State is recinding the licensure proposal

This just in from DESE:

In response to feedback from the field, ESE is rescinding the draft policy options that proposed linking licensure to educator evaluation. A memo from Commissioner Chester explaining the decision is attached to this email. The memo also notes that ESE is still interested in suggestions about how to refine licensure. Department staff look forward to future conversations with educators about the topic.

The text of the memo is here; Updated with text after the break:

(Emphasis is in the original document)

To: Superintendents, Principals, Teachers
From: Mitchell D. Chester, Commissioner
Date: November 14, 2014
Re: Educator Licensure Policy Proposals

I am writing to let you know that the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is revamping the materials that are guiding the discussion on potential revisions to educator licensure. In short, we are rescinding the draft options that link licensure to educator evaluation. We received considerable opposition to linking licensure to evaluation. We appreciate this feedback, and I agree with it. While the draft options we presented were intended to be a catalyst for exploring potential design priniciples and policies, it is clear that the options are impeding rather than encouraging thoughtful discussion of refinements to our licensure system.
While we are not interested in linking employment evaluations with licensure, we are interested in suggestions for refinements to licensure. To this end, we continue to look for input on current and potential requirements for licensure. We are interested in feedback on both the shortcomings and the strengths of the existing licensure system. In addition we are seeking input on the possibility of three catagories of licensure: beginning licensure, license renewal, and advanced licensure.
We appreciate the feedback you have provided to date, and look forward to continued discussion about the Commonwealth's licensure system.
Thank you for your continued interest in and support of this work.