Alternative route programs under this chapter shall operate one to four specific route programs. Successful completion of the program shall make a candidate eligible for residency teacher certification. The mentor of the teacher candidate at the school and the supervisor of the teacher candidate from the teacher preparation program must both agree that the teacher candidate has successfully completed the program.

     (1) Alternative route programs operating route one programs shall enroll currently employed classified instructional employees with transferable associate degrees seeking residency teacher certification with endorsements in special education, bilingual education, or English as a second language. It is anticipated that candidates enrolled in this route will complete both their baccalaureate degree and requirements for residency certification in two years or less, including a mentored internship to be completed in the final year. In addition, partnership programs shall uphold entry requirements for candidates that include:

     (a) District or building validation of qualifications, including one year of successful student interaction and leadership as a classified instructional employee;

     (b) Successful passage of the statewide basic skills exam; and

     (c) Meeting the age, good moral character, and personal fitness requirements adopted by rule for teachers.

     (2) Alternative route programs operating route two programs shall enroll currently employed classified staff with baccalaureate degrees seeking residency teacher certification in subject matter shortage areas and areas with shortages due to geographic location. Candidates enrolled in this route must complete a mentored internship complemented by flexibly scheduled training and coursework offered at a local site, such as a school or educational service district, or online or via video-conference over the K-20 network, in collaboration with the partnership program's higher education partner. In addition, partnership grant programs shall uphold entry requirements for candidates that include:

     (a) District or building validation of qualifications, including one year of successful student interaction and leadership as classified staff;

     (b) A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education. The individual's college or university grade point average may be considered as a selection factor;

     (c) Successful completion of the subject matter assessment required by RCW 28A.410.220(3);

     (d) Meeting the age, good moral character, and personal fitness requirements adopted by rule for teachers; and

     (e) Successful passage of the statewide basic skills exam.

     (3) Alternative route programs seeking funds to operate route three programs shall enroll individuals with baccalaureate degrees, who are not employed in the district at the time of application. When selecting candidates for certification through route three, districts and approved preparation program providers shall give priority to individuals who are seeking residency teacher certification in subject matter shortage areas or shortages due to geographic locations. Cohorts of candidates for this route shall attend an intensive summer teaching academy, followed by a full year employed by a district in a mentored internship, followed, if necessary, by a second summer teaching academy. In addition, partnership programs shall uphold entry requirements for candidates that include:

     (a) A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education. The individual's grade point average may be considered as a selection factor;

     (b) Successful completion of the subject matter assessment required by RCW 28A.410.220(3);

     (c) External validation of qualifications, including demonstrated successful experience with students or children, such as reference letters and letters of support from previous employers;

     (d) Meeting the age, good moral character, and personal fitness requirements adopted by rule for teachers; and

     (e) Successful passage of statewide basic skills exam.

     (4) Alternative route programs operating route four programs shall enroll individuals with baccalaureate degrees, who are employed in the district at the time of application, or who hold conditional teaching certificates or emergency substitute certificates. Cohorts of candidates for this route shall attend an intensive summer teaching academy, followed by a full year employed by a district in a mentored internship. If employed on a conditional certificate, the intern may serve as the teacher of record, supported by a well-trained mentor. In addition, partnership programs shall uphold entry requirements for candidates that include:

     (a) A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education. The individual's grade point average may be considered as a selection factor;

     (b) Successful completion of the subject matter assessment required by RCW 28A.410.220(3);

     (c) External validation of qualifications, including demonstrated successful experience with students or children, such as reference letters and letters of support from previous employers;

     (d) Meeting the age, good moral character, and personal fitness requirements adopted by rule for teachers; and

     (e) Successful passage of statewide basic skills exam.

     (5) Applicants for alternative route programs who are eligible veterans or national guard members and who meet the entry requirements for the alternative route program for which application is made shall be given preference in admission.

[2010 c 235 § 504. Prior: 2009 c 192 § 1; 2009 c 166 § 1; 2006 c 263 § 817; 2004 c 23 § 4; 2001 c 158 § 5.]

NOTES:

     Finding -- 2010 c 235: See note following RCW 28A.405.245.

     Findings -- Purpose -- Part headings not law -- 2006 c 263: See notes following RCW 28A.150.230.