Commission on Teacher and Administrator Education, Certification
And Licensure and Development
Central High Building
Fourth Floor Conference Room
10:00 A.M.
July 9, 2010
Members Attending:
Leon Clay
Dr. Hal Jenkins
Kim LaFontaine
Johnny Donaldson
Cathy Lutz
Robin Herrington
Brian Pearse
Dr. Janice Nicholson
Allison Gross
Jay Carney
Members Absent:
Renee Moore
Dan Brown
Dr. Anthony Morris Dr. Jerry Morgan
MDE Personnel:
Dr. Daphne Buckley
Cindy Coon
Judy Edmonds
Raina Lee
The meeting was called to order by Leon Clay. A quorum was announced. On a motion
by Leon Clay, seconded by Mr. Brian Pearse the Commission approved the agenda. Item
14 was added to the agenda from the original version that was previously mailed to
members.
Item 1.
MDE Update
Dr. Buckley updated the Commission on actions taken by the State Board of Education,
on the Race to the Top proposal, on the progress on the proposed statewide Teacher
Evaluation Instrument and other MDE initiatives. A new Teacher Evaluation instrument
is being developed and will include new ways of evaluating the teacher’s performance.
Some of the things that will be included, in addition to classroom observation is the value
added piece that will tie to student performance and progress.
Item 2. Approval of Bachelor’s Level 5-year Standard License for
Speech/Language Teacher
Cindy Coon gave brief description of this item. The current license for Speech
Pathology, which is called the 215 Speech/Language Clinician, is only granted on the
master’s level per licensure guidelines. The school districts cannot find candidates who
meet these requirements. This school year, many districts will not be able to offer
services to students as required by law. The proposal that the Commission is being asked
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to approve and recommend to the state board is a standard 5-year license on the
bachelor’s level for Speech/Language Teacher with an endorsement code of 216. These
teachers would hold a bachelor’s degree from an approved Speech Pathology or
Communicative Disorder program and pass the Praxis I. The license would limit these
teachers to provide service to students in articulation therapy only and be supervised by a
masters level Speech Pathologist. Mrs. Coon said there was an old endorsement Code
216 that was used in the past for Bachelors level Speech/Language Clinician and she was
asking this endorsement be reinstated to use for this purpose. Motion was made by Dr.
Nicholson to approve and was seconded by Dr. Jenkins. The Commission approved this
item.
Item 3. Approval of Proposal by Mississippi State University to Approve New
Bachelor’s Degree Program in Agricultural Information Science
Ms. Gail Gettis, Director of Teacher and Administrator Preparation at MDE, reminded
the Commission that Mississippi State University currently offers a master’s degree
program in Agriculture Information Science. At the March meeting, MSU made a
presentation requesting approval to also offer a bachelor’s degree program in AIS. The
bachelor’s degree proposal has been reviewed by other vocational program providers and
by MDE Office of Vocational Education. Dr. Kirk Swortzel, Chair of the AIG
department at MSU was present to answer any questions.
Dr. Jenkins made a motion to approve this recommendation and Ms. LaFontaine
seconded. The Commission approved this item.
Item 4. Approval of Proposal by Mississippi State University to Modify their
Elementary Education program
Ms. Gettis introduced the Item 4 from Mississippi State University, proposing to
substitute some courses for their currently approved Elementary Education program. Due
to test result data and Blue Ribbon Committee requirements, MSU wants to remove a
Music course, delete a Child Literature course and add a Middle school Math course, as
well as listing specific courses for the areas of concentration required by the K-6
Elementary degree program. These courses will provide more subject content in these
areas of concentration.
The motion was made by Dr. Nicholson to approve this item and was seconded by Ms.
Herrington. The Commission approved this item.
Item 5.Approval of Proposal by William Carey University to Approve a Bachelor’s
and Masters level Program in Technical and Occupational Education
Ms. Gettis stated the Technical & Occupational Education (TOE) program at the
University of Southern Mississippi has been discontinued due to state budget cuts.
