HOW DOES THE SYSTEM WORK?

PRASS provides a mechanism for the administrator to assess current skills and knowledge, to set professional development goals based on that assessment, and to receive support in meeting these goals. A peer committee (The Review Committee) makes a recommendation based on the candidate’s progress regarding his/her renewal at the expiration of the current certificate. The process is as follows:

BASIC STEPS

Application:
Contact the PRASS office. The staff will send you an application and materials that explain the steps in developing a portfolio, conducting an assessment of your knowledge, and creating an Administrator Action Plan. You will be assigned a Review committee Mentor/Facilitator who will contact you to assist you with the process. The application form can also be downloaded from this web site.

Portfolio:
The portfolio is a record of your formal education, your employment, and your professional development experience to date. These materials are used to help identify professional development goals for the future. Portfolio forms can be downloaded from this web site.

Assessment of Knowledge:
The state requires that you undertake a systematic evaluation of the skills, knowledge, and competencies that you possess in thirteen “knowledge areas.” A component of this assessment must be completed by someone, other than yourself, who knows your work well. Methods of assessment must be approved by the PRASS Governance Committee.

Administrator Action Plan:
You and your Review Committee Mentor/Facilitator formulate goals and objectives for your professional growth that are designed to address needs or develop strengths identified in your portfolio and assessment. You identify activities that you expect will help you reach each objective, as well as ways that you can document how well each objective is reached. Action plans must promise to stretch your competencies and knowledge beyond their current levels. PRASS forms must be used for the AAP. These forms can be downloaded from this web site.

Approval of AAP:
Your Review Committee Mentor/Facilitator presents your AAP to the Review Committee for approval at least 24 months prior to the expiration date of your certificate. You may be present, as well.

Final Review:
By April 1 of the year your certificate expires you must meet with your Review Committee Mentor/Facilitator to plan the final evaluation report. This report documents the activities you have undertaken and evaluates how they have met the goals and objectives in your AAP. The report is submitted to the Review Committee by your R.C. Mentor/Facilitator (you may be present). Guidelines for the final report are listed on this web site under "PRASS Polices".

Recommendation to the Commissioner of Education:
After reviewing your final evaluation report, the Review Committee votes to recommend or not to recommend the renewal of your certificate of focus. The state renewal form is completed, signed by the PRASS coordinator and returned to the administrator for mailing to the MDOE.

Receipt of New Certificate:
The Maine Department of Education forwards your new certificate directly to you.