Commenter:
Dr Karrin Lukacs, Shenandoah University
Commendations and Recommendations
After reading (and reflecting upon) the Proposed Revisions for the Regulations Governing the Review and Approval of Education Programs in Virginia, I have the following commendations to share:(1) With regard to 8VAC20-542-20: I support the elimination of the professional studies coursework cap. (2) As the parent of a child receiving special education services through his LEA, I also applaud the proposal to require 3 courses for the Provisional License in Special Education.
After reading (and reflecting upon) the Proposed Revisions for the Regulations Governing the Review and Approval of Education Programs in Virginia, I have the following recommendations to share: (1) With regard to 8VAC20-542-40 #3b: The definition of "full-time student teaching" needs to be more clear. (2) With regard to VAC520-542-20: I would ask why graduate programs are not included as well. (3) With regard to 8VAC20-542-70: "Other data as requested by the Board" needs to be delimited. (4) With regard to VAC20-542-80: Asking students seeking a special education/general curriculum endorsement to have a content area specializiation will likely prevent these teachers - many of whom do not have undergraduate degrees in English, history, mathematics, or science - from entering a field that is most certainly understaffed.
In sum, and with all due respect, I would remind the Board to consider whether ALL of the Proposed Revisions are in the best interests of Virginia students. If there is not agreement among all parties involved as to whether or not these changes will result in quality teachers (and it seems that there might not be consensus on many of the issues), then I would urge - for students' sake - that they not be adopted. As a teacher educator, I see first-hand how current regulations often prevent prospective teachers from entering the field, so I fear that making it even more difficult for teacher education programs to admit students will negatively affect classrooms and communities across the state - especially in areas that face multiple challenges.
