MINNESOTA BOARD OF TEACHING
`
In order to help facilitate a smooth transition to new licensure rules and tests, we have
created this Handbook for our higher education colleagues. Please let us know how we
can assist you as you make the necessary changes on your campus.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Rules Impacted
General Timeline for Rule Implementation
New Statutory Requirements re: Reading
Candidate Impact
 Candidates who complete before 9-1-2010
 Candidates who complete between 9-1-2010 and 9-1-2012
 Candidates admitted into a program on or after 9-1-2010
Additional Testing Guidance
 Reading endorsements, Dance, Preprimary, Library Media
Specialist, Computer, Keyboarding and Related Technology
Program Review and Approval Processes
 Submission Timelines
 Submission Requirements
 BOT Review Processes
RIPA Moratorium & Revised Procedures
BOT Support
PAGE
2
3
4
5-6
7-8
9
10
11
12-13
14
15-16
17
Note: Throughout this document you will see references to MTLE, which stands for
MINNESOTA TEACHER LICENSURE EXAMINATIONS
and is the name of the new testing program that will launch on September 1, 2010.
1
RULES IMPACTED
RULE
NUMBER
RULE TITLE
BOT INITIATIVE
AREA(S)
Revised Rules
8710.0200
Fees
Technical Change
Technology, Technical
Change
Reading
Reading, Middle Level
Reading
Reading
Reading
Reading
Reading
Reading
Technology
Reading, Technology
Reading
Reading
Reading
Reading
Reading, Technical
Change
Reading
Reading
Reading
8710.2000
8710.3000
8710.3200
8710.4000
8710.4050
8710.4200
8710.4250
8710.4450
8710.4500
8710.4525
8710.4550
8710.4600
8710.4650
8710.4700
8710.4725
Standards of Effective Practice for Teachers
Teachers of Early Childhood Education
Teachers of Elementary Education with a Specialty
Teachers of Adult Basic Education
Teachers of Agricultural Education
Teachers of Business
Teachers of Communication Arts and Literature
Teachers of Family and Consumer Sciences
Teachers of Health
Teachers of Keyboarding for Computer Applications
Library Media Specialists
Teachers of Mathematics
Teachers of Vocal Music and of Instrumental Music
Teachers of Physical Education
Teachers of Reading
8710.4750
8710.4800
8710.4850
8710.4900
8710.7200
Teachers of Science
Teachers of Social Studies
Teachers of Technology
Teachers of Visual Arts
Clock Hours; Requirements for Renewal of Professional
Licenses
8710.3300
Repealed Rule
Middle Level Licensure in Academic Specialty
Middle Level
8710.3310
8710.3320
8710.3330
8710.3340
8710.3350
8710.3360
8710.4925
Newly Established Rules
Middle Level Endorsement License in Communication
Arts and Literature
Middle Level Endorsement License in Mathematics
Middle Level Endorsement License in Social Studies
Middle Level Endorsement License in General Science
Preprimary Endorsement License
K-8 World Language and Culture Endorsement License
Reading Leader
Middle Level, Reading
Middle Level, Reading
Middle Level, Reading
Middle Level, Reading
Middle Level
Middle Level
Reading
Technology
2
GENERAL TIMELINE FOR RULE IMPLEMENTATION
2009
Summer
BOT action to adopt new rules
Academic Year
Program changes made at all institutions
2010
January 1 – May 31
Program approval submission window
Board action to approve programs (ongoing) – see page 11
Note: The BOT strongly recommends submitting
programs by March 31.
