Florida Department of Education EPI Initial Program Approval Standards

Institutions or private providers must submit the electronic folio for initial program approval to the Florida Department of Education, Office of Educator Preparation. Submissions may be made via email to EdPrepFolio@fldoe.org or sent on an electronic storage device to the following address: Florida Department of Education, Office of Educator Preparation, 325 West Gaines Street, Room 124, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0400. Ensure all sections are accurately completed and include relevant supporting evidence. Regularly monitor communications for any follow-up or additional information requests. Timely submission is crucial to avoid delays in the approval process.

Program folios must be submitted quarterly alongside the institution's or approved private provider's Request to Submit Form. Ensure timely submission for each quarter in 2024 and 2025 to comply with the approval process.

The Florida Department of Education Initial Program Approval Standards for Educator Preparation Institutes (EPI) serve a crucial role in ensuring that educational institutions and approved private providers meet the state's standards for educator preparation. This document outlines the specific requirements that must be satisfied for a program to receive initial approval, including admission criteria, program design, delivery, curriculum content, and evaluation methods. By adhering to these standards, institutions can ensure that their educator preparation programs are of high quality and align with state statutes. The purpose of this form is to guide institutions through the process of compiling and submitting a comprehensive electronic folio that demonstrates their compliance with the established standards. The form provides detailed instructions on the documentation and evidence needed to showcase the program's design, delivery, and evaluation processes. Additionally, it highlights the importance of monitoring and reporting candidate progress, ensuring that program completers possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and professional behaviors for their field. Overall, the form emphasizes the significance of maintaining high standards in educator preparation, ultimately aiming to produce qualified and effective educators who can positively impact student learning. By following the guidelines and submitting a thorough program folio, institutions can obtain the necessary approval to operate their EPI programs, contributing to the overall goal of improving educational outcomes in Florida.

• 1. Admission Requirements: Describes the processes, methods, and procedures used to determine candidates' eligibility for the program.
• 2. Data Collection and Reporting: Outlines the plan for collecting, monitoring and reporting data on candidates who were admitted, enrolled and completed the program.
• 3. Educational Plan: Details the educational plan to meet all requirements for a Florida Professional Educator's Certificate.
• 4. Program Candidate Assessment: Describes the process to assess, monitor and document each candidate's progress and mastery of the Uniform Core Curricula (UCC).
• 5. Critical Task/Assessments Matrix: Includes the task and assessments matrix that describes the skills and competencies assessed during coursework and field experiences.
• 6. Remediation and Feedback Plan: Outlines the plan to provide documented remediation, mentoring and feedback to support candidate progression.
• 7. Final Summative Evaluation: Provides the evaluation used to determine completion and ensure candidates have demonstrated required skills in a P-12 setting.
• 8. Candidate Performance Data Analysis: Details how candidate performance data will be analyzed to ensure mastery of the UCC.
• 9. Certification Examination Results Monitoring: Describes the plan for collecting and monitoring Florida Teacher Certification Examination results.
• 10. Remediation for Certification Exam: Provides the plan for remediation and feedback to candidates unsuccessful in passing all subtests of the certification exam.

Failing to submit this form can result in significant delays or the inability to receive approval for the educator preparation program. Institutions must ensure timely submission to avoid these issues.

• Approval Delays: Delays in form submission can lead to delays in the approval process, affecting program operations.
• Program Ineligibility: Incomplete or late submissions can render the program ineligible for approval, impacting the institution's ability to offer EPI programs.
• Compliance Issues: Failure to submit the required documentation can result in non-compliance with state regulations, leading to possible sanctions.

• 1. Initial Program Approval: Use this form to seek initial approval for an EPI program based on state standards.
• 2. Program Compliance: Ensure compliance with state regulations by submitting the required program documentation.
• 3. Data Reporting: Submit data on candidate progress, certification results and program completion for approval.
• 4. Program Design: Document and submit the design, delivery and curriculum content of the EPI program.
• 5. Evaluation and Monitoring: Provide information on how the program will assess and monitor candidate's progress and mastery of required skills.