William Carey University is proposing to adopt these programs at their institution so that
vocational education can continue in south Mississippi. At the March meeting,
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representatives from Carey gave a presentation about the development of these two new
degree programs for their university. This proposal has been reviewed by external
evaluators as well as by MDE Office of Vocational Education. MDE gave a response to
the proposal in writing to Carey and several of these issues were addressed at the March
meeting. Many occupational trades instructors at vocational schools have an associate’s
degree from a community college and are already licensed in their trade area. This
program will allow these teachers to complete requirements for a bachelor’s degree and
then, if they choose, a masters. Additionally, several vocational courses offered in this
program are required for specific vocational licenses and endorsements. With these
courses offered at William Carey, it will provide opportunity in south Mississippi for
vocational educators to complete these required courses. Concerns were expressed if this
program would serve the military. Representatives from William Carey responded that
this program would serve the military personal that is trying to go into teaching.
The motion was made by Mr. Carney to approve this item and was seconded by Mr.
Donaldson. The Commission approved this item.
Item 6. Approval of Request by Mississippi College to Modify Education Specialist
Program in Educational Leadership
Ms. Gettis introduced a proposal from Mississippi College asking for approval to modify
their current Educational Leadership Specialist degree program to include 3 additional
courses in Curriculum and Instruction. Mississippi College already offers an approved Ed
Specialist degree program in Educational Leadership to train K-12 School
Administrators. The rationale for this request is that the Principal is the instructional
leader of any school and must be the most knowledgeable person in the school in
curriculum.
The motion was made by Ms. Herrington to approve this item and was seconded by Mr.
Carney. The Commission approved this item.
Item 7. Approval of Request by Belhaven University to Modify their Elementary
Education Program
Ms. Gettis presented the proposal for approval from Belhaven University to modify their
currently approved program in Elementary Education. The change would be to delete the
course in Critical Reading Skills and add the course in Middle Level Literacy in its place.
The rationale for this request is due to research that they have done that shows a need in
upper level reading skills.
The motion was made by Mr. Donaldson to approve this item and was seconded by Dr.
Nicholson. The Commission approved this item.
Item 8. Approval of Request by Jackson State University to Reinstate their
Secondary Education programs in Physics and Physical Science
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Ms. Gettis presented the proposal from JSU to reinstate their secondary education
programs in Physics and Physical Science. JSU received a grant from the National
Science Foundation to train Science teachers, specifically in the areas of Physics and
Physical Science. The Commission approved a new Praxis test for Physical Science last
year specifically at the request of JSU because of this program.
Dr. Mary Vidiaty from JSU informed the Commission that these programs will provide
Highly Qualified teachers to the schools in for Physics and Physical Science. This would
in turn provide better education to high school students. Concerns were raised about the
length of the grant which is three years and would there be anticipation in the program
after the grant had expired. Dr. Vidiaty said JSU intended to continue the program even
after the grant was completed. The motion was made by Dr. Nicholson to approve this
item and was seconded by Dr. Jenkins. The Commission approved this item.
Item 14. Approval of Request by Mississippi College to Modify Doctoral Program
in Educational Leadership
Mr. Clay proposed that Item 14 be presented at this time.
Ms. Gettis introduced Dr. Don Locke, Dean of Education at Mississippi College. Dr.
Locke told the Commission that MC had gathered information regarding their
Educational Leadership program. They found that there is a need to strengthen the area of
Curriculum and Instruction with the Administrators. As in the earlier proposal for the
Education Specialist degree program at MC, the extra courses would be for the students
in administration who want to concentrate in Curriculum and Instruction. The
Curriculum and Instruction program will not be taking the place of the administration
program. It will be a track chosen by the student. Dr. Locke introduced Cindy Melton
who is taking Dr. Tom Williams position as Chair of Education. Dr. Williams is moving
to the Grad program. The motion was made by Dr. Jenkins to approve this item and was
seconded by Ms. Lutz. The Commission approved this item.
Item 9. Approval of Regenerated Praxis Tests and Subcommittee Recommendation
for Passing Scores for these Tests
Mrs. Coon presented this item stating that this proposal is to approve five new Praxis
tests that have been regenerated by ETS. All Praxis test scores are being changed from
the old NTE score formula of 250-900 to the 100 - 200 score results. Dr. Anthony
Morris, Dr. Janice Nicholson and Johnny Donaldson served as the Commission
subcommittee that met on April 2, 2010 with Dr. Cory Murphy of ETS to set new
recommended passing scores for regenerated Praxis tests for Business Education, French,
German, Spanish and Special Education. During the last year, ETS has upgraded test
information in these subject areas and the currently approved tests, Praxis II 0100
Business, 0171 French, 0182 German, 0192 Spanish and Special Education tests 0352
and 0353 are being discontinued this year. ETS is replacing these tests with new tests
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Praxis II Business Education 0101, French Language 0174, German Language 0183,
Spanish Language 0195 and Special Education: Core Knowledge 0354.