July 24
Final test administration for ETS content, pedagogy and
paper/pencil-based basic skills tests
July 31
All program reviews must be completed
August 6
Last opportunity for Board action to approve programs
August 31
Final test administration for ETS computerized basic skills
tests
September 1
MTLE tests operational; ETS tests no longer available
Revised and approved programs launched
3
STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS, re: READING
The 2009 Legislature enacted the following language in MS 122A.09, Subdivision 4:
The rules under this paragraph also must require candidates for initial licenses to
teach prekindergarten or elementary students to successfully complete, as part of
the examination of licensure-specific teaching skills, test items assessing the
candidates' knowledge, skill, and ability in comprehensive, scientifically based
reading instruction under section 122A.06, subdivision 4, and their knowledge
and understanding of the foundations of reading development, the development of
reading comprehension, and reading assessment and instruction, and their ability
to integrate that knowledge and understanding.
EFFECTIVE DATE. This section is effective the day following final enactment
and applies to teacher candidates beginning February 1, 2012.
Existing language in MS 122A.06, Subdivision 4, was also amended & expanded:
Comprehensive, scientifically based reading instruction. (a) "Comprehensive,
scientifically based reading instruction" includes a program or collection of
instructional practices that is based on valid, replicable evidence showing that when
these programs or practices are used, students can be expected to achieve, at a
minimum, satisfactory reading progress. The program or collection of practices must
include, at a minimum, effective, balanced instruction in all five areas of reading:
phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary development, and reading
comprehension. Comprehensive, scientifically based reading instruction also
includes and integrates instructional strategies for continuously assessing,
evaluating, and communicating the student's reading progress and needs in order to
design and implement ongoing interventions so that students of all ages and
proficiency levels can read and comprehend text and apply higher level thinking
skills.
(b) "Fluency" is the ability of students to read text with speed, accuracy, and
proper expression.
(c) "Phonemic awareness" is the ability of students to notice, think about, and
manipulate individual sounds in spoken syllables and words.
(d) "Phonics" is the understanding that there are systematic and predictable
relationships between written letters and spoken words. Phonics instruction is a way
of teaching reading that stresses learning how letters correspond to sounds and how
to apply this knowledge in reading and spelling.
(e) "Reading comprehension" is an active process that requires intentional
thinking during which meaning is constructed through interactions between text and
reader. Comprehension skills are taught explicitly by demonstrating, explaining,
modeling, and implementing specific cognitive strategies to help beginning readers
derive meaning through intentional, problem-solving thinking processes.
(f) "Vocabulary development" is the process of teaching vocabulary both directly
and indirectly, with repetition and multiple exposures to vocabulary items. Learning
in rich contexts, incidental learning, and use of computer technology enhance the
acquiring of vocabulary.
(g) Nothing in this subdivision limits the authority of a school district to select a
school's reading program or curriculum.
4
CANDIDATE IMPACT:
Candidates who complete a preparation program
before September 1, 2010
Coursework and field experiences
 Must be prepared under the current licensure structure and standards.
Testing
 Must take the current licensure tests through ETS.
o Passing scores from ETS Basic Skills tests will be recognized until
December 31, 2015.
o Passing scores from ETS Content and Pedagogy tests will be recognized
until August 31, 2012.
 Beginning September 1, 2010, new MTLE licensure tests will be aligned to the
new standards. If a candidate does not pass the required tests before September 1,
2010, he will have to take the new MTLE tests, which may contain standards that
were not included in their licensure program.
o However, if a candidate takes the MTLE test containing new reading
standards between September 1, 2010, and February 1, 2012, the score for
the new reading portion will not be factored into the passing score. (Note:
Test items relating to old reading standards will be factored in.)
o If a candidate has not passed the licensure test prior to February 1, 2012,
he will be held to the new reading standards.
K-6 Candidates
 K-6 candidates must continue to meet the specialty area requirements, including
coursework and field experiences.
 K-6 candidates must make at least one attempt to pass the corresponding specialty
area test.
 If a candidate attempts the test but is not successful, he can apply for a limited
license for the 2009-2010 school year to teach in a K-6 setting. Beginning July 1,
2010, he will be able to apply for a stand-alone K-6 license. The candidate may
take the specialty area test to earn the endorsement at a later time if he chooses
but will be held to the new requirements beginning September 1, 2012, including
additional coursework and student teaching.
