Updates on Transition from Special Education PK-8 and 7-12 to Special Education PK-12
On December 27, 2021, PDE announced the following policy pertaining to graduates of three cohorts:
- Spring (May/June) 2022
- Fall (December/January) 2022
These graduates will have 60 days after their graduation to submit an application in the Teacher Information Management System (TIMS). The application submission verifies their intent to pursue certification and grants them at least one-year from the date of submission to complete the application.
Act 136 of 2020 allows for candidates to be "grandfathered in" meaning that PK-8 and 7-12 program requirements continue to apply to existing students already in progress as long as they remain continuously enrolled.
Spring 2022 Completers: Spec Ed PK-8 and 7-12
STEP 1: Finish Student Teaching and any related certification or degree coursework
STEP 2: Test for Special Education PK-8 or 7-12 now and apply in the Teacher Information Management System (TIMS) from 5/1/22 - 6/20/22.
Pearson Exams required: Register now and make sure to report scores to Pennsylvania (PDE) and WCU
- Special Ed PK-8: PECT 8011 & 8012
- Special Ed 7-12: PECT 8015 & 8016
STEP 3: Apply in TIMS using the correct directions if you have already completed STEP 1.
Fall 2022 Completers: Spec Ed PK-8 and 7-12
STEP 1: Finish Student Teaching and any related certification or degree coursework
STEP 2: Test for Special Education PK-8 or 7-12 and apply in the Teacher Information Management System (TIMS) from 12/1/22 - 1/23/23.
Pearson Exams required: Register now and make sure to report scores to Pennsylvania (PDE) and WCU
- Special Ed PK-8: PECT 8011 & 8012
- Special Ed 7-12: PECT 8015 & 8016
STEP 3: Apply in TIMS using the correct directions if you have already completed STEP 1.
NEW Spec Ed PK-12 Double-Majors
STEP 1: Finish Student Teaching and any related certification or degree coursework
STEP 2: Test for Special Education PK-12 and apply in the Teacher Information Management System (TIMS) at the time of program completion.
Praxis Exams required: Register now and make sure to report scores to Pennsylvania (PDE) and WCU
- Special Education: Core Knowledge and Applications: #5354
STEP 3: Apply in TIMS using the correct directions if you have already completed STEP 1.
NEW Spec Ed PK-12 Standalone
STEP 1: Finish Student Teaching and any related certification or degree coursework
STEP 2: Test for Special Education PK-12 and apply in the Teacher Information Management System (TIMS) at the time of program completion.
Praxis Exams required: Register now and make sure to report scores to Pennsylvania (PDE) and WCU
- Special Education: Core Knowledge and Applications: #5354
- Fundamental Subjects: Content Knowledge: #5511*
*If you already hold an active and valid Instructional I certificate, you do not need #5511. All PK-12 certifications, if an initial certification, must include the certification content test and the fundamental subjects test—except if dual enrolled with PK-4 or Grades 4-8 and a PK-12 certification area. The fundamental subject areas tested are addressed and embedded in the PK-4 and Grades 4-8 test modules.
STEP 3: Apply in TIMS using the correct directions if you have already completed STEP 1.