Alternative teacher certification, alternative teacher education preparation organization, accreditation further provided for

This bill expands the ways alternative teacher preparation programs can be approved by Alabama's State Board of Education. Under current rules, these programs must be certified by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation to receive approval. The legislation adds a new option, allowing programs accredited by a member of the Council for Higher Education that specializes in educator preparation to also be approved. This change applies to organizations that do not meet the existing strict criteria regarding operation in multiple states, years of experience, and the number of teachers certified. The bill also includes minor technical updates to the state code to align the language with current styles.