Notice of Proposed Rule

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
State Board of Education
Rule No.: RULE TITLE
6A-6.05731: Industry Certification of Automotive Service Technology Education Programs
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose of this new rule is to establish guidelines for industry certification of automotive service technology education programs. The effect will be that all programs undergo a consistent comprehensive review.
SUMMARY: This rule establishes consistent guidelines for automotive service technology education programs to comply with Section 1004.925, F.S., which requires all programs to be industry certified by Fiscal Year 2013-2014. Each program must undergo a comprehensive review conducted by a national organization and result in an industry certification that is recognized nationally. The rule establishes minimum standards for the review as well as timelines for achieving and maintaining the certification.
SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COSTS: No Statement of Estimated Regulatory Cost was prepared.
Any person who wishes to provide information regarding a statement of estimated regulatory costs, or provide a proposal for a lower cost regulatory alternative must do so in writing within 21 days of this notice.
SPECIFIC AUTHORITY: 1004.925 FS.
LAW IMPLEMENTED: 1004.925(2), (3) FS.
A HEARING WILL BE HELD AT THE DATE, TIME AND PLACE SHOWN BELOW:
DATE AND TIME: December 17, 2010, 11:00 a.m.
PLACE: Miami Dade College – Wolfson Campus, 300 N.E. 2nd Avenue, Building 2000, Room 2106, Miami, Florida
THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE IS: Loretta Costin, Chancellor, Career and Adult Education, Department of Education, 325 West Gaines Street, Suite 744, Tallahassee, Florida; (850)245-0446

THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:

6A-6.05731 Industry Certification of Automotive Service Technology Education Programs.

(1) Section 1004.925, F.S., requires industry certification of all automotive service technology education programs, effective fiscal year 2013-2014, in order to receive state funding. This rule establishes consistent guidelines for industry certification of automotive service technology education programs which are preparing students for employment in the automotive occupations that involve the inspection, repair, or adjustment of automobiles.

(2) In order to become industry certified, an automotive service technology program must undergo a comprehensive review. The review must be conducted by a national organization and result in a national industry program certification or accreditation. The comprehensive review must include, at a minimum:

(a) A review of the program goals, related to the needs of the students and employers served;

(b) A review of program administration that would ensure that instructional activities support and promote the goals of the program;

(c) A review of support material, consistent with both program goals and performance objectives, that will be available to staff and students;

(d) A review of funding available to meet the program goals and performance objectives;

(e) A review of systematic skills assessment, interviews, counseling services, placement and follow-up procedures used;

(f) A review of instruction which must be systematic and reflect program goals;

(g) A task list and specific performance objectives with criterion referenced measures used;

(h) A review of equipment and tools ensuring they are of the type and quality found in the repair industry and that they are also the type needed to provide training to meet the program goals and performance objectives;

(i) A review of the physical facilities making sure those facilities permit achievement of the program goals and performance objectives;

(j) A review of all instructional staff to assure technical competency and all state and local requirements for certification are met;

(k) A review of all written policies and procedures used for cooperative and apprenticeship training programs; and

(l) For programs using e-learning to meet program hour requirements, a review of written policies and procedures that must be followed when e-learning curricular materials are used outside of scheduled classroom/lab/shop time for the purpose of meeting the industry-certified entity’s instructional hour requirements.

(3) Description of the examinations and competencies to be demonstrated must be recognized nationally by the automotive industry, including manufacturers, automotive dealers, automotive maintenance and repair businesses for their expertise and experience in certifying automotive repair training programs.

(4) Programs must be recertified according to the prescribed procedures of the appropriate certification agency. However, all programs must remain continuously certified by said certifying agency, with no lapse of certification.

Rulemaking Authority 1004.925 FS. Law Implemented 1004.925(2), (3) FS. History–New________.


NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE: Loretta Costin, Chancellor, Career and Adult Education
NAME OF AGENCY HEAD WHO APPROVED THE PROPOSED RULE: Dr. Eric Smith, Commissioner, Department of Education
DATE PROPOSED RULE APPROVED BY AGENCY HEAD: November 1, 2010
DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAW: October 8, 2010