The PA Department of Education (PDE) Bureau of School Leadership and Teacher Quality has announced an update to the Stage Field Experience Policy. In response to several questions, the bureau has further clarified the policy as shown bolded below.

Additionally, educators with an Instructional I certificate who are interested in adding an Instructional I certificate in an area excluded from add-on through testing may complete their second Stage Four experience in the new certificate area in a 6-week placement (210 hours). Completion of an approved program is still required as per regulation.

The following educators who already hold an Instructional I/Program Specialist certificate in certain areas can complete their second Stage Four experience in the Reading Specialist Instructional I certificate in a 3-week placement (105 hours) as they have completed literacy competencies within their first Instructional I certificate that meet Reading Specialist PK-12 competencies. Completion of an approved program is still required as per regulation.

For additional information, please refer to the Stage Four Field Experience Policy for Dual Instruction document.