Candidate Advising
 Licensure rules are changing; licensure tests available after September 1, 2010,
will be aligned to new reading and technology standards. If you choose not to take
the licensure tests prior to September 1, 2010, or if you do not pass the test before
September 1, 2010, the test you take in the future may contain reading and
technology standards that were not included in your licensure program.
o However, if you take the MTLE test between September 1, 2010, and
February 1, 2012, the score relating to the new reading standards will not
be factored into the passing score. Test items relating to old reading
standards will be factored in.
5




Beginning February 1, 2012, all reading test items will be factored into the
passing score.
If you have not applied for licensure prior to September 1, 2012, you will be held
to all new licensure standards and testing requirements.
K-6 Candidates: If you want to have a specialty area license but have not passed
the test, you must pass it by August 31, 2012. If you have not passed it by that
time, you will be held to new licensure standards and requirements; this means
you could be required to complete additional coursework, student teaching, or
field experiences.
It is very important to apply for licensure before August 31, 2012;
beginning September 1, 2012, no licensure recommendations will
be accepted reflecting coursework from old programs.
6
CANDIDATE IMPACT:
Candidates in the pipeline who complete a preparation program
between September 1, 2010 and August 31, 2012
Coursework and field experiences
 Institutions may continue to offer their current licensure programs through August
31, 2012. Recommendations for licensure under OLD licensure rules will be
accepted until August 31, 2012. Beginning September 1, 2012, only
recommendations for licensure based on new rules will be processed.
 It is assumed that institutions may simultaneously offer both old and new
licensure programs. However, we will allow candidates to apply for licensure
under the old licensure rules until August 31, 2012.
Testing
 Prior to September 1, 2010, candidates will take the ETS basic skills, content, and
pedagogy tests.
o A passing score on ETS tests (basic skills, content, pedagogy) will be
accepted until December 31, 2015.
 Beginning September 1, 2010, candidates will take the MTLE basic skills,
content, and pedagogy tests.
o A passing score on MTLE tests (basic skills, content, pedagogy) will be
accepted beginning September 1, 2010.
 Test scores will be disaggregated by test strand to ensure that the teachers are held
harmless for the content that is not provided in their preparation programs.
Specifically, the following strands will not be factored into the passing score:
o Standards of Effective Practice: technology standards – until August 31,
2012.
o Content areas: reading standards – until August 31, 2012.
o Early Childhood and K-6: NEW reading standards – until February 1,
2012. (Note: Test items relating to old reading standards will be counted.)
See page 4 for new statutory requirements, re: reading.
K-6 Candidates enrolled in an old program:
 Must continue to meet the specialty area requirements under old rules.
 K-6 candidates will not be required to take the specialty area test. While it is
strongly encouraged, taking the test for licensure in the specialty area is optional.
 If a candidate attempts the test but is not successful, he/she can apply for a standalone K-6 license and may take the test to earn the endorsement at a later time;
beginning September 1, 2012, all candidates will be held to the new requirements
including additional coursework and student teaching.
K-6 Candidates enrolled in a revised and approved K-6 program
 Are not required to earn a specialty area endorsement, although may be
encouraged to do so if the institution has approval to offer endorsement programs.
7
Candidate Advising
 Test items relating to the new reading standards will be disaggregated until
January 31, 2012. (Test items relating to old reading standards will be counted.)
Any test taken on or after February 1, 2012, will not have these items
disaggregated and you will be held responsible for them.
 It is critical to apply for licensure by August 31, 2012. Beginning on September
1, 2012, you will be held to the new licensure requirements (ie: additional
coursework, student teaching, clinical experiences, etc.)
 If you have not applied for licensure prior to September 1, 2012, you will be held
to the new licensure standards and testing requirements.
