SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5630

BYSenators Gaspard, Smitherman and Bauer; by request of Superintendent of Public Instruction and State Board of Education

Providing teacher preparation programs.

Senate Committee on Education

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 10, 1987

Senate Staff:Larry Davis (786-7422)

AS OF FEBRUARY 10, 1987

BACKGROUND:

Recent national reports, and the findings from a study of teacher education by the State Board of Education, offer recommendations to improve the way in which persons are prepared to become teachers.  The State Board report recommends that improvements to the state's teacher preparation system should come through an integrated approach.  The SPI and the SBE suggest that one comprehensive approach could focus on:  training and paying cooperating teachers; developing an internship program; requiring a master's degree for continuing certification; developing standards for masters in teaching programs; and reviewing the preparation programs for principals and educational staff associates.

SUMMARY:

The Superintendent of Public Instruction shall adopt rules to establish a two-year, cooperating teacher pilot program to provide adequate training and compensation for certificated personnel who supervise individuals enrolled in a practicum course offered by a teacher preparation program at a higher education institution.

The Superintendent must report to the Legislature by December 31, 1988, on the results of the program.  The cooperating teacher pilot program shall operate during the 1987-88 and 1988-89 school years.

The State Board of Education is required to develop standards for a teacher internship program, including the means by which the internship program may be coordinated with a beginning teacher assistance program.

The State Board is directed to develop the standards for the implementation of a post-baccalaureate education preparation program leading to a masters-level degree in teaching and to consult with institutions offering teacher preparation programs and the Higher Education Coordinating Board in the development of such standards.

The State Board of Education shall implement rules requiring all teachers who obtain a continuing level teaching certificate, as of August 31, 1993, to possess a masters degree in a liberal arts or science field, or a masters degree in teaching.

The State Board is required to review the requirements of preparation programs for school principals and educational staff associates, and report the results of the review to the Legislature by December 15, 1988.

Fiscal Note:      requested