(c)

1. (1) An educator preparation provider shall apply to the division for approval based on:

   1. (A) This part; and
   2. (B) The division’s protocols for program approval.

2. (2)

   1. (A) Programs shall include curriculum that addresses the licensure requirements in this part and requirements established by Arkansas statutes governing educator preparation and this part.
   2. (B) At a minimum, educator preparation programs for a first-time Arkansas standard license shall provide instruction in:

(i) Coursework aligned to the Arkansas Educator Competencies for the licensure areas offered;

1. (ii) The state-approved Arkansas Teaching Standards and the Teacher Excellence and Support System;

   1. (iii)

(b)

1. (1) (b)(1) Completers of first-time educator preparation programs leading to Elementary Education (K-6) or Special Education (K-12) licensure cannot receive a standard license if a prescribed pathway for proficiency credential has not been completed.

2. (2) (2) Completers of first-time educator preparation providers leading to all other licensure areas cannot receive a standard license if a Prescribed Pathway for Awareness Credential has not been completed.

   1. (c) (c) An educator preparation provider shall publish on its website information describing its program to prepare teachers in applicable licensure areas to teach reading using scientific reading instruction;

      1. (iv) Child maltreatment under Arkansas Code § 6-61-133;
      2. (v) Family and community engagement under Arkansas Code § 6-15-1703;
      3. (vi) Teen suicide and bullying awareness and prevention under Arkansas Code §§ 6-17-708 and 6-17-711;
      4. (vii) Dyslexia professional awareness of the characteristics of dyslexia and evidence-based interventions and accommodations for dyslexia under Arkansas Code § 6-41-609;
      5. (viii) Human trafficking awareness under Arkansas Code § 6-17-710;
      6. (ix) Code of ethics training; and
      7. (x) All other state initiatives.
3. (3) All first-time licensure programs must include a method used to demonstrate pedagogical competence.

4. (4)

   1. (A) All educator preparation programs must establish state-recognized partnerships.
   2. (B) All educator preparation providers must establish at least one (1) primary partnership with the educational entity or accredited private school of their choice where teacher candidates are placed for any portion of their clinical experience.
   3. (C) Secondary partnerships should be established anywhere for any portion of their placement of clinical experience.

5. (5)

   1. (A) Programs shall engage candidates in substantial, quality participation in field experiences such as observations and practicums, and supervised clinical practice such as student teaching, residency, apprenticeships, and internships as applicable in the licensure content area.

   2. (B)

      1. (i) First-time licensure programs must include a clinical internship of no less than one (1) university semester or equivalent.
      2. (ii)

(b) (b) A candidate in a traditional first-time educator preparation program with an Aspiring Teacher permit may satisfy their residency requirement by serving as a teacher of record at an education entity or accredited private school.

1. (c) (c) A candidate in an alternative first-time educator preparation program with a provisional license may satisfy their clinical internship or residency requirement by serving as a teacher of record at an education entity or accredited private school.

   1. (C) Clinical experiences for teacher licensure areas for kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12) or for other nonteaching licensure areas shall be completed in:

      1. (i) Public kindergarten through grade twelve (K-12) school settings that are accredited by the division; or
      2. (ii) Accredited private or other public school settings where candidates experience educator effectiveness and district support for teacher or leader professional growth and development.

   2. (D) Clinical experiences in a birth through kindergarten (B-K) licensure program shall be completed in:

      1. (i) An early childhood education setting accredited by the division as a Better Beginnings Level 3 or higher program; or
      2. (ii) Other early childhood education setting having state accreditation similar to the Arkansas accreditation for a Better Beginnings Level 3 or higher program.