Teacher Education Program Policy: Contingent Approval for Certification Testing In Accordance with 19 TAC §228.31(e)
Policy Statement
The Educator Preparation Program (EPP) at Texas College establishes procedures for granting contingent approval for certification testing to ensure candidates demonstrate current competency aligned with state standards and certification requirements.
Purpose
This policy ensures that all candidates recommended for certification testing meet current educator standards and testing frameworks, particularly when there is a lapse in time or changes in certification requirements.
Policy Provisions
1. Eligibility for Contingent Approval
The EPP may grant contingent approval for certification testing when a candidate meets one or more of the following conditions:
Outdated Preparation Alignment
The applicable certification standards and/or test frameworks have changed since the candidate completed the Educator Preparation Program.
Delayed Request for Test Approval
The candidate seeks test approval one (1) or more years after the academic year in which all program requirements were completed.
2. Required Conditions for Approval
When contingent approval is granted, the candidate must complete additional requirements as determined by the EPP, which may include:
Targeted coursework aligned with updated standards
3. Program Responsibilities
The EPP shall:
Evaluate each candidate request individually to determine alignment gaps
Prescribe specific remediation requirements based on updated certification expectations
Document all conditions and candidate completion status for accountability and compliance
Ensure all actions align with Texas Administrative Code (19 TAC §228.31(e))
4. Candidate Responsibilities
Candidates receiving contingent approval must:
Complete all assigned coursework or training prior to test approval being finalized
Demonstrate competency in updated standards as required by the EPP
Adhere to timelines established by the program
Compliance and Accountability
Failure to meet the outlined conditions will result in denial or delay of test approval until all requirements are satisfactorily completed. The EPP maintains records of all contingent approvals to ensure compliance with state accountability and accreditation requirements.
