National Center for Alternative Certification

TITLE

Georgia Teacher Alternative Preparation Program (TAPP)

HISTORY

Georgia is responding to the expected 2001-2002 teacher shortage with the introduction of the Georgia Teacher Alternative Preparation Program.

MOTIVATION

The goal of the alternative preparation program is to provide a University, Regional Education Service Agencies (RESA), and Public Schools collaborative non-traditional option for prospective post-baccalaureate teacher candidates to acquire the critical and essential knowledge and skills necessary for successful entry into the classroom.

GRADE LEVELS AND/OR SUBJECT AREA(S) COVERED

All

WHO OPERATES

IHE, RESA and public schools.

REQUIREMENTS TO ENTER PROGRAM

Bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited college or university.
Graduate with an overall grade point average of 2.5 or higher.
Pass the Praxis I test requirements.
Pass the Georgia GCIC criminal background check.
Job offer as a beginning teacher from a local school system.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Phase One -- An instructional phase offered as an introduction to teaching during the summer.

Phase Two -- A two-year classroom based induction training period completed while teaching.

If the candidate has not passed the appropriate Praxis II content examination, he or she will be required to take it during the first year of teaching. The test scores will be used to determine whether or not one needs to take additional content in the subject area one is teaching.

This model requires that teacher candidates complete an intensive preparation program of approximately four weeks during the summer prior to entering the classroom in the fall. Additionally, it requires intensive monitoring, supervision and mentoring during a two-year induction period. (The model could be adjusted to accommodate teachers hired on provisional status after the school year has begun. In this model, the time required for pre-assignment training will be shortened with training classes held after school hours.)

The collaborative unit including the teacher preparation unit of a college or university, a RESA, and the cooperating public schools will be responsible for implementing the program and for recommending candidates for initial certification.