TITLE

Alternative Route --- Local District Certification Option

HISTORY

Legislation enacted in 1990.

MOTIVATION

Legislative response to the growing number of adults who already have a bachelor's degree in a field other than education who want to become licensed to teach.

GRADE LEVELS AND/OR SUBJECT AREAS COVERED

All, except special education.

WHO OPERATES

School district, which must show that it has sought collaboration with an IHE.

REQUIREMENTS TO ENTER PROGRAM

To participate, a candidate must

(a) Have a baccalaureate degree;

(b) Have a grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 overall (on a 4.0 scale), or a GPA of 2.0 with exceptional life experience related to teaching;

(c) Pass written tests of knowledge in the specific teaching field (must have completed a 30-hour major/minor, or have five years' experience in the field);

(d) Have been offered employment in a school district which has an alternative certification program approved by the state's Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB).

Upon completion of these requirements, the candidate shall be issued a one-year Provisional Certificate.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The candidate shall be issued a Professional Certificate upon satisfactory completion of

(a) The program;

(b) The PRAXIS exam(s); and

(c) The teacher internship.

The candidate shall be placed on the local district salary schedule for the rank corresponding to the degree held.

Each local district alternative training program shall include

(a) A full-time seminar and practicum of no less than eight weeks duration prior to the time the candidate assumes responsibility for a classroom;

(b) An 18-week period of classroom supervision, while the candidate assumes responsibility on a half-time basis for the classroom, including weekly visits by the professional support team, and three formal evaluations;

(c) An 18-week period of supervision, while the candidate assumes full responsibility for the classroom, including monthly visits and at least two evaluations by the professional support team;

(d) At least 250 hours of formal instruction;

(e) A comprehensive evaluation report by the support team, including a recommendation as to whether the candidate should be issued a one-year certificate of eligibility to complete the internship.

The district plan for operating an alternative certification program must include

(a) Written evidence that the district has sought sponsorship of the program with an accredited college;

(b) The four-member professional support team (school principal, experienced teacher, instructional supervisor, and college/university faculty member);

(c) The persons who will provide the 250 hours of formal instruction;

(d) The training program for the support team;

(e) The training program for the candidate;

(f) A budget, not to exceed five years duration;

(g) A program director;

(h) An appeals process for the candidate; and

(i) Roles and expectations for the professional support team.

NUMBER OF CREDIT HOURS TO COMPLETE

250 contact hours of direct instruction.

WHO EVALUATES

Professional support team.

LENGTH OF TIME

Total of 44 weeks: eight weeks full-time seminar and practicum; 18 weeks half-time teaching; 18 weeks full-time teaching.