Dr. Murphy reviewed the test standard setting process for each test. National/regional
standard settings were conducted in each subject area. Mississippi sent French, German
and Spanish teachers to participate in those studies. The subcommittee reviewed the
reports from each of these studies, looked at the scores that were being set by surrounding
states, and made the following recommendations for passing scores:
Business Education 0101 – 148
French Language 0174 –
153
German Language 0183 154
Spanish Language 0195 –
160
Special Education 0354 –
142
The language test will be computerized and offered 4 times a year. Candidates can take
the test on line at a testing center. The test will be administered by audio and computer.
Elementary test will also be given by computer only. All tests will be administered only
by computers eventually and language will start this fall.
Currently, MS has two tests for Special Education – Praxis II test 0353 for Special
Education K-12 licensure and test 0352 for Special Education 7-12 alternate route
licensure. The new test 0354 will replace both of these current tests. The 0354 is designed
as a K-12 test for Mild/Moderate Special Education. The motion was made by Ms.
Herrington to approve this item and was seconded by Ms. Lutz. The Commission
approved this item.
Item 10. Approval of New Praxis II Braille Competency Exam
Mrs. Coon introduced Dr. Rosie Pridgen, Superintendent of the MS School for the Blind,
to present the information on the New PRAXIS II test for Braille Competency.
Mississippi is the first state to approve this test. Currently, teachers of visually impaired
students must be licensed in a subject area and add on the Visually Impaired endorsement
by passing the Praxis II test in VI. With the approval of the Braille test, because of the
new legislation, MDE is proposing that new teachers of Visually Impaired students must
take both the VI Praxis test, as well as the Braille Competency exam to be licensed in
Visually Impaired. The Braille Advisory Board wants all teachers of Visually Impaired
students to be required to take this test, even if they are already licensed in Visually
Impaired. This means that as their current licenses come up for renewal, they could not
be renewed until they pass the Braille Competency test.
A suggestion was made that the teachers who already hold a VI license be grandfathered
in. Dr. Pridgen stated that if current VI teachers license is revoked, it would leave a
shortage of VI teachers. A suggestion was made to give the teachers that hold a license
time to get training and take the test. A three year period was suggested and at the end of
three years if test was not taken the teacher would lose license. A concern was also
raised on how students and teachers who hold VI license can prepare for this test.
Mississippi does not have a training program at this time for Braille Competency.
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The law states that on July 1, 2010 anyone teaching VI must show competency in Braille
through a test. Special Assistant, Attorney General, Raina Lee, clarified that the Braille
Bill states that “while in the certification process….” .
Motion was made by Mr. Clay for approval of the new Praxis II test in Braille
Competency and the recommended passing score of 158. The Commission also
recommended that teachers that already hold the Visually Impaired endorsement be
grandfathered in. New teachers that apply for the VI endorsement after July 1, 2010, must
pass both the Praxis for VI and for Braille. Motion was made by Ms. LaFontaine for this
and was seconded by Mr. Donaldson. The Commission approved this item.
Item 11. Discussion on Proposed Revision to Licensure Guideline for Guidance &
Counseling K-12
Mrs. Coon gave a brief description of this item. Some time ago, it was brought to the
attention of MDE that state statute for the employment of school counselor’s states that
counselors must hold a masters degree in school guidance and counseling. Mississippi
current licensure guidelines allows for an applicant to hold a masters degree in school
counseling or hold a masters degree in another area and complete an approved program in
school guidance and counseling. The guideline requirement seems to be in conflict with
the state statute for employment of counselors. MDE is proposing that the guideline be
amended and the allowance for an add-on for counseling be removed.
The motion was made by Dr. Nicholson to approve this item and was seconded by Ms.
Herrington. The Commission approved this item.
Item 12. Ratification of Voluntary Surrender
Mrs. Coon presented the following teachers who have voluntarily surrendered their
license.
