LAUSD-BTSA INDUCTION PROGRAM
Common Standards Addendum for the
Education Specialist Clear Credential Induction Program
In addition to and in coordination with LAUSD BTSA Induction ProgramCommon Standards, the following components will be in place for the Education Specialist Clear Credential InductionProgram:
Standard 1: Who in the Unit will have leadership responsibilities for this program?
The LAUSD Induction Program Director will have oversight for the Education Specialist Clear Credential Induction Program. Unit coordination and implementation is described in the LAUSD Induction Program response to Common Standard 1.
Standard 2: How will evaluation of this program fit into the Unit Assessment System?
The assessment system will align with the LAUSD-BTSA Induction Program response to Common Standard 2. Data collected from participants will represent the services and needs of special education participants.
Standard 3: How will this program be supported with resources?
All aspects of the LAUSDBTSA Induction Program response to Common Standard 3 will be in place for special education teachers seeking a clear credential. In addition to the professional development offered in collaboration with our Special Education Credential program collaborative relationships have been established withseveral university education specialistprograms to provide professional development specific to the needs of special education teachers to complete any required Level II Mild/Moderate or Moderate/Severecontent courses and to address their professional development goals as stated on the Individual Induction Plan.These professional development opportunities are stated in the Menu of Options (see Program Standard 2) The program has met with the university Education Department personnel and obtained their support for this collaborative effort without the need for a written agreement or contract (see Program Standard 2-Evidence of Collaboration Documents)
Standard 4: What will be the criteria for selection of faculty and instructionalpersonnel for this program?
Faculty who teach the Level II programcontent courses are employees of the accredited credential programs that offer the courses from a Commission-approved program. SELPA instructors for professional development trainings are experienced educators in their special education specialty area.SELPA trainers are acknowledged by their employers as competent in their training content in order to provide relevant information under the umbrella of state and federal agencies that have oversight of special education mandates. The SELPA agencies align their professional development in accordance with IDEA and California laws and regulations pertaining to students with identified disabilities. The same rigorous selection processdescribed inLAUSD BTSA Induction Program Common Standard 4 will be in place to select faculty and instructional personnelwithin the Unit for the Education Specialist Clear Credential Induction Program. The LAUSD BTSA Induction Program currently employs an administrator with a clear special education credential and expertise in special education who collaborates on the design and implementation of the Education Specialist Clear Credential Induction Program. As the program grows,we will seek out additional leaders with Education Specialist credentials, authorizations, and experiences to provide expertise in the implementation of the program.
Standard 5: Are there particular admission criteria for the proposed program?
All special education teachers seeking a clear credential must hold aLevel I or preliminary Education Specialist credential and provide educational services to students in a special education setting and meet the admission criteria as stated in the LAUSD BTSA Induction Program Common Standard 5. Candidate placement in the Education Specialist Clear Credential Induction Program is contingent upon the approval of the District and agreement by the candidate that both parties can meet their program obligations for this placement.
Standard 6: How will candidates be provided with timely and accurate information about the program? How will candidates requiring additional assistance be guided andsupported?
Initial advice and assistance occurs during the hiring process as stated in Common Standard 6. District credential advisors and district liaisons identify eligible candidates and refer them to the BTSA orientation for enrollment. Program information is distributed to teachers at orientation. Placement for candidates in the Education Specialist Clear Credential Induction Program is contingent upon the approval by the district liaisonand the participating teacherthat both parties can meet their program obligations for this placement. Candidates may attend orientation while their placement is pending approval, however all Participants are placed in an eligible assignment by the LAUSD Human Resources division or a collaborating Charter School prior to acceptance in the BTSA Induction Program. Approved candidates will receive an Option Completion Plan from LAUSD BTSA stating the candidate’s induction and credential requirements for each credential they will clear through LAUSD BTSA. The candidate’s written acceptance of the Completion Plan will initiate placement in the LAUSD Induction Clear Credential Program--Education Specialist. The Orientation packet will include information on the Menu of Options which will be posted on the LAUSD BTSA website. The Menu of Options provides information on professional developmentthat can be included on their Individual Induction Plan as well as options to meet the Level IIcontent courses, as required for Level I candidates. The LAUSD website is maintained with information on program opportunities and deadlines. BTSA program staff monitors teacher progress and provides assistance and advisement to those who do not make sufficient progress during the year. Extended care services offer options and support as needed by for all teachers as described in Common Standard 6.
Standard 7: What will the field experiences and clinical practice include? How will sites be selected and evaluated?
Special education teachers will complete their field-based experiences and clinical practice in their own classroom and/or school site with an experienced support provider in their area of specialization. The process is embedded throughout their formative assessment (currently FACT or FAS) work and professional development opportunities in the same structure as described in Common Standard 7 for the general education teachersin order for candidates to develop and demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to educate and support all students effectively.
Standard 8: What will be the criteria for selection of district-employed supervisors?
Not applicable for an LEA offering Induction and Clear Credential Programs.
Standard 9 What will be the program assessments used to determine candidate competence as they move through the program?
Candidate competence will be determined in the same way as it is forthe general education candidatesin Common Standard 9 in order to show growth over time in professional knowledge and skills as measured by program standards and evidenced through their formative assessment work (currently FACT or FAS). The candidate’s professional induction portfolio will be certified by the support provider that the observations, analysis of student work, teacher reflection, self assessment, and examination of classroom practice have occurredwith the participating teacherthroughout the formative assessment process. Portfolios will be reviewed by trained personnel using a set of criteria. The candidate may select advanced professional development opportunities from the Menu of Options based on their initial Transition Document completed during the university preparation program and growth goals determined in collaboration with their support provider during induction. Ongoing verification of attendance at selected advanced professional development activities work in conjunction with formative assessment to provide the professional knowledge and skills teachers will use to improve their practice based on their individual needs as identified on the Individual Induction Plan. Official university transcripts or transportability documentsare required to verify completed course work that supportsthe candidate’sEducation Specialist Level II content (required for Level I candidates only). BTSA Induction staffmonitors teacher progress through the LAUSD database and the LAUSD online professional development site (currently the Learning Zone).