) permit applicants to submit third-party employment verification forms and (ii) grant special consideration to individuals who have successfully completed a program offered by a provider that is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.
244	254
245	255		O. The Board shall develop guidelines that establish a process to permit a school board or any organization sponsored by a school board to petition the Board for approval of an alternate route to licensure that may be used to meet the requirements for a provisional or renewable license or any endorsement. Any such alternate route may include alternatives to the regulatory requirements for teacher preparation, including alternative professional assessments and coursework. The petitioner may proffer or the Board may impose conditions in conjunction with the approval of such petition.
246	256
247		-	P. A division superintendent or comprehensive community college may issue a locally awarded subject matter expert credential, valid for a period ~~of one year~~, to any individual who has expertise in a content or subject matter area ~~relating to career and technical education~~ in order for such individual to provide instruction or coursework as a part-time or adjunct instructor in ~~one career and technical education~~ course ~~per semester~~ in grades six through 12 at any public school in the Commonwealth or at a comprehensive community college in the Commonwealth, including dual enrollment or concurrent enrollment courses. ~~Nothing in this section shall be construed to allow the hiring of an individual issued a locally awarded subject matter expert credential instead of an individual holding a valid teaching license.~~ For a candidate applying for a locally awarded subject matter expert credential to provide instruction or coursework in a ~~career and technical education~~ subject or course, expertise in a corresponding ~~career and technical education~~ content or subject matter area may be demonstrated through:
	257	+	P. A division superintendent or comprehensive community college may issue a locally awarded subject matter expert credential, valid for a period not to exceed three years, to any individual who has expertise in a content or subject matter area in order for such individual to provide instruction or coursework as a part-time or adjunct instructor in a corresponding non-core subject or course in grades six through 12 at any public school in the Commonwealth or at a comprehensive community college in the Commonwealth, including dual enrollment or concurrent enrollment courses. For a candidate applying for a locally awarded subject matter expert credential to provide instruction or coursework in a non-core subject or course, expertise in a corresponding content or subject matter area may be demonstrated through:
248	258
249		-	1. a. Passage of a content or subject matter area test and possession of a baccalaureate degree, a master's degree, or a doctoral degree from a regionally or nationally accredited public or private institution of higher education in the ~~career and technical education~~ content or subject matter area to be taught;
	259	+	1. a. Passage of a content or subject matter area test and possession of a baccalaureate degree, a master's degree, or a doctoral degree from a regionally or nationally accredited public or private institution of higher education in the non-core content or subject matter area to be taught;
250	260
251		-	b. Possession of (i) the valid professional licensure or (ii) an industry certification credential in the career and technical education content or subject matter area to be taught and submission of written proof of at least five years of full-time work-related experience in such career and technical education content or subject area; or
	261	+	b. Possession of (i) the valid professional licensure in the content or subject matter area to be taught or (ii) an industry certification credential in the career and technical education content or subject matter area to be taught and submission of written proof of at least five years of full-time work-related experience in such content or subject matter area or career and technical education content or subject area; or
252	262
253		-	c. Submission of written proof of full-time employment at a regionally or nationally accredited public or private institution of higher education during which the individual successfully taught courses relevant to the ~~career and technical education~~ content or subject matter area for at least five years; and
	263	+	c. Submission of written proof of full-time employment at a regionally or nationally accredited public or private institution of higher education during which the individual successfully taught courses relevant to the content or subject matter area for at least five years; and
254	264
255	265		2. Submission of written proof of the completion of two microcredentials established and administered by the Department, one of which shall be in the unique learning needs of special education students and the other of which shall be in classroom management and lesson planning.
256	266
257		-	Q. No individual who seeks a locally awarded subject matter expert credential pursuant to subsection P shall be required, as a condition of the issuance of such credential, to demonstrate professional knowledge proficiency except as otherwise required in subsection P. School divisions and institutions of higher education may hire individuals possessing a subject matter expert credential as a part-time or adjunct instructor to teach ~~career and technical education~~ subjects or courses. Any such individual shall be subject to a background clearance check and the provisions of 22.1-296.2 and 22.1-296.4 and have no pending disciplinary actions or investigations. The employing school board or institution of higher education shall assign a mentor to supervise any individual issued a ~~one~~-year locally awarded subject matter expert credential during such individual's employment at the public school and shall pay such mentor a stipend in an amount equal to two percent of his annual salary as compensation for such additional professional responsibility. Such mentor shall be an individual employed by a school board in a Standards of Quality-funded position and such stipend shall be subject to a state match through the Standards of Quality.
	267	+	Q. No individual who seeks a locally awarded subject matter expert credential pursuant to subsection P shall be required, as a condition of the issuance of such credential, to demonstrate professional knowledge proficiency except as otherwise required in subsection P. School divisions and institutions of higher education may hire individuals possessing a subject matter expert credential as a part-time or adjunct instructor to teach non-core subjects or courses. Any such individual shall be subject to a background clearance check and the provisions of 22.1-296.2 and 22.1-296.4 and have no pending disciplinary actions or investigations. The employing school board or institution of higher education shall assign a mentor to supervise any individual issued a three-year locally awarded subject matter expert credential during such individual's first two years of employment at the public school and shall pay such mentor a stipend in an amount equal to two percent of his annual salary as compensation for such additional professional responsibility. Such mentor shall be an individual employed by a school board in a Standards of Quality-funded position and such stipend shall be subject to a state match through the Standards of Quality.
258	268
259	269		R. Locally awarded subject matter expert credentials shall be nontransferable from school division to school division, provided that nothing in this section shall prohibit a division superintendent from awarding such a credential to a candidate who is transferring from a different school division in which he held such credential and who meets the requirements set forth in subsection P.
260	270
261		-	S. Upon the expiration of a subject matter expert credential, the division superintendent may extend for a period ~~of one year~~ such locally awarded subject matter expert credential for any individual who receives satisfactory performance evaluations.
	271	+	S. Upon the expiration of a subject matter expert credential, the division superintendent may extend for a period not to exceed three additional years such locally awarded subject matter expert credential for any individual who receives satisfactory performance evaluations for each year of the original three-year locally awarded subject matter credential.
262	272
263	273		T. Any individual issued a locally awarded subject matter credential pursuant to subsection P shall not be eligible for continuing contract status while employed under such credential and shall be subject to the probationary terms of employment specified in 22.1-303.
264	274
265	275		U. Each school board shall annually report to the Department the number of locally awarded subject matter expert credentials issued pursuant to this section.