The bill amends Section 16-23-3.1 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to enhance the alternative teacher certification process. It introduces a new method for the State Board of Education to approve alternative teacher examination preparation programs, allowing organizations that do not meet certain prerequisites to still gain approval if they are certified by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation or the Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation. Additionally, it establishes a timeline for compliance, stating that organizations certified by the Association must begin their application with the Council by April 1, 2024, and that certification by the Association will no longer qualify organizations for approval after October 1, 2026.

The bill also includes technical revisions to update existing code language and clarifies the requirements for individuals seeking professional educator certificates through alternative programs. It mandates that approved organizations maintain a database for screening and recommending qualified individuals, and it requires annual reporting on program completion. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 16-23-3
Engrossed: 16-23-3
Enrolled: 16-23-3