200-RICR-20-20-1. Regulations Governing the Certification of Educators in Rhode Island (version Adoption, 09/22/2005 to 01/01/2012)

RHODE ISLAND REQUIREMENTS FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL ENDORSEMENT This middle level endorsement is valid for service in grades 5-8 in a middle school in the content areas of mathematics, English, science, social studies, or foreign languages. It is also valid for service in grades 7 & 8 in a junior high school. Special subjects teachers, elementary/middle special educators and middle/secondary special educators are permitted to teach their specific areas in a middle school without the need to obtain a middle level endorsement. However, such teachers who desire to teach a content area as defined below must obtain the middle level endorsement by completing all requirements. Any member of an interdisciplinary instructional team may lead integrated instruction provided that other members of the team are certified in each content area taught by the team. The purpose of integrated instruction is to serve the best interests of students-not to dilute certification requirements. Therefore, these regulations specifically prohibit an individual from providing instruction in an area beyond his/her certification if that instruction is not provided as part of an interdisciplinary team. REQUIREMENTS FOR A MIDDLE LEVEL ENDORSEMENT: A. A valid Rhode Island elementary, secondary, special subjects, elementary/middle special educator, or middle/secondary special educator certificate B. Completion of an approved college program of studies designed for the preparation of middle level educators, to include collaboratively supervised field experience(s) which ensure the attainment of the following competencies: 1. Create a learning environment that demonstrates an understanding of the emotional, social, physical and psychological development of the middle level student. 2. Work effectively as a member of an interdisciplinary team 3. Encourage and support the development of the middle level student through appropriate advising. 4. Work collaboratively with colleagues, parents and administrators 5. Facilitate student learning within and across disciplines through the integration of curriculum 6. Utilize organizational and grouping strategies to provide for the needs of the middle level student 7. Use a variety of instructional and assessment strategies which accommodate the diverse needs and strengths of all students and which are responsive to gender, language and cultural differences. 8. Design and implement instructional programs and related activities which create a supportive learning environment for the middle level student. C. A college major, minor or twenty-one (21) semester hours in one of the following academic areas: Mathematics, English, Science, Social Studies, Foreign Language. Within the major, minor or twenty-one (21) semester hour alternative, the following content distribution must be included: 1. Mathematics – to include coursework in algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus and coursework in at least one of the following: discrete mathematics, number theory or statistics/probability. 2. English – to include coursework in writing/composition, American literature, British literature, adolescent literature, and non-western literature. 3. Science – to include coursework in at least three of the following: biology, chemistry, physics, earth/space science, environmental sciences and technology science (engineering and allied disciplines). 4. Social Studies – to include coursework in U.S. History, Western History, a non- western history, and coursework in at least three of the following: anthropology, economics, geography, political science and sociology. 5. Foreign Language – to include coursework in intermediae and advanced grammar and conversation, literature, culture and civilization in each language for which the endorsement is sought. Elementary level coursework will not be accepted toward the total academic requirement. Repetitive coursework will not be counted toward the total academic requirement. (Although not required by these regulations, teachers who are assigned to a middle school are encouraged to obtain endorsements in two content areas to facilitate integration.) Effective 10/1/99 IMPLEMENTATION PROCEDURES 1. As of October 1, 1999, all teachers (except as noted) must obtain the new middle level endorsement to teach in any grade in a middle school. 2. Individuals who hold valid elementary or secondary certificates have until September 1, 1999 to obtain a middle level endorsement under current regulations. 3. As of October 1, 1999, the validity of the provisional, extended provisional and five year professional elementary certificate will be changed to grades 1-6 in an elementary school only. 4. As of October 1, 1999, the validity of the provisional, extended provisional and five year professional secondary certificate will be changed to grades 7-12 in a junior high school/high school only. EXEMPTIONS 1. All teachers who currently hold valid middle level endorsements may teach in a middle school under the validity of their current certification. However, as of October 1, 1999, if such individuals wish to obtain an additional content endorsement, they must meet new regulations. 2. Individuals not holding a middle level endorsement who are currently employed in a middle school may continue to teach in a middle school under the provisions of their then current certificate(s). However, as of October 1, 1999, if such individuals wish to obtain a middle level endorsement, they must meet new regulations. Subsequent to October 1, 1999 if an individual voluntarily leaves a middle school position, that individual is no longer eligible for this exemption in the event that he/she returns to a middle school position. 3. Individuals holding life certification in elementary education as of October 1, 1999 will be permitted to teach in grades 5-6 of a middle school. 4. Individuals holding life certification in secondary education as of October 1, 1999 will be permitted to teach their specific content area in grades 7-8 in a middle school. Effective 10/1/99