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Title 016 | Chapter 005 | Regulation 020REG

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EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT CABINET
Education Professional Standards Board
(Amendment)

16 KAR 5:020.Standards for admission to educator preparation.

RELATES TO:

KRS 161.020, 161.028, 161.030, 161.048

STATUTORY AUTHORITY:

KRS 161.028, 161.030

CERTIFICATION STATEMENT:

NECESSITY, FUNCTION, AND CONFORMITY:

This administrative regulation establishes the standards for admission to an educator preparation program required for teacher and other professional school personnel certification. This administrative regulation complies with KRS 161.028(1)(b), which requires that the Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB) set standards for educator preparation programs, and with KRS 161.030(1), which vests the EPSB with authority over the certification of all teachers and other school personnel and requires the issuance of certificates authorized under KRS 161.010-161.126 be done in accordance with the EPSB's administrative regulations. KRS 161.028(1)(b) requires that the Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB) promulgate administrative regulations setting standards for educator preparation programs. KRS 161.030(1) requires that the EPSB promulgate administrative regulations establishing requirements for issuance of a certificate authorized under KRS 161.010 to 161.126. This administrative regulation establishes the standards for admission to an educator preparation program that is required for certification.

Section 1.

Selection and Admission to Educator Preparation Programs.

(1)

Each accredited provider of an approved program of educator preparation shall adhere to minimum standards for admission to its certification educator preparation programs, including those programs established pursuant to KRS 161.048, in accordance with this section.

(2)

(a)

Admission to an approved undergraduate initial certification education preparation program shall require the following:

1.

a.

A cumulative grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale; or

b.

A grade point average of 3.00 on a 4.0 scale on the last thirty (30) hours of credit completed, in accordance with the following:

(i)

Grade point average (GPA) shall be calculated by beginning with the most recent course completed and proceeding backward for two (2) semesters in the order the grades fall on the transcript to accumulate the last thirty (30) hours completed; and

(ii)

If it is necessary to go back further than two (2) semesters, then the courses in the third semester included in the calculation shall be chosen based on the highest grades earned during that third semester; and

2.

Successful completion of one (1) of the following assessments of basic knowledge::

a.

The ACT with a composite score of 22 or the corresponding minimum scores:

(i)

Reading-20;

(ii)

Writing-18; and

(iii)

Math-19; or

b.

The SAT with a composite score of 1110 or the corresponding minimum scores:

(i)

Reading and Writing-490; and

(ii)

Math-510; or

c.

The pre-professional skills assessments of basic knowledge administered by the Educational Testing Service with the corresponding minimum scores:

(i)

"Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (CASE): Reading (5713)" - 156;

(ii)

"Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (CASE): Writing (5723)" - 162; and

(iii)

"Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (CASE): Mathematics (5733)" - 150.

(b)

An applicant may use a combination of ACT, SAT, and CASE minimum scores to meet the requirements of paragraph (a)2. of this subsection.

(c)

If an applicant has a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, the educator preparation provider may admit the applicant to an approved undergraduate initial certification education preparation program if the applicant is within five points of one or more of the corresponding minimum scores on the pre-professional skills assessments listed in paragraph (a)2.b. of this subsection.

(3)

Admission to an approved graduate level initial certification educator preparation program shall require the following:

(a)

A bachelor's degree or advanced degree awarded by a regionally or nationally accredited college or university with a cumulative grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale; or

(b)

A grade point average of 3.00 on a 4.0 scale on the last thirty (30) hours of credit completed, including undergraduate and graduate coursework.

(4)

Admission to an Option 7 program established in accordance with KRS 161.048(8) shall also require successful completion of one of the following:

(a)

The assessments in subsection (2)(a)2.b. of this section; or

(b)

The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) administered by the Education Testing Service with the following corresponding minimum scores on the corresponding sections:

1.

Verbal reasoning – 150;

2.

Quantitative Reasoning – 143; and

3.

Analytical Writing – 4.0.

(5)

Admission to an advanced certification educator preparation program shall require the following:

(a)

1.

A statement of eligibility or an initial certificate earned by completion of an approved program through an approved educator preparation provider in Kentucky; or

2.

For out-of-state applicants, a statement of eligibility or an initial certificate issued by EPSB and earned by completion of a program through an approved educator preparation provider;

(b)

1.

A cumulative grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale; or

2.

