LAC 28:CXXXI.1309. Requirements to add Elementary (Grades 1-5)

A. Individuals holding a valid early childhood certificate for PK-K or PK-3 must achieve the following: 1. earn a passing score for Praxis—Elementary Education in accordance with §303 of this Part; 2. earn a passing score for Praxis—Principles of Learning and Teaching K-6 exam; and 3. complete nine semester hours in the teaching of reading and literacy, or other literacy options as outlined in §1301 of this Chapter in alignment with the literacy foundations competencies. 4. Beginning September 1, 2024, an applicant applying for certification to teach kindergarten through third grade shall pass the BESE-approved Teaching of Reading: Elementary or Teaching of Reading: Elementary Subtest exam in accordance with §303 of this Part. B. Individuals holding a valid upper elementary or middle school certificate for grade levels 4-8, 5-8, and 6-8, secondary certificate grade levels 6-12, 7-12, or 9-12, special education certificate, or all-level K-12 certificate for art, dance, foreign language, health, physical education, health and physical education, theater, or music must achieve the following: 1. earn passing score for Praxis—Elementary Education in accordance with §303 of this Part or accumulate 12 semester hours in each subject area of mathematics, science, ELA, and social studies; 2. earn a passing score for Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching K-6 exam; and 3. complete nine semester hours in the teaching of reading and literacy, or other literacy options as outlined in §1301 of this Chapter in alignment with the literacy foundations competencies. 4. Beginning September 1, 2024, an applicant applying for certification to teach kindergarten through third grade shall pass the BESE-approved Teaching of Reading: Elementary or Teaching of Reading: Elementary Subtest exam in accordance with §303 of this Part.