 Again … if you are in an old licensure program, it is very
important to finish and apply for licensure before August 31,
2012; beginning September 1, 2012, no licensure
recommendations will be accepted reflecting coursework from old
programs.
8
CANDIDATE IMPACT:
Candidates admitted into a preparation program and
beginning coursework on or after September 1, 2010
Coursework and field experiences
 Candidates must be prepared under the new licensure structure and standards in
programs that have been approved by the Board of Teaching.
Testing
 A candidate can take either ETS or MTLE basic skills tests:
o Prior to September 1, 2010, candidates will take the ETS basic skills tests.
A passing score on the ETS basic skills tests will be accepted until
December 31, 2015.*
o Beginning September 1, 2010, candidates will take the MTLE basic skills
tests. A passing score on the MTLE basic skills tests will be accepted
beginning September 1, 2010.
 Candidates must take the new MTLE licensure tests for content knowledge and
pedagogy.
* Note: The Board of Teaching will reexamine this expiration date prior
to September 1, 2010; institutions will be notified if it is changed.
K-6 Candidates
 Must be prepared under the new licensure structure; a specialty area is NOT
required, but is an option at institutions that have approved programs.*
* Notes regarding the specialty areas:
1. Preprimary and K-8 World Language programs do not need further approval
from the BOT. Institutions that are currently approved to offer these programs
may continue to offer these programs.
2. All 5-8 Middle Level programs must be reviewed and approved by the BOT.
 Institutions that are currently approved to offer these programs as an
endorsement (beyond the specialty area tied to K-6) must submit
amended PEPER documents.
 Institutions that currently only have approval to offer these in
conjunction with the K-6 program must submit a RIPA and have BOT
approval prior to offering these programs.
Candidate Advising
 While the specialty area will no longer be a requirement for K-6 candidates, it
may be beneficial for candidates to earn an endorsement along with the standalone K-6 license.
9
ADDITIONAL TESTING GUIDANCE
Reading Endorsements
Reading Leader
 The new Reading Leader endorsement will be available on September 1, 2010; a
corresponding test may be developed at a later date.
Teacher of Reading
 Beginning September 1, 2010, the test for the Teacher of Reading endorsement
will reflect the new standards.
 Prior to September 1, 2010, the BOT will determine how to address testing issues
relating to candidates in the pipeline who are prepared under current standards.
 A passing score from the ETS test will be accepted until December 31, 2015.
Library Media Specialists
 Beginning September 1, 2010, the test will reflect the new standards.
 Prior to September 1, 2010, the BOT will determine how to address testing issues
relating to candidates in the pipeline who are prepared under current standards.
 Until August 31, 2012, the reading portion of the new test will be disaggregated
and not counted in the passing score.
 A passing score from the ETS test will be accepted until December 31, 2015.
Computer, Keyboarding and Related Technology
 No test currently exists. However, a test is being developed and will be
operational September 1, 2010.
 Prior to September 1, 2010, the BOT will determine how to address testing issues
relating to candidates in the pipeline who are prepared under current standards.
Dance
 No test currently exists. However, a test is being developed and will be
operational September 1, 2010.
 A passing score will be required for anyone recommended for licensure beginning
September 1, 2010.
Preprimary
 No test currently exists. However, a test is being developed and will be
operational September 1, 2010.
 A passing score will be required for anyone recommended for licensure beginning
September 1, 2010.
10
PROGRAM REVIEW AND APPROVAL PROCESSES:
SUBMISSION TIMELINES
Program
submission to
BOT
Jan. 1 – 31
Initial BOT
review (see p.14)
completed by
February 28
Earliest BOT
approval
Additional
reviews
available
March
April
May
June
July
Additional
BOT approval
opportunities
April
May
June
July
August
Feb. 1 – 28
March 31
April
April
May
June
July
May
June
July
August
March 1 – 31
April 30
May
May
June
July
June
July
August
April 1 – 30
May 31
June
June
July
July
August
May 1 – 31
June 30
July
July
August
March
Note: The BOT strongly recommends submitting revised program reports by March 31.