A grade point average of 3.00 on a 4.0 scale on the last thirty (30) hours of credit completed, including undergraduate and graduate coursework; and

(c)

1.

Completion of requirements for the administrative certificate as established in 16 KAR Chapter 3; or

2.

Completion of requirements for the certificate as established in 16 KAR 2:070 and 16 KAR 2:090.

(6)

Each accredited provider of an approved program of educator preparation shall have a formal application procedure for admission that shall include the following:

(a)

Documentation that the applicant demonstrates the following:

1.

Critical thinking;

2.

Communication;

3.

Creativity; and

4.

Collaboration;

(b)

Evidence that the applicant has reviewed the Professional Code of Ethics for Kentucky School Certified Personnel established in 16 KAR 1:020; and

(c)

A method to allow the applicant to demonstrate that the applicant understands professional dispositions expected of professional educators.

(7)

The educator preparation program shall not enroll undergraduate students in any educator preparation program courses restricted to admitted candidates.

(8)

The educator preparation provider shall maintain electronic records that document that all students meet the requirements established in this section.

Section 2.

Selection and Admission to an Approved Educator Preparation Program for Occupation-Based Career and Technical Education.

(1)

Admission to an approved program of preparation for occupation-based career and technical education that results in certification pursuant to 16 KAR 2:020 shall require:

(a)

A minimum of a high school diploma or equivalency exam;

(b)

Four (4) years of successful and appropriate occupational experience in the area to be taught, which shall include:

1.

At least two (2) years of occupational experience completed within the last five (5) years. A maximum of one (1) year of the required work experience may be satisfied by completion of an approved program of preparation for the occupation to be taught; and

2.

The occupational experience confirmed by the Kentucky Department of Education, Office of Career and Technical Education;

(c)

The assessment provisions established in 16 KAR 6:020; and

(d)

An offer of employment from a state or local technology center, or a school district.

(2)

Each provider of an approved occupation-based educator preparation program shall have a formal application procedure for admission that shall include the following:

(a)

Evidence that the applicant has reviewed the Professional Code of Ethics for Kentucky School Certified Personnel established in 16 KAR 1:020; and

(b)

A method to allow the applicant to demonstrate that the applicant understands professional dispositions expected of professional educators.

(3)

The educator preparation provider shall not enroll undergraduate students in any educator preparation program courses restricted to admitted candidates.

(4)

The educator preparation provider shall maintain electronic records that document that all students meet the requirements established in this section.

(5)

A provider of approved educator preparation programs shall provide notice to the EPSB of which candidates it has admitted to an approved program of educator preparation within six (6) months of the candidate's admission.

(6)

Failure of an approved educator preparation provider to provide EPSB with notice of each candidate it admitted to an approved program of preparation in accordance with this section may result in action against the provider's accreditation status.

Section 3.

Assessment Recency. A passing score on an assessment established at the time of admission shall be valid for the purpose of applying for admission for ten (10) years five (5) years from the assessment administration date.

Section 4.

Annual Report.

(1)

Each educator preparation provider shall submit an electronic report annually to the EPSB that includes the following program data on each candidate admitted to educator preparation programs:

(a)

EPSB Person Identifier;

(b)

Student School Identification number;

(c)

Social Security number;

(d)

Full name;

(e)

Birth date;

(f)

Reported ethnicity;

(g)

Reported gender;

(h)

Email address;

(i)

Present home mailing address;

(j)

Permanent home mailing address;

(k)

Phone number;

(l)

Admission date;

(m)

Total number of credit hours prior to admission to the provider's educator preparation program;

(n)

Total number of credit hours in educator preparation courses completed prior to admission to the provider's educator preparation program;

(o)

Grade point average at admission;

(p)

Current program enrollment status;

(q)

Program completion date;

(r)

Grade point average at program completion;

(s)

Academic major at program completion; and

(t)

Academic minor or minors at program completion, if applicable.

(2)

The report shall be submitted in the following manner:

(a)

The provider shall electronically submit all data identified in subsection (1) to the EPSB; and

(b)

By September 15 of each year, each institution shall provide written confirmation by electronic mail to the EPSB that all required information has been entered.

(3)

The preparation program shall exit any candidate who has not been enrolled in at least one (1) course required for program completion within the last twelve (12) months.