Carla Hughes, convicted of murder, has signed a voluntary surrender of her license and
waived a hearing. Ms. Hughes is serving her sentence at the Central Mississippi
Correctional Facility. The Commission voted to ratify and accept this voluntary
surrender.
Rebecca Bogard was convicted of sexual battery and is now serving her sentence at
Central Mississippi Correctional Facility. She has signed a voluntary surrender of her
educator license and waived a hearing. The Commission voted to ratify and accept her
surrendered license.
Item 13.
Report on Hearings
Brian Pearse reported that on March 4, 2010, the hearing subcommittee heard the
following case:
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An applicant for Mississippi Educator License, Michael Banks, violated Section 37-3-2
(11) (g) of the Mississippi Code in that on or about June 18, 2001, he pled guilty to one
count of Making a False Statement to a Financial Institution, in violation of 18 USC
Section 1014 in the United States District Court of the Southern District of Mississippi, a
felony. The Commission’s Subcommittee took the matter of Mississippi Educator
License Application No. 203271 under advisement to allow Mr. Banks until March 12,
2010 to submit letters in support of his licensure application. Mr. Banks complied and
submitted letters supporting his application for licensure from Michael A. Winters
(Principal), Vicksburg Junior High School, Vicksburg, MS, Erika January (head of the
Math Department), Vicksburg Junior High School, Vicksburg, Ms and Alonzo Stevens
(Head Football Coach), Vicksburg High School, Vicksburg, Ms. Based on the Findings
of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it was the unanimous decision of the Commission’s
Hearing Subcommittee that the application for licensure submitted by Michael Banks be
processed contingent upon Mr. Banks meeting all requirements for licensure as set out in
statute and regulations.
Johnny Donaldson gave a report on hearings held on May 6, 2010:
It was the decision of the Commission’s Hearing Subcommittee that the License
Application No. 205521 filed by Michael Nelson be processed. It was on or about
December 23, 1998, Michael Nelson, pled guilty to a felony, as defined by federal or
state law and is subject to denial for violation of Section 37-3-2 (11)(g) of the Mississippi
Code of 1972. He was successfully discharged from the supervision of the U.S.
Probation Office on January 17, 3003 and reported well and remained complaint
throughout his probation. Immediately after being released he enrolled into Jackson State
University and obtained his Bachelor and Master’s Degrees.
It was the decision of the Commission’s Hearing Subcommittee that Educator License
No. 198571 issued to Verlance Smith be suspended for the 2009-2010 school year. Mr.
Smith admitted he resigned and that there was no excuse for “abandoning my contract
and responsibilities.” The Hinds County School Board unanimously voted to deny Mr.
Smith’s resignation letter and recommended that his licensed be suspended for breach of
contract which violated Section 37-3-2(12)(a). Mr. Smith may be allowed to petition for
reinstatement a year to the date of the beginning of the breach of contract, specifically,
August 5, 2010.
It was the decision of the Commission’s Hearing Subcommittee that Educator License
No. 165519 filed by Heidi S. Walker be suspended for period of one year. Ms. Walker
admitted she was absent several days from work due to the chronic neurological issues
her son suffered from, but that she never provided the school district with any medical
certification regarding her absences. Ms. Walker also testified that she has suffered from
bullying and intimidation which had caused her to seek medical care. Superintendent
Debbie Burt testified that the school district offered Ms. Walker an opportunity to file a
formal grievance; no medical certification was ever submitted by Ms. Walker, and the
breach of contract was detrimental to the school. After recommendation by the
Superintendent, the Forrest County School Board unanimously voted to request that the
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license of Ms. Walker be suspended for breach of contract. Ms. Walker may petition for
reinstatement of her license after one (1) year from May 6, 2010.
It was the decision of the Commission’s Hearing Subcommittee that the License
Application No: 160245 of Dannis Jackson be denied. Mr. Jackson violated Section 373-2(11)(e) of the Mississippi code of 1972 Annotated, as amended, in that on or about
January 5, 2010, Mr. Jackson, submitted a Licensure Application to the Office of
Educator Licensure where he marked “no” to the question asked, “ Have you had a
certificate/license denied, suspended, and/or revoked by another state?” Mr. Jackson
testified that didn’t intentionally commit fraud or deceit and wasn’t paying attention to
what the question was asking. Based on the facts and findings of the evidence presented
in the hearing, the Commission decided that Mr. Jackson may submit an application for
supplemental endorsement when and if he reapplies for his Mississippi teaching license
upon its expiration, June 30, 2012.
