December 2019 Certification Updates
- Thu, Dec 12 2019 •
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- Certification Changes and Updates
New Computer Science Endorsements
The Board of Education recently adopted new endorsements for computer science teachers in grades PreK-8 and 6-12. The requirements for the endorsements are outlined below.
The Computer Science, PreK-8 Endorsement requires:
- A valid Standard Professional Early Childhood, Elementary, Middle Grades, Secondary, Special Education, or PreK-12 Teaching certificate
- Nine semester hours of coursework to include the following:
- Three semester hours in foundations for teaching computer science
- Three semester hours in teaching and learning programming for educators
- Three semester hours in a computer science elective
The Computer Science, 6-12 Endorsement requires:
- A valid Standard Professional Elementary, Middle Grades, Secondary, Hearing Impaired, Visually Impaired, Mild/Moderate Disabilities, Moderate/Severe Disabilities, or PreK-12 Teaching certificate
- Twelve semester hours of coursework to include the following:
- Three semester hours in foundations for teaching computer science
- Three semester hours in teaching and learning programming for educators
- Six semester hours in computer science electives
Completion of a computer science training program through a public school may substitute for the required semester hours of coursework. Fifteen (15) clock hours of training, or the equivalent competency-based credential, is equivalent to one semester hour of coursework. All trainings must be approved and verified by the superintendent or personnel director. Please use the attached “Verification of Computer Science Training Form” when verifying trainings.
To assist you in facilitating a computer science training program, a list of Computer Science Professional Development Resources is attached. Additionally, recent legislation has established the Computer Science Professional Development Program fund. Up to $25,000 is available to public schools that offer instruction in grades 9-12 and public schools that do not currently provide high school computer science instruction. Please visit the Computer Science Professional Development Program website if you would like further information on this funding opportunity.
Approval of Athletic Coaching Trainings
The State Board has approved trainings through the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) to meet coursework requirements for the Athletic Coaching certificate. If individuals performing coaching duties within your LEA do not hold an Arizona teaching certificate and are interested in pursuing the Athletic Coaching certificate, they may find information on NFHS trainings at https://nfhslearn.com/.
You may contact the ADE Certification Unit at (602) 542-4367 if you have any questions regarding the recent changes. Thank you for your service to Arizona students.
