The following topics were discussed during the Georgia Professional Standards Commission's ("GaPSC") monthly meeting in September:
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Ethics Division
Whenever pornographic images are found on an educator's device, the Commission typically recommends a suspension for 90 days if students saw those images. If students were not exposed to the images, the GaPSC will recommend a suspension for 45 days. Under Standard 1: Legal Compliance of the Code of Ethics for Educators (COE), possession of less than one ounce of marijuana is not considered a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude. Student Learning Objectives (SLOs) are not considered to be standardized tests. There appears to be a belief among some commissioners and staff that problems with SLOs should be handled primarily by local districts. Under Standard 9: Required Reports of the COE, an educator accused of failing to make a report of known or suspected child abuse or neglect should expect his or her certificate to be suspended for 90 days. The Commission recommended a suspension for 10 days for an educator who allegedly violated Standard 4: Honesty of the COE when he didn't disclose that he participated in a pre-trial diversion program on an application. A revised version of the COE became effective in June. The most significant change is that a definition of "child endangerment" was added to the "Definitions" section. The updated COE may be found here. |
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Certification and Ed Prep Divisions
The GaPSC previewed a new, two-tiered educational leadership certification system it is developing. One tier would encompass educational leaders who do not supervise other educationa leaders (e.g. assistant principals), while the other would encompass educational leaders who do supervise other educational leaders (e.g. principals, superintendents). More details about this certification system will be shared as they become available.
The GaPSC has introduced a Computer Science certification. A passing score for the Computer Science GACE will be set in the coming months.
PLUs will be eliminated. New requirements for certification renewals will be implemented in 2018.
The Commission granted one year deferrals of the GaPSC Continuing Approval Review to Brenau University and Truett-McConnell College.
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