Rule 505-2-.150 - Literacy Specialist(1)Summary: This rule outlines the requirements and procedures for issuance of the service certificate in Literacy Specialist, which allows individuals certified in this field to support, and work collaboratively to implement effective literacy strategies and quality literacy programs in grades P-12.(2)Professional Certificate Requirements (See GaPSC Rule 505-2-.05 PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE). (a) Issuance. 1. An Individual is eligible for an Induction or Professional certificate in the field of Literacy Specialist based on meeting the following requirements: (i) Hold a level four (4) or higher Induction or Professional certificate in any teaching, service, or leadership field.(ii) Complete a state-approved certification program in Literacy Specialist at the master's degree level - level five (5) - or higher.(iii) Have a minimum of three (3) years of successful classroom teaching experience, as defined in GaPSC Rule 505-2-.25 EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS.(iv) Meet the Special Georgia Requirements (See GaPSC Rule 505-2-.24 SPECIAL GEORGIA REQUIREMENTS) applicable to the field of Literacy Specialist: (I) Pass the GACE content knowledge assessment.(II) Meet Standards of Conduct.(v) Apply for certification following procedures outlined in Rule 505-2-.27 CERTIFICATION AND APPLICATION PROCEDURES.(3)Non-Renewable Professional Requirements (See GaPSC Rule 505-2-.09 NON-RENEWABLE PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE).(a) A One (1)-year Non-Renewable Professional certificate in the field of Literacy Specialist may be issued at the request of an employing Georgia local unit of administration (LUA) to an individual holding an expired Georgia Clear Renewable or Standard Professional certificate in Literacy Specialist who has not met renewal requirements outlined in section (7) below.(4)Additional Certificate Title Issued in the Field.(a) Retired Educator (See GaPSC Rule 505-2-.44 RETIRED EDUCATOR CERTIFICATE).(5)To Add the Field (See GaPSC Rule 505-2-.34 ADD A FIELD). (a) To add Literacy Specialist to an existing certificate in any field, an individual must complete the requirements for an initial Literacy Specialist certificate outlined in (2)(a), to include all applicable Special Georgia Requirements.(6)To Upgrade the Level (See GaPSC Rule 505-2-.33 CERTIFICATE UPGRADE).(7)Renewal Requirements (See GaPSC Rule 505-2-.36 RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS).(8)Restrictions.(a) The field of Literacy Specialist may not be added or used to upgrade a Provisional certificate, or previously issued Induction Pathway 4 certificate or the equivalent.(b) Valid certificates previously issued in the field of Reading Specialist will automatically convert to the new field of Reading P-12. Individuals holding a valid Reading Specialist certificate based on completion of a GaPSC-approved or -accepted program and meeting all Special Georgia Requirements may apply for Literacy Specialist certification following procedures outlined in Rule 505-2-.27 CERTIFICATION AND APPLICATION PROCEDURES.(9)In-Field Statement (See GaPSC Rule 505-2-.40 IN-FIELD ASSIGNMENT). An individual holding the Literacy Specialist certificate is in-field to provide instructional support to classroom teachers and paraprofessionals in grades P-12.Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 505-2-.150
O.C.G.A. § 20-2-200.
Original Rule entitled "Teaching Endorsements" adopted. F. Oct. 22, 2004; eff. Nov. 15, 2004, as specified by the Agency.Amended:F. June 23, 2005; eff. July 15, 2005, as specified by the Agency.Amended:F. Feb. 10, 2006; eff. Mar. 15, 2006, as specified by the Agency.Amended:F. Nov. 9, 2006; eff. Dec. 15, 2006, as specified by the Agency.Amended:F. Nov. 15, 2007; eff. Dec. 15, 2007, as specified by the Agency.Amended:F. Feb. 16, 2009; eff. Mar. 15, 2009, as specified by the Agency.Repealed: New Rule of same title adopted. F. Dec. 17, 2009; eff. Jan. 15, 2010, as specified by the Agency.Repealed: F. Jun. 11, 2014; eff. July 1, 2014, as specified by the Agency.Adopted: New Rule entitled "Literacy Specialist." F. Dec. 11, 2020; eff. Jan. 1, 2021, as specified by the Agency.