COST COST License Renewal & Continuing Education 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A COST-certified teacher is also a National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT). How do most states treat National Board Certification in the context of license renewal?
- It replaces the need to ever renew a state license
- It often satisfies some or all continuing education hour requirements for one renewal cycle (Correct answer)
- It has no bearing on state license renewal requirements
- It reduces the renewal fee but not the CE hour requirement
Correct answer: It often satisfies some or all continuing education hour requirements for one renewal cycle
Many states recognize National Board Certification as meeting part or all of the continuing education requirement for one renewal cycle as an incentive for advanced certification.
Question 2: Which scenario best illustrates a 'content-area continuing education' requirement specific to COST renewal?
- A math teacher completing 10 hours in advanced algebra pedagogy (Correct answer)
- A PE teacher completing hours in general school administration
- A science teacher completing hours in unrelated social work practices
- A history teacher completing hours exclusively in computer hardware repair
Correct answer: A math teacher completing 10 hours in advanced algebra pedagogy
Content-area CE requirements mandate that a portion of renewal hours directly relate to the teacher's assigned subject, such as a math teacher studying math pedagogy.
Question 3: A state issues a COST credential with a 'provisional' designation. What does this typically indicate regarding renewal and CE?
- The teacher is exempt from all CE requirements until the provisional period ends
- The teacher must fulfill specific requirements, such as mentoring or coursework, before converting to a standard renewable license (Correct answer)
- Provisional licenses cannot be renewed under any circumstances
- The teacher must retake the Praxis exam before the provisional period expires
Correct answer: The teacher must fulfill specific requirements, such as mentoring or coursework, before converting to a standard renewable license
Provisional COST credentials typically require the teacher to complete designated benchmarks—such as mentoring programs or additional coursework—to convert to a full renewable license.
Question 4: When a COST teacher moves to a state with a portfolio-based renewal system, what does this process generally require?
- Passing a new subject-matter content exam each renewal cycle
- Submitting documentation of teaching practice, student growth data, and professional development evidence (Correct answer)
- Completing a student-teaching placement in the new state
- Obtaining three letters of recommendation from district administrators
Correct answer: Submitting documentation of teaching practice, student growth data, and professional development evidence
Portfolio-based renewal systems require teachers to compile and submit evidence of professional practice, including student outcomes and professional growth activities, rather than just logging CE hours.
Question 5: A COST teacher is on an approved medical leave during her renewal window. How do most states accommodate this situation?
- The license is automatically revoked and must be reissued after recovery
- The teacher can apply for a renewal extension or waiver due to the medical hardship (Correct answer)
- The teacher must complete all CE hours before returning to the classroom regardless of the leave
- Medical leave has no effect on renewal deadlines in any state
Correct answer: The teacher can apply for a renewal extension or waiver due to the medical hardship
Most states have provisions allowing teachers on documented medical leave to request a renewal extension or hardship waiver, recognizing that meeting deadlines may not be feasible.
Question 6: A district offers its own in-house professional development program. For COST renewal purposes, what must this program typically have to qualify?
- Approval or recognition from the state education agency or an accredited provider (Correct answer)
- A minimum enrollment of 50 teachers to ensure quality
- Delivery exclusively by teachers with doctoral degrees
- Prior approval from the U.S. Department of Education
Correct answer: Approval or recognition from the state education agency or an accredited provider
District-run professional development must be approved or recognized by the state education agency to count toward license renewal CE requirements.
Question 7: Which best describes the purpose of requiring continuing education as part of COST license renewal?
- To generate revenue for state education departments through course fees
- To ensure teachers remain current with evolving content knowledge, pedagogy, and legal requirements (Correct answer)
- To create barriers that limit the number of active teachers in the state
- To satisfy federal mandates that override all state licensure decisions
Correct answer: To ensure teachers remain current with evolving content knowledge, pedagogy, and legal requirements
CE requirements for renewal exist to ensure that licensed teachers continuously update their skills, knowledge, and awareness of changes in education law and best practices.
COST COST License Renewal & Continuing Education 5
A COST-certified teacher is also a National Board Certified Teacher (NBCT).
How do most states treat National Board Certification in the context of license renewal?