LAC 28:CXV.509. Completion of Approved Foundational Literacy Skills Course

A. The LDE shall develop a list of approved professional development courses designed for educators that provide foundational literacy skills instruction based on the science of reading and include information on instructing students regarding phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. 1. Not later than the beginning of the 2023-2024 school year, each teacher and administrator must successfully complete at least one approved professional development course and provide documentation of successful completion of the course to the employing school. A teacher or administrator who provides documentation of completion of an approved professional development program within the five years prior to 2023 shall be considered in compliance with the provisions of this Paragraph. a. For the purposes of this Section, teacher means kindergarten through third grade teacher who teaches reading, math, science, or social studies. b. For the purposes of this Section, administrator means a principal or assistant principal of a school that includes kindergarten through third grade. 2. Any teacher or administrator hired after August 1, 2023, must provide documentation to the employing school of successful completion of an approved professional development course within two years of the date of employment. 3. Beginning May 1, 2022, and annually thereafter, each LEA shall report to the department the number and percentage of teachers and administrators who have successfully completed an approved professional development course. Reported data shall be included in LDE school progress profiles. 4. Waivers to use professional development courses that have not been included in the department list of approved professional development courses must be submitted in writing to the LDE and are subject to approval.