Oklahoma Administrative Code Title 712 - Oklahoma Commission for Teacher Preparation
Oklahoma Administrative Code Title 712 – Oklahoma Commission for Teacher Preparation
Overview
Title 712 governs the Oklahoma Commission for Teacher Preparation (OCTP), the state agency responsible for establishing and enforcing standards for the preparation, certification, and ongoing development of public school teachers and educators in Oklahoma.
The Commission’s mission includes ensuring that teacher candidates meet rigorous standards before entering the classroom, overseeing educator preparation programs, and maintaining the integrity of teacher certification.
Key Areas Covered Under Title 712
1. Educator Preparation Programs
The OCTP sets standards for approval, accreditation, and oversight of educator preparation programs offered by colleges and universities in Oklahoma.
These standards cover curriculum, faculty qualifications, clinical experiences (student teaching), and assessment of candidate competencies.
Programs must submit regular reports and undergo periodic evaluations to maintain approval status.
2. Teacher Certification
Title 712 outlines the requirements and procedures for obtaining and renewing teacher certification in Oklahoma.
Different certificates exist based on grade level, subject area, and type of teaching assignment (e.g., initial certificates, standard certificates, specialized certificates).
Certification requirements include:
Completion of an approved educator preparation program
Passing state-mandated exams (e.g., Oklahoma Subject Area Tests, OGET – Oklahoma General Education Test)
Background checks and fingerprinting
Renewal requirements involve continuing professional education and adherence to ethical standards.
3. Code of Professional Practice and Conduct
OCTP enforces a Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility for teachers.
Violations such as misconduct, incompetence, or criminal behavior can lead to disciplinary actions including suspension or revocation of certification.
4. Disciplinary Procedures
Title 712 specifies procedures for investigating complaints against educators.
Investigations are conducted by the Commission or its designee.
Educators are entitled to due process, including notice of charges, opportunity for a hearing, and appeal rights.
Sanctions range from reprimands to permanent loss of teaching credentials.
5. Appeals and Hearings
The code provides a process for contested cases, typically administrative hearings before an administrative law judge.
Decisions by the Commission can be appealed to the Oklahoma State Board of Education and ultimately to the courts.
Relevant Case Law Principles
While direct Oklahoma case law referencing Title 712 may be limited due to the administrative nature of these regulations, several general legal principles apply based on judicial review of administrative agency actions:
1. Due Process Rights
Teachers subject to certification denial or disciplinary actions are entitled to procedural due process, including:
Adequate notice of the allegations
Opportunity to present evidence and witnesses
A fair hearing before an impartial decision-maker
Case Principle: Failure to provide due process can render agency decisions invalid.
2. Substantial Evidence Review
Courts reviewing OCTP decisions typically apply a "substantial evidence" standard, meaning the agency’s findings must be supported by relevant evidence a reasonable mind could accept.
Case Principle: Courts defer to the expertise of the Commission unless decisions are arbitrary, capricious, or unsupported.
3. Certification Denial and Revocation
Denial or revocation of teacher certification is a serious action, often upheld when based on:
Failure to meet statutory or regulatory requirements
Professional misconduct or criminal convictions
Case Principle: Courts generally uphold certification revocations related to educator misconduct to protect student welfare and maintain educational standards.
4. Separation of Powers and Agency Authority
Courts recognize the Legislature’s delegation of authority to OCTP to regulate educator certification, respecting agency expertise.
Case Principle: Agency actions within delegated authority and consistent with law are presumptively valid.
Hypothetical Case Example
Jones v. Oklahoma Commission for Teacher Preparation
Facts: Teacher Jones had his certification revoked after a complaint of professional misconduct involving inappropriate behavior with a student. Jones argued the Commission failed to provide a fair hearing.
Outcome: The court upheld the revocation, finding that the Commission had followed proper procedures, Jones was given notice and opportunity to be heard, and the evidence supported the Commission’s findings.
Significance: This case illustrates the balance between protecting educators’ rights and ensuring student safety.
Summary
Title 712 of the Oklahoma Administrative Code provides the framework for licensing, regulating, and disciplining teachers in Oklahoma.
The OCTP oversees educator preparation, certification, ethics, and enforcement.
Teachers are entitled to due process in certification and disciplinary matters.
Courts generally uphold Commission decisions when supported by evidence and conducted fairly.
The regulatory framework ensures qualified, ethical educators serve Oklahoma’s students.
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