Categories of Acceptable
License Renewal Activities
Up to 200 points may be earned in either or all categories A, B, & C
A. A college/university course:
(1) Shall be successfully completed with a "C" or better, or a "pass."
(2) Each semester hour equals 18 license points; or
(3) Each quarter hour equals 12 license points.
UCAT credits: if it is equivalent to semester hours, 18 points per hour; or if in hours, 30 hours equal to one semester hour (18 pts).
B. Professional Development:
(1) shall be state-approved under R277-519-3.
(2) may be requested from the USOE by:(a) written request from a private provider on a form supplied by the USOE and received by the appropriate USOE subject specialist at least two weeks prior to the beginning date of the scheduled Professional Development, or
(b) a request submitted through the computerized Professional Development program connected to the USOE licensure system.
(i) The computerized process is available in most Utah school districts and area technology centers.
(ii) Such requests shall be made at least two weeks prior to the beginning of the scheduled Professional Development.(3) Each clock hour of authorized Professional Development time equals one professional development point.
(4) The Professional Development shall be successfully completed through attendance and required project(s).
C. Conferences, workshops, institutes, symposia, educational travel experience or staff-development programs:
(1) Acceptable workshops and programs include those with prior written approval by the USOE, recognized professional associations, district supervisors, or school supervisors regardless of the source of sponsorship or funding.
(2) One license point is awarded for each clock hour of educational participation.
D. Service in professional activities in an educational institution:
(1) Acceptable service includes that in which the license holder contributes to improving achievement in a school, district, or other educational institution, including planning and implementation of an improvement plan.
(2) One license point is awarded for each clock hour of participation.
(3) An inactive educator may earn professional development points by service in professional activities under the supervision of an active administrator.
E. Service in a leadership role in a national, state-wide or district recognized professional education organization:
(1) Acceptable service includes that in which the license holder assumes a leadership role in a professional education organization.
(2) One license point is awarded for each clock hour of participation with a maximum of 10 license points per year.
F. Educational research and innovation that results in a final, demonstrable product:
(1) Acceptable activities include conducting educational research or investigating educational innovations.
(2) This research activity shall follow school and district policy.
(3) An inactive educator may conduct research and receive professional development points on programs or issues approved by a practicing administrator.
(4) One license point is awarded for each clock hour of participation.
G. Acceptable alternative professional development activities:
(1) Acceptable activities are those that enhance or improve education yet may not fall into a specific category.
(2) These activities shall be approved by an educator's principal/supervisor.
(3) One license point is awarded for each clock hour of participation.
H. Substituting:
Substituting in a unit of the public education system or an accredited private school may be an acceptable alternative professional development activity toward license renewal if the license holder is not an active educator as defined under R277-501C and is paid and authorized as a substitute. A substitute shall earn one point for every two hours of documented substitute time. Verification of hours shall be obtained from the employer or from the supervising principal. A license holder may earn up to 25 professional development points per year not to exceed a total of 50 points in a license cycle as a substitute.
I. Instructing students in a professional or volunteer capacity
A license-holder who instructs students in a professional or volunteer capacity in a unit of the public education system or an accredited private school may earn up to 25 professional development points per year not to exceed a total of 50 points in a license cycle. Paraprofessionals/volunteers may accrue one professional development point for every three hours of paraprofessional/volunteer service, as determined and verified by the building principal or supervisor.
J. Other
Up to 50 license points may be earned in any one or any combination of categories D, E and F above.
K. Praxis II Test
Twenty-five points each may be earned for taking up to two Praxis II content tests.
Note: The preceding categories and limits apply in most cases. However, if unique circumstances exist, the license holder may apply for permission to design professional development activities as part of a Professional Development Plan that differs from those described. Make the request to:
Educator Quality & Licensing Section Coordinator
Utah State Office of Education
250 East 500 South
P O Box 144200
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-4200