(4)

Failure to submit the annual report in accordance with this section may result in action against the program's accreditation status.
L. AMBER SNELL, Board Chair
APPROVED BY AGENCY: October 28, 2026
FILED WITH LRC: October 30, 2026 at 3:55 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARING AND COMMENT PERIOD: A public hearing on this administrative regulation shall be held on January 25, 2027, at 10 a.m. ET, in the State Board Room, Fifth Floor, 300 Sower Boulevard, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601. Individuals interested in being heard at this hearing shall notify this agency in writing by five (5) workdays prior to the hearing, of their intent to attend. If no notification of intent to attend the hearing was received by that date, the hearing may be cancelled. A transcript of the public hearing will not be made unless a written request for a transcript is made. If you do not wish to be heard at the public hearing, you may submit written comments on the proposed administrative regulation. Written comments shall be accepted through January 31, 2027. Send written notification of intent to be heard at the public hearing or written comments on the proposed administrative regulation to the contact person.
CONTACT PERSON: Todd G. Allen, General Counsel, Kentucky Department of Education, 300 Sower Boulevard, 5th Floor, Frankfort, Kentucky 40601, phone 502-564-4474, fax 502-564-9321, email regcomments@education.ky.gov.
REGULATORY IMPACT ANALYSIS AND TIERING STATEMENT
Contact Person:
Todd G. Allen, Phone: 502-564-4474, Email: todd.allen@education.ky.gov
Subject Headings:
Education, Education: Elementary, Education: Secondary
(1) Provide a brief summary of:
(a) What this administrative regulation does:
This administrative regulation establishes the standards for admission to an educator preparation program (EPP) required for teacher and other professional school personnel certification.
(b) The necessity of this administrative regulation:
This administrative regulation is necessary to comply with KRS 161.028(1)(b), which requires that the Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB) set standards for EPPs, and with KRS 161.030(1), which vests the EPSB with authority over the certification of all teachers and other school personnel and requires the issuance of certificates authorized under KRS 161.010-161.126 be done in accordance with the EPSB’s administrative regulations.
(c) How this administrative regulation conforms to the content of the authorizing statutes:
KRS 161.028(1)(b) states, in part, that the EPSB "has the authority and responsibility to…[s]et standards for, approve, and evaluate college, university, and school district programs for the preparation of teachers and other professional school personnel." Further, KRS 161.030(1) vests the EPSB with authority over the certification of all teachers and other school personnel and requires the issuance of certificates authorized under KRS 161.010-161.126 be done in accordance with the EPSB’s administrative regulations.
(d) How this administrative regulation currently assists or will assist in the effective administration of the statutes:
This administrative regulation establishes the standards for admission to an EPP required for teacher and other professional school personnel certification in compliance with KRS 161.028(1)(b), which requires that the EPSB set standards for EPPs, and with KRS 161.030(1), which vests the EPSB with authority over the certification of all teachers and other school personnel and requires the issuance of certificates authorized under KRS 161.010-161.126 be done in accordance with the EPSB’s administrative regulations.
(2) If this is an amendment to an existing administrative regulation, provide a brief summary of:
(a) How the amendment will change this existing administrative regulation:
This amendment allows for the consideration of SAT scores when determining admission to an approved undergraduate initial certification EPP. Specifically, in addition to utilizing ACT and/or Core Academic Skills for Educators scores, a student seeking admission to an EPP can show "[s]uccessful completion" of a basic knowledge assessment by possessing SAT scores that meet or exceed the current admissions benchmarks established by the Council on Postsecondary Education. The amendment also allows a passing score on an assessment to be valid for a period of ten (10) years, which is an increase from the current regulation language of five (5) years, and deletes "Section 4. Annual Report."
(b) The necessity of the amendment to this administrative regulation:
This amendment is necessary and appropriate since, in the spring of 2026, the SAT was administered as the required, state-provided college admissions exam for 11th-grade students in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Further, portions of the amendment that increase the validity period of a passing assessment score reflect increased capacity by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) to now store this data for ten (10) years. Finally, annual reporting requirements for EPPs are being incorporated as part of an amendment to 16 KAR 5:010, specifically in the renumbered Section 8, that is currently in progress and, accordingly, are being struck from this administrative regulation to prevent duplication, contradiction, and confusion.
(c) How the amendment conforms to the content of the authorizing statutes:
This administrative regulation, as amended, establishes the standards for admission to an EPP required for teacher and other professional school personnel certification in conformance with KRS 161.028(1)(b), which requires that the EPSB set standards for EPPs, and with KRS 161.030(1), which vests the EPSB with authority over the certification of all teachers and other school personnel and requires the issuance of certificates authorized under KRS 161.010-161.126 be done in accordance with the EPSB’s administrative regulations. (d) How the amendment will assist in the effective administration of the statues: This administrative regulation, as amended, establishes the standards for admission to an EPP that is required for teacher and other professional school personnel certification. Specifically, this amendment allows a student seeking admission to an EPP to show "[s]uccessful completion" of a basic knowledge assessment by SAT scores that meet or exceed the current admissions benchmarks established by the Council on Postsecondary Education, and inclusion of the SAT is in addition to existing options a student seeking admission to an EPP has for utilizing ACT and/or Core Academic Skills for Educators scores. The amendment also allows a passing score on an assessment to be valid for a period of ten (10) years, which is an increase from the current regulation language of five (5) years and reflects increased capacity by ETS, and deletes "Section 4. Annual Report." Annual reporting requirements for EPPs are being incorporated as part of an amendment to 16 KAR 5:010, specifically in the renumbered Section 8, that is currently in progress and, thus, deletion of similar language in this regulation is necessary to prevent duplication, contradiction, and confusion.
(d) How the amendment will assist in the effective administration of the statutes:
(3) Does this administrative regulation or amendment implement legislation from the previous five years?
No.
(4) List the type and number of individuals, businesses, organizations, or state and local governments affected by this administrative regulation:
Prospective certified educators in Kentucky seeking EPP admission, EPPs, and Kentucky Department of Education.
(5) Provide an analysis of how the entities identified in question (4) will be impacted by either the implementation of this administrative regulation, if new, or by the change, if it is an amendment, including:
(a) List the actions that each of the regulated entities identified in question (4) will have to take to comply with this administrative regulation or amendment:
Prospective certified educators in Kentucky will have to meet applicable requirements in this regulation prior to seeking EPP admission, although the addition of the SAT expands existing options these individuals have to show "[s]uccessful completion" of a basic knowledge assessment under the regulation. Prospective certified educators also will benefit from the increase from five (5) years to ten (10) years that a passing score on an assessment will remain valid pursuant to this amendment. EPPs will have to implement the requirements of this regulation but will similarly benefit from the addition of the SAT as an option for EPP admission as well as the lengthier validity timeframe for passing assessment scores. Once this amendment as well as the amendment to 16 KAR 5:010 are implemented, EPPs will need to comply with the annual reporting requirements in 16 KAR 5:010, specifically in the renumbered Section 8, and not with the language in Section 4 of this regulation, which this amendment strikes in its entirety. Kentucky Department of Education staff that support the work of EPSB and EPPs will have to implement the requirements of this regulation.
(b) In complying with this administrative regulation or amendment, how much will it cost each of the entities identified in question (4):
Implementation of this amendment is not expected to substantially increase costs for any entity identified in question (4). Minimal administrative burdens may result to Kentucky Department of Education staff implementing the amended regulation. Any costs or burdens to prospective certified educators in Kentucky seeking EPP admission as well as to EPPs are anticipated to be minimal, at most, and to be the same under this amendment as they were under the prior regulation.
(c) As a result of compliance, what benefits will accrue to the entities identified in question (4):
Prospective certified educators in Kentucky seeking EPP admission as well as EPPs will benefit from the addition of the SAT, which expands existing options under the regulation to show "[s]uccessful completion" of a basic knowledge assessment. The addition of the SAT also accounts for the SAT being administered as the required, state-provided college admissions exam for 11th-grade students in the Commonwealth of Kentucky in the Spring of 2026. Prospective certified educators in Kentucky seeking EPP admission as well as EPPs also will benefit from the lengthier validity timeframe for passing assessment scores, which is reflective of increased capacity by ETS to now store these scores for an increased ten (10) year timeline. (6) Provide an estimate of how much it will cost to implement this administrative regulation:
(6) Provide an estimate of how much it will cost the administrative body to implement this administrative regulation:
(a) Initially:
There will be minimal, if any, cost to the EPSB and the Kentucky Department of Education to implement this administrative regulation.
