The EPSB's Division of Certification or Division of Educator Preparation cannot "pre-approve" the use of an out-of-state online program for use by Kentucky's educators. Kentucky citizens are advised that out-of-state online programs are regulated by the Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE). Consult CPE's web site about CPE's licensure requirements.
Pursuant to KRS 164.947. A college must have a license from Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) to operate in Kentucky. In 13 KAR 1:020, operate is defined as follows:
(1)(9) "Operating or soliciting" means having a physical presence within Kentucky and includes:
(a) An instructional or administrative site within Kentucky whether owned, leased, rented, or provided without charge;
(b) Instruction, whether theory or clinical, originating from or delivered within Kentucky utilizing teachers, trainers, counselors, advisors, sponsors, or mentors;
(c) An agent, recruiter, in-state liaison personnel, institution, or business located in Kentucky that advises, promotes, or solicits for enrollment, credit, or award of and educational or occupational credential;
(d) An articulation agreement with a Kentucky licensed college or state-supported institution; or
(e) Advertising, promotional material, or public soliciation in any form that targets Kentucky residents through distribution or advertising in the state.
These triggers would include any practicum experiences that must be completed in Kentucky's schools for the out-of-state online programs.
If the institution has not done any acts to trigger CPE's regulations regarding licensure to operate in the state, and is National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Preparation (NCATE) or Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and regionally accredited, then the EPSB will review the application the same way it would review any other for a rank change and certification. Although a program is not pre-approved by the EPSB the way an in-state program would be, we cannot guarantee the institution might not make changes to their own program. The "buyer should be aware" that if the institution acts on any of the above triggers for CPE's regulations, your program will not be recognized by the EPSB.
If the online program may be used for certification and/or rank change, the program must be approved by the EPSB via the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement.