State board rescinds prior permission and okays publication of amended teacher‑preparation regulations

The board voted in June to rescind earlier permission and to grant permission to publish amended regulations that change how candidates can meet pedagogical and licensure requirements.

During the meeting members first moved to rescind permission to publish the version of COMAR 13A.070608 that the board approved in February 2024 so the board could issue permission for an amended draft. The motion to rescind carried without recorded objection. The board then voted to grant permission to publish an amended COMAR 13A.070608 as discussed in the meeting; that motion also carried.

The amendments incorporate language required by recent legislation. Board staff explained the changes reflect the Educator Shortage Reduction Act (2023) and Senate Bill 771 from the 2024 legislative session. One notable change is that, beginning 07/01/2025, candidates may complete either a nationally recognized, nationally scored portfolio‑based performance assessment approved by the State Board of Education OR a rigorous, locally developed comprehensive teacher induction program that meets statutory requirements. That alternative induction pathway must be developed and approved by a local school system and include a locally developed portfolio aligned with interstate educator standards.

Board members debated practical and equity implications. One member acknowledged the amendments align the regulations with statute but warned the portfolio‑assessment language is "problematic," noting that national products such as edTPA and PPAT are standardized commercial assessments while local induction portfolios could vary. "The final part about the portfolio based assessment is problematic," a member said, asking the board to revisit the balance between multiple licensure avenues.

The board also granted permission to publish amendments to COMAR 13A.12.02.03 (pathways to teacher licensure), which clarify acceptable ways for candidates to demonstrate basic‑skills proficiency (passing an approved assessment, a minimum GPA on the most recently earned degree, or three years of effective evaluations from a Maryland local school system) and add the local induction option as an alternate pathway to meet the pedagogical requirement.

Records in the meeting show the motions were moved and seconded on the record and that both permission‑to‑publish motions carried in voice votes. Board staff said they will bring related incorporation‑by‑reference edits back to the board at a future meeting and will continue outreach and technical assistance as regulations are published and implemented.

What’s next: With permission to publish granted, MSDE will proceed with the public‑notice and public‑comment steps required by state rulemaking. The local induction option becomes available under the regulation language starting 07/01/2025 if the administrative processes and approvals follow the published timeline.