The committee unanimously approved R277‑306, the rule governing educator‑preparation programs for school psychologists, audiologists, speech‑language pathologists and technicians, counselors and school social workers, and forwarded the draft to the full board for continuation and final approval.

Director Ben Rasmussen said the amendments are part of the rule’s five‑year review and primarily update references to current professional standards (for example, those adopted in R277‑330) and add an oversight category. Malia Hite, executive coordinator for educator licensing, and Dr. Malia Hite (appeared in discussion) answered committee questions about consent and parental notification when school psychologists provide classroom consultation or emergency services; staff said the rule language is consistent with state law and with nationally accepted professional standards.

Members discussed consent exceptions (for classroom observation and emergency interventions) and staff confirmed those provisions were reviewed by the USBE legal team and school psychologist subject‑matter experts. After brief questions, a committee member moved to continue and approve R277‑306 on first reading and forward it for continuation and final approval; the motion passed unanimously.