BOISE – The State Board of Education will hold a public hearing May 13 in three Idaho locations to receive comments on its rule governing alternative routes to teacher certification.
The hearing begins at 6 p.m. MDT at the University of Idaho Center at MK Plaza, 800 Park Boulevard, room B2, in Boise; North Idaho College, Molstead Library, 1000 W. Garden, room 210, in Coeur d’Alene; and at Eastern Idaho Technical College, John E. Christofferson Building, 1600 S. 25th East, room 371, in Idaho Falls.
Under the temporary rules, the State Board of Education has approved an alternative route to certification that offers the following standards: pre-assessment of teaching and content knowledge, provides an academic advisor, includes exams on content knowledge and teaching techniques, as well as provides a two-year mentoring program. Applicants must posses a bachelor's degree or higher to participate in an alternate certification route.
To read the rule, go to: http://www.idahoboardofed.org/rules/documents/ComputerBasedAlternativeRoute.pdf
The need for alternative routes to certification for teachers has a new sense of urgency because of the federal legislation, "No Child Left Behind," which will not allow the State Board to continue to grant waivers for uncertified teachers. Last year, the State Board approved 313 waivers for districts to hire uncertified teachers because certified teachers were not available, particularly in rural areas. Beginning in 2005-2006, waivers will no longer be granted and each Idaho class must be taught by a certified, highly qualified teacher.
In addition to the hearing, the public can send written comments to the Idaho State Board of Education, P.O. Box 83720, Boise, ID, 83720-0037. Comments must be received by May 26, 2004.
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