[§302A-804] Powers and duties of the department. The department shall retain all of its rights and powers except for the authority provided to the board under this subpart. The department's powers and duties under this subpart shall be limited to administering the teacher licensing and credentialing process, including:

(1) Issuing, renewing, revoking, suspending, and reinstating licenses and credentials;

(2) Issuing credentials, not to exceed one year at a time, pending the submittal of transcripts and other documentation;

(3) Issuing credentials, not to exceed one year at a time, to fill vacancies only after exhausting all reasonable recruitment means to find qualified, interested, and acceptable candidates;

(4) Applying licensing and credentialing standards on a case-by-case basis and conducting licensing and credentialing evaluations;

(5) Preparing and disseminating teacher licensing and credentialing information to schools and operational personnel;

(6) Developing applicable rules and procedures;

(7) Administering reciprocity agreements with other states; and

(8) Implementing changes made by the board to licensing and credentialing standards. [L 1996, c 89, pt of §2]