TITLE

Experimental and Innovative Teacher Education Programs

HISTORY

Began as a pilot in 1991.

Note: New Rules, effective July 1, 2004.

The new administrative rules will permit development and approval of alternative programs for initial educator licensing. It is anticipated that new programs will be developed and submitted to the Department of Public Instruction for review and approval in the future.

• Such programs could be offered by a college or university, agency, organization or school district.
• Under the new rules, the department will develop an assessment process for experienced license applicants who completed an alternative program in another state. This process will include assessing the knowledge, skills and dispositions required to demonstrate proficiency in Wisconsin's 10 teaching standards and will include standardized tests as required by the state superintendent.

MOTIVATION

To provide colleges and universities with approved teacher education programs opportunities to apply for approval of pilot programs. Programs submitted must be substantially different from existing traditional programs to qualify for approval as an experimental or innovative program.

GRADE LEVELS AND/OR SUBJECT AREA(S) COVERED

Not specified.

WHO OPERATES

IHEs which have approved teacher education programs.

REQUIREMENTS TO ENTER

IHEs may apply to the state for approval to pilot models of alternative preparation programs, containing a heavy evaluation component.

An IHE must provide evidence of a screening process for admitting candidates to the program, a plan for formative evaluation during the period the candidate is in the program, and a summative evaluation prior to exiting the program -- the institutional endorsement for a teaching license. There must also be a plan for an evaluation of the pilot program itself.

IHE proposals must contain program goals and specific objectives which define the intent and expectations of the program's outcomes, as well as specific objectives to be obtained by individuals enrolled in the experimental or innovative program.

Proposals must also verify how the program will meet state standards for minimum competencies in teacher preparation; include a listing of standards for which waivers are being sought and a rationale for each exception; provide documentation of admission criteria, faculty qualifications, and institutional support, including budget data, syllabi or detailed descriptions of any courses expressly developed for the program; provide documentation of recruitment processes; and show evidence of a direct relationship between the program's structure and its goals and objectives.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

May vary with each program.

NUMBER OF CREDIT HOURS TO COMPLETE

May vary with each program.

WHO EVALUATES

IHE responsible for evaluation of candidates and evaluation of its pilot program.

LENGTH OF TIME

May vary with each program.

OTHER

A state official said this program should allow IHEs to develop a variety of models - with evaluations of each. Then, the state can weigh the results in deciding whether to adopt any of the models.