La. Admin. Code tit. 28 § CXXV-101

Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 9, September 20, 2024

Section CXXV-101 - Introduction

A. In an effort to confront the national teacher shortage, Louisiana has been offering secondary courses in teacher preparation for over 10 years. Through a consolidated effort between the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE), Northwestern State University (NSU), and the Consortium for Education, Research, and Technology of North Louisiana (CERT), a committee of various educators was formed. This committee has compiled a complete curriculum titled, STAR-Students Teaching and Reaching, to serve as the one teacher preparation course to be used by all secondary teachers in Louisiana.

B. The STAR curriculum is designed to provide a career focus by offering an overview of the teaching profession. STAR students are provided with means and guidance for self-assessment, learning about others, and diversity within Louisiana classrooms. Students will gain a foundational knowledge of the history of education, both national and statewide. In addition, students will be provided meaningful field experiences, with an emphasis in critical shortage areas, designed to paint a realistic picture of the teaching profession. They will be given tools that help them manage what is one of the most important and ever-changing careers.

C. Mandates

1. The curriculum has "stars" on each lesson plan as well as related information. The "star" in the upper right hand corner of each lesson plan designates the lesson plan number within the curriculum. Those lesson plans that have "Required LP" above the lesson plan number are lesson plans that must be taught as a part of the curriculum. Those that do not have "Required LP" at the top are optional lesson plans to be taught if time permits.

2. Students are required to document their field experience hours on the student weekly and cumulative time sheets (in the Forms Section of the curriculum).

3. STAR students are required to have 20 hours of field experiences. They must observe in preschool/elementary, middle school, high school, and special education classrooms (for a total of no more than five hours total for all observations). The additional 15 hours of field work will be spent in one classroom doing tutorial, one-on-one, small group, and/or large group work. STAR students must teach one lesson under the close supervision of the cooperating teacher to a small group or whole class of students. STAR teachers will be responsible for securing, monitoring, and evaluating field placements for STAR students.

4. STAR students are required to complete a portfolio of their work. Specific documents to be included can be found in the STAR curriculum approved by BESE.

La. Admin. Code tit. 28, § CXXV-101

Promulgated by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, LR 32:797 (May 2006).

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 17:6(A)(10).