| (a) Each instructor of an electronic course, including
a dual credit course, offered through the Texas Virtual School Network
(TxVSN) by a course provider must be certified under the Texas Education
Code (TEC), Chapter 21, Subchapter B, to teach that course and grade
level or meet the credentialing requirements of the institution of
higher education with which they are affiliated and that is serving
as a course provider. In addition, each instructor:
(1) must:
(A) successfully complete a professional development
course or program approved by TxVSN central operations before teaching
an electronic course offered through the TxVSN; or
(B) have a graduate degree in online or distance learning
and have demonstrated mastery of the International Association for
K-12 Learning (iNACOL) National Standards for Quality Online Teaching;
or
(C) have two or more years of documented experience
teaching online courses for students in Grades 3-12 and have demonstrated
mastery of the iNACOL National Standards for Quality Online Teaching;
and
(2) must successfully complete one continuing professional
development course specific to online learning every three years.
(b) Each instructor of an electronic course, including
a dual credit course, offered through the TxVSN by a course provider
must meet highly qualified teacher requirements under the Elementary
and Secondary Education Act, as applicable.
(c) TxVSN course providers shall affirm the preparedness
of instructors of TxVSN electronic courses to teach public school-age
students in a highly interactive online classroom and shall:
(1) maintain records documenting:
(A) valid Texas educator certification credentials
appropriate for the instructor's TxVSN assignment;
(B) successful initial completion of TxVSN-approved
professional development, evidence of prior online teaching, or a
graduate degree in online or distance learning; and
(C) instructor's demonstrated mastery of the iNACOL
National Standards for Quality Online Teaching prior to teaching through
the TxVSN;
(2) conduct and maintain records for background check;
(3) maintain records of successful completion of continuing
professional development;
(4) maintain records documenting successful completion
of TxVSN-approved professional development before the end of the school
year for any instructor who is hired after the school year has begun;
and
(5) make the records specified in this subsection available
to the TEA and TxVSN central operations upon request.
|
