January 5, 2022
Due to the number of inquiries on the reading requirement, we are sending this information out again to provide clarification. Please refer to the information below.
For any teacher who has to renew June 30, 2022, please visit the DCPS certification page https://dcps.duvalschools.org/Page/27283 for specific instructions on the renewal credit information and how to apply.
NEW LEGISLATION– According to 6A-4.0051, F.A.C., for renewal or reinstatement of Professional Certificates with a beginning validity date of July 1, 2020, or thereafter, educators with subject area coverages which provide reading instruction or intervention to any K-6 students will be required to earn a minimum of two college credits, or the equivalent in-service points (40 in-service points) in the use of explicit, systematic and sequential approaches to reading instruction, developing phonemic awareness and implementing multisensory intervention strategies. This requirement of two college credits, or the equivalent in-service points (40 in-service points) is required for the following subject area coverages:
- Elementary Education (K-6)
- Prekindergarten/Primary Education (age 3 through grade 3)
- Elementary Education (grades 1-6)
- Primary Education (grades K-3)
- English (grades 1-6)
- Middle Grades English (grades 5-9)
- Middle Grades Integrated Curriculum (grades 5-9)
- English (grades 6-12)
- Reading (K-12)
- Reading (Endorsement)
- English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) (grades K-12)
Note: This legislation is in effect for those educators whose validity period begins July 1, 2020 and thereafter. Educators who must renew their certificates between 2022-2024 have a validity period which begins prior to July 1, 2020, so this requirement does not apply. The first group of educators who will be impacted and required to obtain this credit will be those who have a validity period of July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. If I am certified in Mathematics (grades 6-12) only, is the 40-point reading requirement for me?
No, refer to the specific subject area coverages above. Mathematics (grades 6-12) is not included in the list.
2. If I am certified in Elementary Education (K-6), but I only teach 4th grade math, do I still need the 40 points of reading?
Yes, if a teacher is certified in any of the areas listed, the 40-point reading requirement applies to them.
3. I must renew my certificate by June 30, 2023. Do I have to take the 40-point reading requirement?
For anyone who must renew 2022, 2023, or 2024, this requirement does not apply. The requirement goes into effect for anyone with a validity period beginning July 1, 2020 and thereafter for the subject area coverages listed.
4. What courses can I take to fulfill this requirement?
The DTU Beginning Reading 1 course is an approved course with the district. This course is 40 points and is currently being offered. Refer to the Professional Development department with DCPS, https://dcps.duvalschools.org/Page/16637 for other course offerings or for information on in-service (registration, seeing if they have enough credit, interpreting their point transcript).
For any certification questions, please refer to the DCPS certification office. You can email [email protected].
REMINDER: For any teacher who has to renew June 30, 2022, please visit the DCPS certification page https://dcps.duvalschools.org/Page/27283 for specific instructions on the renewal credit information and how to apply.