(b) On a continuing basis:
There will be minimal, if any, cost to the EPSB and the Kentucky Department of Education to implement this administrative regulation.
(7) What is the source of the funding to be used for the implementation and enforcement of this administrative regulation or this amendment:
General funds.
(8) Provide an assessment of whether an increase in fees or funding will be necessary to implement this administrative regulation, if new, or by the change if it is an amendment:
None.
(9) State whether or not this administrative regulation establishes any fees or directly or indirectly increases any fees:
This administrative regulation neither establishes any fees nor directly or indirectly increases any fees.
(10) TIERING: Is tiering applied?
Tiering is not applied. The regulation applies uniformly.
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
(1) Identify each state statute, federal statute, or federal regulation that requires or authorizes the action taken by the administrative regulation:
KRS 161.020, 161.028, 161.030, 161.048.
(2) State whether this administrative regulation is expressly authorized by an act of the General Assembly, and if so, identify the act:
Yes, KRS 161.028 and 161.030 provide the statutory authority for this administrative regulation.
(3)(a) Identify the promulgating agency and any other affected state units, parts, or divisions:
Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board and Kentucky Department of Education.
(b) Estimate the following for each affected state unit, part, or division identified in (3)(a):
1. Expenditures:
For the first year:
Any expenditures are expected to be minimal.
For subsequent years:
Any expenditures are expected to be minimal.
2. Revenues:
For the first year:
This regulation is not expected to generate revenue.
For subsequent years:
This regulation is not expected to generate revenue.
3. Cost Savings:
For the first year:
No cost savings are anticipated.
For subsequent years:
No cost savings are anticipated.
(4)(a) Identify affected local entities (for example: cities, counties, fire departments, school districts):
None.
(b) Estimate the following for each affected local entity identified in (4)(a):
1. Expenditures:
For the first year:
Not applicable.
For subsequent years:
Not applicable.
2. Revenues:
For the first year:
Not applicable.
For subsequent years:
Not applicable.
3. Cost Savings:
For the first year:
Not applicable.
For subsequent years:
Not applicable.
(5)(a) Identify any affected regulated entities not listed in (3)(a) or (4)(a):
Prospective certified educators in Kentucky seeking admission to an educator preparation program (EPP) as well as the EPPs.
(b) Estimate the following for each regulated entity identified in (5)(a):
1. Expenditures:
For the first year:
No expenditures are expected for prospective certified educators in Kentucky seeking admission to an EPP or for the EPPs.
For subsequent years:
No expenditures are expected for prospective certified educators in Kentucky seeking admission to an EPP or for the EPPs.
2. Revenues:
For the first year:
This regulation is not expected to generate revenue.
For subsequent years:
This regulation is not expected to generate revenue.
3. Cost Savings:
For the first year:
For prospective certified educators in Kentucky seeking admission to an EPP, cost savings are expected to be minimal but may be seen with allowing use of the SAT to show "[s]uccessful completion" of a basic knowledge assessment as well as with the increased ten (10) year validity timeframe for passing assessment scores as both revisions could negate the need for additional, costly assessments. For EPPs, no cost savings are expected.
For subsequent years:
For prospective certified educators in Kentucky seeking admission to an EPP, cost savings are expected to be minimal but may be seen with allowing use of the SAT to show "[s]uccessful completion" of a basic knowledge assessment as well as with the increased ten (10) year validity timeframe for passing assessment scores as both revisions could negate the need for additional, costly assessments. For EPPs, no cost savings are expected.
(6) Provide a narrative to explain the following for each entity identified in (3)(a), (4)(a), and (5)(a)
(a) Fiscal impact of this administrative regulation:
Minimal administrative burdens may result to Kentucky Department of Education staff. Any costs or burdens to prospective certified educators in Kentucky seeking admission to an EPP as well as to EPPs are anticipated to be minimal, at most, and to be the same under this amendment as they were under the prior regulation. Due to the increased flexibility provided by this amendment, prospective certified educators in Kentucky seeking admission to an EPP may see minimal cost savings in implementing this administrative regulation.
(b) Methodology and resources used to reach this conclusion:
The estimates herein are based on prior program operations.
(7) Explain, as it relates to the entities identified in (3)(a), (4)(a), and (5)(a):
(a) Whether this administrative regulation will have a "major economic impact", as defined by KRS 13A.010(14):
The administrative regulation is not expected to have a major economic impact.
(b) The methodology and resources used to reach this conclusion:
The estimates herein are based on prior program operations.

7-Year Expiration: 11/30/2028

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