The Professional Licensure Unit of Arkansas Department of Education would like to take this opportunity to clarify issues regarding conversion of the old Elementary 1-6 and Early Childhood K-6 licensure areas at the time of renewal.
These two licensure areas and levels will remain on the teaching license without change at the time of renewal. We will also add the new Early Childhood P-4 area to the license of those holding the Early Childhood K-6 area.
Teachers holding the Elementary 1-6 licensure area may add the new Early Childhood P-4 to their license by taking and passing the Praxis II Specialty Area Assessment-Education of Young Children and completing a three-hour, college level course in Arkansas History.
The old Elementary 1-6 and Early Childhood K-6 may also add the new Middle Childhood licensure areas of Math/Science and Language Arts/Social Studies at the 4-8 grade level by taking and passing the Praxis II Specialty Area Assessment- Middle Childhood: Content Knowledge and completing a three-hour, college level course in Arkansas History.
The attached matrix will reflect the above-mentioned information in a more abbreviated and concise manner.
Please refer any questions regarding this Director’s Memo to Ron Tolson, Coordinator, Professional Licensure, at 501-682-4342 or by fax at 501-682-4898 or email rtolson@arkedu.k12.ar.us.