If a program report requires clarification, the amended report must be received by
June 30, 2010 to be reviewed by July 31, 2010, and be placed on the Board’s agenda for
approval in August, 2010. Programs that have not received August Board approval will
be placed on conditional approval with a timeline for discontinuation which will allow
one final opportunity for resubmission.
It is strongly recommended that institutions submit their revised reports by
March 31 in order to ensure that clarifications can be provided as needed and that the
programs can be approved by August, 2010.
11
PROGRAM REVIEW AND APPROVAL PROCESSES:
SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Reading standards for 5-12, 5-8, 9-12 and K-12 licensure fields: PEPER form I-D (new
standards only)
Note: If a stand-alone “Reading in the Content Area” course is required in these
programs, a syllabus may be submitted and the I-D requirement will be waived. The
syllabus must be detailed enough to demonstrate that the topics covered in this course
meet the new reading standards and to reflect differentiated instruction / application of
knowledge to various licensure disciplines; the BOT reserves the right to require a form
I-D if the syllabus alone is insufficient. If a syllabus is for a new course, then a new form
I-B must also be submitted.
Reading standards for Early Childhood and K-6: PEPER form I-D (new standards only)
Clinical experience for Early Childhood and K-6: PEPER form III
… demonstrating “the ability to administer selected assessments and analyze and use
data to plan instruction through a structured clinical experience linked to university
reading coursework.”
Minor equivalence for middle level: PEPER form I-B: List of Program Courses
Note: As a general principle, we believe that a minimum of 15 semester hours are needed
to fulfill these content standards as an equivalent of a minor. However, all submissions
will be reviewed objectively and independently.
Student teaching for middle level: PEPER form III
… demonstrating a minimum 4 week student teaching experience. If the candidate is
earning an endorsement to a 7-12 license, the student teaching must be in grades 5 or 6;
if the candidate is earning an endorsement to an elementary license, the student teaching
must be in grades 7 or 8.
Additional notes, re: Middle Level endorsements:
 Approval of middle level specialty areas in conjunction with K-6 programs is NOT the
same as approval under 8710.3300. Form I-B (minor equivalence) and Form III (student
teaching) are required ONLY from institutions that are currently approved under
Minnesota Rule 8710.3300 to offer stand-alone middle level endorsement programs and
that wish to continue offering these endorsements.
 Institutions that do not currently have approval to offer stand-alone middle level
endorsement programs under 8710.3300 must submit a full RIPA prior to offering these
programs. Again, please note: Approval of middle level specialty areas in conjunction
with K-6 programs is NOT the same as approval under 8710.3300.
Technology standards in the Standards of Effective Practice: PEPER form I-D
Library Media Specialist: Amended PEPER form I-D; Form I-B if required courses are
being changed
Computer, Keyboarding and Related Technology: Amended PEPER form I-D; Form I-B if
required courses are being changed
Teacher of Reading endorsement: Amended PEPER form I-D; Form I-B if required courses
are being changed
12
Reading Leader endorsement: RIPA
Preprimary endorsement: No program re-approval is needed for institutions who already offer
those programs, as there are no proposed changes in these areas.
K-8 World Language and Culture endorsement: No program re-approval is needed for
institutions who already offer those programs, as there are no proposed changes in these areas.
