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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Seventh Legislature, First Regular Session
AMENDED
empowerment
scholarship accounts; debit cards
(NOW: subject matter expert certification)
Purpose
Allows a person who receives a subject matter expert standard teaching certificate (subject matter expert certificate) to provide instruction to students in kindergarten programs and grades 1 through 12, rather than grades 6 through 12. Expands eligibility to receive a subject matter expert certificate by including persons who meet outlined requirements and applies the literacy endorsement requirement to a person who receives a subject matter expert certificate and provides literacy instruction in kindergarten programs or grades one through five.
Background
The State Board of Education (SBE) must adopt rules for the issuance of
specified types of teaching certificates, including subject matter expert
certificates for persons who have expertise in a content area or subject
matter. A person is eligible for a subject matter expert certificate if the
person has a bachelor's degree and: 1) has taught courses relevant to a content
area or subject matter for the last two consecutive years and for a total of at
least 3 years at an accredited public or private postsecondary institution; 2)
has a bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree in a specific subject area that
is relevant to a content area or subject matter taught in public schools; or
3) demonstrates at least five years of expertise through work experience that
is relevant to a content area or subject matter taught in public schools.
Additionally, a person who applies for a subject matter expert certificate
must: 1) receive a valid fingerprint clearance card; 2) verify and attest to
reviewing the best practices for social media and cell phone use between
students and school personnel; and 3) complete SBE-approved training in
professionalism and ethics within two years. A person who receives a subject
matter expert certificate may provide instruction in the person's field of
expertise to students in grades 6 through 12 at any Arizona public school (A.A.C.
R7-2-610.02).
Beginning August 1, 2025, the SBE must establish a literacy endorsement as a requirement for all certificated teachers who provide literacy instruction in kindergarten programs or grades one through five. The literacy endorsement must require a teacher to complete evidence-based science of reading training or coursework, as determined by the SBE, and pass a literacy instruction assessment to show that the teacher is capable of teaching and implementing outlined skills and instruction relating to literacy (A.R.S. § 15-501.01).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Allows a person who receives a subject matter expert certificate to provide instruction in the person's field of expertise to students in kindergarten programs and grades 1 through 12, rather than students in grades 6 through 12.
2. Broadens the eligibility requirements to receive a subject matter expert certificate by including a person who has a bachelor's degree and who:
a) demonstrates proficiency in specific grade-level content, knowledge and curriculum through a standardized assessment that is used to assess subject-specific skills and teaching abilities; or
b) as attested by a school principal, demonstrates experience through an appropriate alternative, completed required professional development, if applicable, and demonstrates expertise for a specific subject area and grade level.
3. Specifies that a school principal determines the appropriate alternative for a person to demonstrate experience for a subject matter expert certificate.
4. Applies the literacy endorsement requirement for certificated teachers who provide literacy instruction in kindergarten programs or grades one through five to a person who receives a subject matter expert certificate and provides literacy instruction in kindergarten programs or grades one through five.
5. Makes technical changes.
6. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Amendments Adopted by Committee
· Adopted the strike-everything amendment.
Senate Action
ED 2/27/25 DPA/SE 4-3-0
Prepared by Senate Research
February 27, 2025
MH/ci