On July 24, 2025, the Bureau of School Leadership and Teacher Quality announced an update to the Stage Field Experience Policy. In response to several questions, we have further clarified the policy as shown in bold print below. 

Additionally, educators with an Instructional I 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 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.

Click here to view the PDE Memo.