RULE
NUMBER
8710.2000
8710.3000
8710.3200
8710.4000
8710.4050
8710.4200
8710.4250
8710.4450
8710.4500
8710.4525
8710.4550
8710.4600
8710.4650
8710.4700
8710.4725
8710.4750
8710.4800
8710.4850
8710.4900
RULE TITLE
Proposed Rules for Revision
Standards of Effective Practice for Teachers
Teachers of Early Childhood Education
Teachers of Elementary Education with a Specialty
Teachers of Adult Basic Education
Teachers of Agricultural Education
Teachers of Business
Teachers of Communication Arts and Literature
Teachers of Family and Consumer Sciences
Teachers of Health
Teachers of Keyboarding for Computer Applications
8710.3310
Library Media Specialists
Teachers of Mathematics
Teachers of Vocal Music and of Instrumental Music
Teachers of Physical Education
Teachers of Reading
Teachers of Science
Teachers of Social Studies
Teachers of Technology
Teachers of Visual Arts
Proposed Rule for Repeal
Middle Level Licensure in Academic Specialty
Proposed Rules for Establishment
Middle Level Endorsement License in Communication
Arts and Literature
8710.3320
Middle Level Endorsement License in Mathematics
8710.3330
Middle Level Endorsement License in Social Studies
8710.3340
8710.3350
8710.3360
8710.4925
Middle Level Endorsement License in General Science
Preprimary Endorsement License
K-8 World Language and Culture Endorsement License
Reading Leader
8710.3300
REQUIRED
DOCUMENTS
Form I-D
Form III, Form I-D
Form III, Form I-D
Form I-D (Syllabus option*)
Form I-D (Syllabus option*)
Form I-D (Syllabus option*)
Form I-D (Syllabus option*)
Form I-D (Syllabus option*)
Form I-D (Syllabus option*)
Form I-B,Amended Form I-D
Form I-B,Amended Form I-D
Form I-D for reading
standards (Syllabus option*)
Form I-D (Syllabus option*)
Form I-D (Syllabus option*)
Form I-D (Syllabus option*)
Form I-B,Amended Form I-D
Form I-D (Syllabus option*)
Form I-D (Syllabus option*)
Form I-D (Syllabus option*)
Form I-D (Syllabus option*)
See 8710.3310-8710.3340
Form I-B, Form III, Form I-D
(Syllabus option*)
Form I-B, Form III, Form I-D
(Syllabus option*)
Form I-B, Form III, Form I-D
(Syllabus option*)
Form I-B, Form III, Form I-D
(Syllabus option*)
N/A
N/A
RIPA
* Note: If a syllabus is for a new course, then a new form I-B must also be submitted.
All forms are available online at:
http://education.state.mn.us/MDE/Teacher_Support/Board_of_Teaching/Institution
al_Reports/Report_Grids/index.html
13
PROGRAM REVIEW AND APPROVAL PROCESSES:
BOT REVIEW PROCESSES
The Board of Teaching is bound by language in Minnesota Rule 8700.7600 regarding who may
review program submissions. In compliance with the rule, reviews will be conducted by content
experts (practicing teachers and higher education faculty) and by BOT staff.
Program Review and Approval Conducted by Reading Experts
8710.3000
Teachers of Early Childhood Education
8710.3200
Teachers of Elementary Education
Middle Level Endorsement License in Communication
8710.3310
Arts and Literature
8710.3320
Middle Level Endorsement License in Mathematics
8710.3330
Middle Level Endorsement License in Social Studies
8710.3340
Middle Level Endorsement License in General Science
8710.4000
Teachers of Adult Basic Education
8710.4050
Teachers of Agricultural Education
8710.4200
Teachers of Business
8710.4250
Teachers of Communication Arts and Literature
8710.4450
Teachers of Family and Consumer Sciences
8710.4500
Teachers of Health
8710.4600
Teachers of Mathematics
8710.4650
Teachers of Vocal Music and of Instrumental Music
8710.4700
Teachers of Physical Education
8710.4750
Teachers of Science
8710.4800
Teachers of Social Studies
8710.4850
Teachers of Technology
8710.4900
Teachers of Visual Arts
8710.4725
Teachers of Reading
8710.4925
Reading Leader
8710.2000
8710.4525
8710.4550
8710.3310
8710.3320
8710.3330
8710.3340
Review and Approval Conducted Internally
Standards of Effective Practice for Teachers
Teachers of Keyboarding for Computer Applications
Library Media Specialists
Middle Level Endorsement License in Communication
Arts and Literature
Middle Level Endorsement License in Mathematics
Middle Level Endorsement License in Social Studies
Middle Level Endorsement License in General Science
Review and Approval Conducted by External Content Experts
Middle Level Endorsement License in Communication
8710.3310
Arts and Literature
8710.3320
Middle Level Endorsement License in Mathematics
8710.3330
Middle Level Endorsement License in Social Studies
8710.3340
Middle Level Endorsement License in General Science
* Note: If a syllabus is for a new course, then a new form I-B must also be submitted.
