TITLE

Transcript Analysis

HISTORY

In effect for many years.

MOTIVATION

Shortage, to fill the needs of school districts, since only about 20 percent of newly hired teachers come through approved teacher education programs in Maine.

GRADE LEVELS AND/OR SUBJECT AREAS COVERED

All.

WHO OPERATES

State

REQUIREMENTS TO ENTER

In applying for transcript analysis, an individual must provide a copy of undergraduate and/or graduate transcripts. Although official transcripts are preferred, legible photocopies of official transcripts are acceptable. These must show the individual's social security number and all courses for which credit has been received and the date that degrees were awarded. Continuing education units and teacher recertification credits are not acceptable for initial certification.

An applicant for a Conditional Certificate must have met the academic content area requirements and must meet passing scores on the PPST during the initial term of the certificate, as a prerequisite for renewal, further renewal, or issuance of a Professional Certificate.

If the individual is certified to teach in another state, he or she must submit a copy of out-of-state teaching certificate.

In order for a Conditional Certificate to be awarded, the local school district must have actively sought to employ a Provisional or Professional Certificate holder, but has been unable to do so.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

If the state has determined, through transcript analysis, that the individual is eligible for a Conditional Certificate, he or she must complete all requirements for full certification while teaching under the Conditional credential. The transcript analysis determines which coursework deficiencies must be completed to qualify for full certification.

To renew the Conditional Certificate, the individual must demonstrate that he or she has annually completed the amount of approved study ordinarily required for renewal of a professional certificate. Approved study must consist of courses unless the Department gives advance approval for in-service training in lieu of courses, in whole or in part. The individual's support system recommends that the Conditional Certificate be renewed or that a Provisional or Professional Certificate be issued.

NUMBER OF CREDIT HOURS TO COMPLETE

For secondary level -- 18 semester hours of education coursework plus student teaching; for elementary level -- 27 semester hours plus student teaching.

WHO EVALUATES

State.

LENGTH OF TIME

The Conditional Certificate may be renewed for not more than two additional one-year terms.

OTHER

Transcript analysis is used for teachers coming from out of state, Maine teachers seeking additional endorsements to teach out of their subject areas, and for career changers.