Report Title:
Alternative Teacher Preparation Programs; DOE
Description:
Requires the DOE, in consultation with the Hawaii teacher standards board (HTSB) and subject to the adequacy of funds, to operate teacher preparation programs that lead up to licensing through alternative routes developed by the HTSB. Requires the HTSB to develop alternative routes to licensing.
THE SENATE |
S.B. NO. |
76 |
TWENTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2003 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
relating to teachers.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
SECTION 1. Chapter 302A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:
"§302A- Alternative teacher preparation programs. (a) The department, in consultation with the Hawaii teacher standards board and subject to the adequacy of funds, shall operate teacher preparation programs that lead up to licensing through alternative routes developed by the Hawaii teacher standards board pursuant to section 302A-802(b).
(b) In developing these alternative teacher preparation programs, the department shall:
(1) Ensure that the standards for the alternative programs are the same as the standards for traditional licensure and are linked to the Hawaii content and performance standards;
(2) Establish approval guidelines for the alternative programs that require key components of a quality program, as identified by the National Association of State Boards of Education;
(3) Ensure that the alternative programs are adequately funded in order to prevent their deterioration into emergency licensure programs;
(4) Defuse the political rhetoric surrounding the alternative programs in order to focus on their relative utility;
(5) Track the characteristics of individuals who graduate from these alternative programs and their willingness to stay employed by the department as teachers for more than five years; and
(6) Use the elements of quality alternative programs identified by the National Association of State Boards of Education as a template for a comprehensive system of teacher development."
SECTION 2. Section 302A-802, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by amending subsection (b) to read as follows:
"(b) In the development of its standards, the board shall consider the existing teacher applicant pool that is available in the State and the level of the qualification of these applicants, as well as the nature and availability of existing preservice higher education teacher training programs. The board, in consultation with the department, shall [also consider] develop alternative routes to licensing, such as national teacher examinations that certify competency in subject areas or programs taught in the public schools."
SECTION 3. There is appropriated out of the general revenues of the State of Hawaii the sum of $ , or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2003-2004, and the same sum or so much thereof as may be necessary for fiscal year 2004-2005, to carry out the purposes of this Act. The sums appropriated shall be expended by the department of education.
SECTION 4. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2003.
INTRODUCED BY: |
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