Leon Clay reported on the hearings held on July 8, 2010:
It was the decision of the Commission’s Hearing Subcommittee that the Application for
Reinstatement of License No. 113371 currently revoked and previously issued to Mary E.
Robinson be reinstated. On April 24, 2008, a Subcommittee of the Commission found
Ms. Robinson violated Section 37-3-2(13)(a) of the Mississippi Code in that on or about
December 11, 2007, Ms. Robinson was dismissed as a licensed employee with the
McComb School District. Ms. Robinson submitted a certificate of completion of the 10
week intensive outpatient alcohol and drug treatment program, and provided medical
records from Life Help IOP Prevention showing a negative drug test dated April 10,
2010. It was decision of the Commission that Ms. Robinson provided satisfactory
evidence of good character, good mental, emotional and physical health and evidence of
rehabilitation and fitness to perform the duties authorized by the license.
It was the decision of the Commission’s Hearing Subcommittee that notwithstanding
violation of Section 37-3-2(11) (g) of the Mississippi Code of 1972, Annotated as
amended, in that on or about May 11, 1992, Shelley Wade was judged guilty of two
counts Manslaughter by Culpable Negligence, a felony, in the Circuit Court of Lafayette
County, Mississippi, that License Application No. 209391 filed by Ms. Wade be
processed. Ms.Wade’s license application was accepted due to a showing of satisfactory
evidence regarding her good character, good mental, emotional and physical health and
evidence of rehabilitation and fitness to perform the duties authorized by a Mississippi
Educator License, as set out in law and policy.
Robin Herrington reported on the hearing held on April 1, 2010:
It is the decision of the Commission’s Hearing Subcommittee that the license of Shelia
Walker, License No. 174094, be revoked. Ms. Walker violated Section 37-3-212 (f) of
the Mississippi Code of 1972, Annotated, as amended, in that prior to the administration
of the English II subject area test on or about May 2008, she obtained possession of a
copy of the mandatory uniform test and made copies of the test in which she
subsequently utilized the test as preparation materials for her students. Ms. Walker also
violated Section 37-3-213 (a) of the Mississippi Code of 1972 Annotated, as amended, in
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that on or about June 26, 2009, she was dismissed as a licensed employee with the
Meridian Public School District pursuant to Section 37-9-59 for possessing a copy of the
English II subject area test and providing copies to her students.
Item 15.
Members with Expiring Terms
The July 2010 Commission meeting will be the last meeting for the following
Commission members:
Leon Clay
Lay person
District 1
Kim Lafontaine
Teacher
District 3
Hal Jenkins
IHL Rep
District 3
Dan Brown
School Board
District 4
Jerry Morgan
Administrator
District 5
The Administrator position from District 5 vacated by James Hutto last summer is still
vacant. Mrs. Coon and Dr. Buckley recognized these members at the July meeting for
outstanding service to the Commission and presented each with a certificate. Dr.
Burnham and the State Board of Education will be looking for prospective Commission
members to fill these vacancies before September.
Licensure Update
Mrs. Coon said that the dates for hearings and commission meetings for September have
been changed. The meetings originally set for September 8th and 9th have been changed
to 16th and 17th. Also, the final phases of the new ELMS licensure system is in affect.
Licensure is now receiving 10 times more volume of applications with only three analysts
processing for the state of Mississippi. Licensure has two contract workers for the
summer to help with the Call Center. Teacher Center has been volunteering to help with
answering the phones and other duties.
Mrs. Coon has completed site visits to all MAPQT and MAPQSL alternate route
programs including 7 teacher programs and 5 administrator programs.
Licensure is now housing the office of Troops for Teachers and Professional
Development in our office.
At the statewide MASS annual conference, Licensure will be presenting to the
Superintendants about reporting incidents to MDE for disciplinary action, specifically in
the area of sexual offenses. Superintendants need to know what actions they need to take
in reporting these offenses.
The annual Commission retreat will be held later in the fall and discussed at the
September meeting.
Adjourn
On a motion made by Mr. Clay and was seconded by Mr. Pearse meeting was adjourned.
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