14
RIPA (Request for Initial Program Approval) MORATORIUM
AND REVISED PROCEDURES
A temporary moratorium on all RIPA submissions was enacted from June 15, 2009,
until August 1, 2009.
Between June 15, 2009, and the first submission period, only RIPAs where there has
been prior documented correspondence with JoAnn Van Aernum will be accepted.
New guidelines are necessary for several reasons:
1. A significant increase in the volume of RIPAs submitted over the last year.
2. The current practice of rolling submissions has created challenges for us in
finding reviewers when the submissions overlap with times when we are using
many of our reviewers for portfolios and PEPERs.
3. Several recent RIPAs have required numerous reviews, which has become timeintensive and cost-prohibitive for the Board.
4. The submission windows will allow us to better focus our staff and reviewer
resources, and provide more targeted attention to the RIPA reviews.
Please note that this moratorium does NOT apply to middle level
programs that were previously approved as specialty areas and are now
being reviewed for approval as an endorsement program.
15
RIPA GUIDELINES
Beginning July 20, 2009, the following guidelines will govern the RIPA process:
Submission Windows
RIPAs will no longer be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. Rather, there will be
three submission periods in each calendar year. The 2009-2010 windows will be:
August 1-31
December 1-31
May 1-31
Review Process
Following the initial review of the RIPA, if clarifications are needed, the institution may
submit an amended report for second review. If the clarified report does not provide the
evidence needed for reviewers to validate each standard, the application will be denied
and returned to the college as “not recommended for approval” and will not be accepted
for review again for a minimum of 12 months. (If the second review reveals deficiencies
that are purely technical in nature, it is possible to have additional clarifications
submitted.) Further submissions for this licensure field will not be accepted for a
minimum of twelve months.
Institutional Planning
Institutions should plan to submit a RIPA application one year prior to the intended
launch of the licensure program. Upon submission of a program application, reviewers
with expertise in the content area will be assigned to review the materials and asked to
complete their review within four to six weeks of receiving the documents.
“Recommended” programs will be forwarded to the Board of Teaching for approval,
following which you will receive a letter of approval. While it typically does not take a
full twelve months to complete the program approval process, this timeline allows for the
realities of processing time, an initial review, clarifications to be submitted (which may
require making significant changes from the original submission), a second review, and
time for unexpected delays.
Institutions should neither advertise nor enroll candidates in licensure
programs until the program has obtained final Board of Teaching approval.
Questions about the new guidelines should be directed to JoAnn Van Aernum at
joann.vanaernum@state.mn.us or 651.582.8866.
16
BOT SUPPORT
With so many changes in standards and testing affecting teacher education programs, we
recognize that there are many moving parts and that it can be a complicated transition
process. It is our sincere hope to support you as best we can through this transition. We
are happy to provide assistance in the following ways:


Answer questions via phone or email.
Carol Knicker
carol.knicker@state.mn.us
JoAnn Van Aernum joann.vanaernum@state.mn.us
651.582.8885
651.582.8866
Schedule an on-site presentation or meeting with faculty members.
For more information about scheduling a meeting on your campus, please
contact Carol Knicker at carol.knicker@state.mn.us or 651.582.8885.
All forms are available online at:
http://education.state.mn.us/MDE/Teacher_Support/Board_of_Teaching/Institution
al_Reports/Report_Grids/index.html
17