PURPOSE: Section 168.400, RSMo and section 168.021.1, RSMo establish the completion of a beginning teacher assistance program (BTAP) as a requirement of certification. This proposed rule establishes minimum requirements for an effective BTAP. A well-designed and implemented BTAP with on-going support can improve practice, helping new educators have the skills and knowledge to positively impact student achievement.

1. (1) All new teachers are required to participate in a beginning teacher assistance program (BTAP) planned with assistance from a Missouri teacher education program and provided by an education association, regional service center, school district, or charter school. The BTAP is designed for teachers in either their first or second year of teaching. The minimum requirements for the program shall include, but not be limited to, an overview of the topics listed below:

   1. (A) Classroom Environment—

      1. 1. Classroom management techniques;
      2. 2. Time, space, transitions, and activities management;

and

1. 3. Awareness of diverse classroom, school and community

cultures;

1. (B) Student Engagement and Motivation—

   1. 1. Effective instruction;
   2. 2. Clear learning goals and/or objectives;
   3. 3. Student voice and choice; and
   4. 4. Teaching and learning activities with high student

engagement;

1. (C) Professional Communication—

   1. 1. Effective communication with students, mentors,

colleagues, and parents;

1. 2. Verbal and nonverbal communication techniques; and
2. 3. Effective use of technology and social media for

communication; and

1. (D) Education-Related Law—

   1. 1. Certification requirements;
   2. 2. Professional rights and responsibilities; and
   3. 3. Self-assessment and professional learning.

1. (2) An effective program is aligned with professional development/growth plans focused on teaching standards and indicators as priorities for the first two (2) years of teaching, and provides on-going support during the years of BTAP.

AUTHORITY: sections 161.092, 168.021, and 168.400, RSMo 2016.* Original rule filed Oct. 31, 2016, effective June 30, 2017. *Original authority: 161.092, RSMo 1963, amended 1973, 2002, 2003, 2013, 2014; 168.021, RSMo 1963, amended 1973, 1984, 1988, 1990, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2014; and 168.400, RSMo 1985, amended 1990, 2002.