A. A person who has a degree from an accredited teacher education program and who is deaf or hard of hearing may elect to demonstrate competency for a level one, two or three license through a portfolio assessment in lieu of all or part of the New Mexico teacher assessment. A person who is deaf or hard of hearing may apply for a lower level of licensure if the person’s portfolio assessment does not qualify the person for a higher level. The department shall promulgate rules on the requirements for the portfolio assessment and for who is eligible for licensure pursuant to this section. The department shall provide a process for portfolio review that includes the designation of a review committee consisting of:

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(1)     a teacher of deaf and hard-of-hearing students;

(2)     a sign language interpreter;

(3)     a school administrator from the New Mexico school for the deaf; (4)     the parent of a deaf or hard-of-hearing student;

(5)     a deaf or hard-of-hearing teacher, if one is available; and

(6)     other appropriate persons as determined by the department.

B. Until the rules have been effective for a period deemed sufficient by the department for a deaf or hard-of-hearing person to submit a portfolio, any eligible deaf or hard-of-hearing person who has a degree from an accredited teacher education program shall be granted a temporary teaching license for the level of licensure for which the person will likely qualify when the person’s portfolio is submitted to the department. The temporary teaching license shall be effective for no longer than two school years.