TITLE

Alternative Placement Program

HISTORY

Passed by the state legislature in 1991, this program replaced the Alternative Certification Program enacted in 1990.

MOTIVATION

To meet teacher shortages and expand the areas in which degreed, but non-certified, individuals possessing exceptional expertise can become certified.

GRADE LEVELS AND/OR SUBJECT AREAS COVERED

Elementary-Secondary (grades PK-12); Secondary (grades 6-12); Career-Technology (6-12). Does not include early childhood education (PK-3) and elementary education (1-8).

WHO OPERATES

Operated under guidance from the State Board of Education through the Professional Standards Section of the State Department of Education. The Teacher Competency Review Panel was created by the state legislature in 1997.

REQUIREMENTS TO ENTER PROGRAM

Pre-requisites

Prior to beginning work, an individual must meet the following conditions

1. Hold a baccalaureate degree from an institution whose accreditation is recognized by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education;
2. Have completed a major in a field that corresponds to an area of specialization for an elementary-secondary, secondary, or career-technology certificate;
3. Have passed the competency test in the subject area of specialization for which certification is sought and passed the general education test; (Note: The professional education competency test may be taken after receiving a license, but would be required for a standard, five-year certificate)

4. Have provided documentation of at least two years of work experience which is related to the subject area of specialization if the person has only a baccalaureate degree with no postbaccalaureate work in a related area. The State Board of Education may grant an exception to the requirements for licensure and certification and, upon demonstration by the individual of competency in the area of specialization, may grant a license or certificate to the individual.
5. The applicant must declare the intent to earn a Standard Certificate in not more than three years;
6. Have on file a plan for meeting standard certification requirements within three years; and
7. File appropriate application and fee with the Professional Standards Section of the State Department of Education.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

In addition to meeting the prerequisites, the applicant must never have been denied admittance to a teacher education program approved by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, or the Oklahoma State Board of Education, nor have enrolled in and subsequently failed courses necessary to successfully meet the minimum requirements of such a program.

Qualified applicants must declare the intention to seek employment as a teacher at an accredited public school district in the state and have on file a plan for meeting certification requirements of the Alternative Placement Program.

Applicants who have no previous teaching experience must participate in the Resident Teacher Program with the same duties and responsibilities as other Resident Teacher program participants.

Participants will have three years in which to complete a block of up to 18 semester hours or 270 clock hours of professional education. The required hours may be reduced proportionately by either advanced degrees, work experience, or a combination of both. In no instance, however, will the required number of hours be reduced to less than 6 semester hours or 90 clock hours.

Participants will have three years to pass the professional educational competency test.

The license is valid for one year, but can be renewed.

The program waives requirements of pre-student teaching field experiences, as well as student teaching.

NUMBER OF CREDIT HOURS TO COMPLETE

A maximum of 18 semester hours or 270 clock hours of professional education courses are required for completion.

WHO EVALUATES

Evaluation of credentials presented in this program are conducted by the Professional Standards Section of the State Department of Education.

LENGTH OF TIME

Participants have a maximum of three years to complete the requirements for standard certification.