HOW DO I DETERMINE WHAT I NEED TO DO FOR RENEWAL?

Your Administrator Action Plan is based on your strengths and weaknesses in 13 competency areas designated by the legislature. Requirements will vary depending upon the certificate you are renewing (all 13 areas are not required for all certificates).

1. Community Relations
2. School Finance and Budget
3. Supervision and Evaluation of Personnel
4. U.S. and State of Maine Civil Rights law and Education law
5. Organizational Theory and Planning
6. Educational Leadership
7. Educational Philosophy and Theory
8. Effective Instruction
9. Curriculum Development
10. Staff Development
11. Teaching the Exceptional Student in the Regular Classroom
12. Knowledge of the Learner and the Learning Process
13. Cultural Differences and Discriminatory and Nondiscriminatory Hiring Practices

The MDOE, Division of Certification (624-6603) or the PRASS Office can provide more specific descriptions of these areas and of certificate requirements.

Comprehensive Assessment:
Each candidate must document the completion of a comprehensive assessment process through which he/she arrived at his/her targeted goals for the A.A.P. This process must include the development of a portfolio and a specific assessment of the 13 areas, as appropriate, by the candidate and at least two other persons knowledgeable of the candidate’s work/skills. Contact the PRASS office or your Review Committee Mentor/Facilitator for guidelines.

Candidates are encouraged to use the Administrator Needs Assessment Program (ANAP) as the primary assessment tool for the first comprehensive assessment. The Review Committee will consider other assessment devices provided that documentation shows that the process was thorough, comprehensive, and includes an assessment of you by others familiar with your work.

Administrators who are renewing their certificates through PRASS for the second time (or more) have two assessment options (see "Second Assessment Options" under PRASS Policies).

Exceptionality:
The administrator shall document completion of 3 hours of approved study in Exceptionality Training or must include such study as part of the AAP in order to receive initial certification under Chapter 502. This requirement must be completed within the first five-year term of the 502 certificate in order for the certificate to be renewed.

Master’s Degree:
The laws require a master’s degree for initial certification for superintendent, assistant superintendent, principal, curriculum coordinator/instructional supervisor, directors of special education and secondary vocational education. You must document completion of this requirement or matriculation in an approved graduate degree program at the time you apply for your first 502 Certificate.