Licensure Procedure in Arkansas

Upon completion of all requirements of Williams Teacher Education Program (WTEP) the teacher candidate is recommended to the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE) for the issuance of an initial license.  After the teacher candidate secures employment with a school district as a new teacher, he or she begins an Induction and Mentoring Process to prepare them for the Praxis III performance assessment, which they will complete during their first three years of teaching.  This assessment is a state requirement and may not be required if a teacher candidate secures employment in another state (each state has it’s own requirements concerning licensure).

The time of induction is designed to provide a new teacher mentoring support through the traditionally rough first year(s).  During this one-to-three year period, the new teacher will have the beneficial support, assistance, and encouragement of a mentor.  Also during this time, the new teacher will undergo performance assessment in the classroom.  These are two separate functions, conducted by two different cadres of persons.  The Pathwise system will continue to be used to provide support to new teachers during the induction period, with the Praxis II assessment system used for performance assessment.  Both Pathwise and Praxis III Assessment have been closely correlated to the Arkansas five licensure Standards for new teachers.

Mentoring Model:

¨   The Pathwise program is adopted as the Arkansas state model for mentoring  new teachers.

¨   All mentors must be trained and demonstrate proficiency in the Pathwise  mentoring model.

¨   Each school district will develop a district-wide site-based mentoring plan for beginning teachers in their district.  The plan will be reviewed and approval granted by the ADE Office of Professional Licensure.

¨   Each school district will be allocated $2,500 per new teacher, per induction  year to assist with defraying costs of the plan.

¨   The new teacher, in conjunction with the mentor, will determine when the new teacher is ready for the final Praxis III standard licensure assessment.

¨   The mentoring plans will include opportunities for additional professional development opportunities and will provide compensation for the mentoring teacher.

Assessment Model:

¨   The Praxis III performance assessment system was adopted for assessing  new teachers during the one-to-three year Induction Period.

¨   The new teacher must successfully complete the Praxis III performance assessment at the established level within three years of initial licensure.  (It is recommended that the state funding cover the assessment cost for the first and, if necessary, the second assessment attempt.  Thereafter, the candidate will cover any assessment costs.)

¨   All performance assessors must be trained and demonstrate proficiency in Praxis III assessment.

¨   An initial pool of assessors will be employed by the ADE for this function.  These assessors will be assigned and activities coordinated by the ADE Office Professional           Licensure.

¨   New teachers who are not successful with the first Praxis III attempt for standard licensure must develop, in coordination with the mentor and assessor, a performance improvement plan before the second assessment may be attempted.

¨   New teachers who do not achieve the standard teaching licensure within the three-year time limit may not reapply for licensure.

Upon successful completion on the Praxis III performance assessment, the new teacher receives a standard licensure in the state of Arkansas.