Senator Lincoln Fillmore proposes the following substitute bill:


1     
JOINT RESOLUTION ON TEACHER LICENSURE

2     
STANDARDS FOR THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY

3     
2016 GENERAL SESSION

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STATE OF UTAH

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Chief Sponsor: Lincoln Fillmore

6     
House Sponsor: David E. Lifferth

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8     LONG TITLE
9     General Description:
10           This joint resolution of the Legislature urges the State Board of Education to reevaluate
11     teacher licensure standards to better prepare new teachers for classroom teaching in the
12     twenty-first century.
13     Highlighted Provisions:
14          This resolution:
15          ▸      urges the State Board of Education to:
16               •     reevaluate standards related to teacher licensure;
17               •     reevaluate standards and take other action related to the student teaching
18     experience; and
19               •     report to the Legislature on recommendations and actions taken in response to
20     this resolution.
21     Special Clauses:
22          None
23     

24     Be it resolved by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
25          WHEREAS, it is of critical importance that those who are licensed as educators meet

26     high standards of competency;
27          WHEREAS, teacher licensure standards should reflect the changing expectations for
28     teaching in a classroom in the twenty-first century, including addressing the needs of each
29     student;
30          WHEREAS, instructional technology has the potential to make positive impacts for
31     students and teachers, if implemented effectively and with fidelity to provide immediate
32     feedback to students;
33          WHEREAS, potential for teacher preparation learning should be maximized during the
34     student teaching experience; and
35          WHEREAS, clear expectations should exist that delineate the roles of individuals and
36     entities participating in the student teaching experience:
37          NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature urges the State Board of
38     Education to reevaluate teacher licensure requirements in a way that enhances the classroom
39     experience to ensure new teachers are learner ready, holding high expectations for each student
40     and taking responsibility for learner outcomes.
41          BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature urges the State Board of Education
42     to study and develop methods, approaches, and protocols that provide more embedded, direct
43     classroom experiences throughout the student teaching experience, resulting in demonstration
44     of competency.
45          BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature urges the State Board of Education
46     to determine the appropriate extent of clinical teaching experiences, including the student
47     teaching experience, and whether to include training in and use of instructional technology to
48     provide immediate feedback to students.
49          BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature urges the State Board of Education
50     to formalize procedures for the student teaching experience by requiring written agreements
51     between participating entities.
52          BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature urges the State Board of Education
53     to clarify expectations for a written agreement for clinical teaching experiences, including the
54     student teaching experience, by delineating the roles of and expectations between university or
55     college teacher preparation programs, teacher candidates, and school districts, including
56     provisions related to teachers who supervise student teachers.

57          BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature urges the State Board of Education
58     to report actions taken in response to this resolution to the Legislature's Education Interim
59     Committee on or before the committee's September 2016 meeting.
60          BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Legislature urges the State Board of Education
61     to also report to the Education Interim Committee, at that same meeting, any recommendations
62     related to this resolution that may require legislation to implement.
63          BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be sent to the State Board
64     of Education and each of Utah's local school boards and charter school governing boards.