TITLE

Alternative Routes to Licensure (ARL)

HISTORY

In April 2002, the Utah State Board of Education adopted Administrative Rule 277-503, which governs alternative routes to licensure and endorsements.

MOTIVATION

To increase the number of eligible, qualified, and prepared teachers through non-traditional paths to licensure.

GRADE LEVELS AND/OR SUBJECT AREA(S) COVERED

Early childhood, elementary, and secondary teaching.

WHO OPERATES

Utah State Office of Education (USOE).

REQUIREMENTS TO ENTER

There are two eligibility requirements for the program

1. To hold a minimum of a bachelor's degree in an area similar to subjects taught in schools; and
2. To be employed by a Utah school district or an accredited Utah school.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The program is a cooperative effort between USOE and Utah school districts. USOE is responsible for: administration of the program; evaluation of the candidates' course requirements; developing curriculum; tracking candidates' progress toward licensure; and recommending the candidates for licensure. Districts are responsible for assigning trained mentors and conducting observations of classroom performance skills and dispositions.

Program participants are required to show competency in four areas: content knowledge, pedagogical knowledge, classroom performance skills and dispositions. Content knowledge is required coursework established by USOE curriculum specialists, A streamlined curriculum of pedagogical knowledge was established by USOE, in partnership with Weber State University College of Education. University courses, district professional development classes, or achieving a passing score on state-approved content tests can fill program requirements.

Participants' transcripts are evaluated by the ARL Advisor, and a Professional Growth Plan is developed. Once the requirements of the Plan are completed, the candidate is recommended for licensure.

NUMBER OF CREDIT HOURS TO COMPLETE

The number varies with each candidate, but the core curriculum is 15 semester hours.

WHO EVALUATES

The ARL Advisor and the principal.

LENGTH OF TIME

Three years.