AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 14 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO EDUCATOR LICENSURE, CERTIFICATION, EVALUATION, PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT, AND PREPARATION PROGRAMS.

This Act expands the pathways to entering an alternative routes for teacher licensure and certification program (“ARTC”) casting a wider net in order to attract a diverse pool of qualified candidates into the field of education as the need for teachers, particularly in critical needs areas, has increased. It also clarifies district and charter school responsibilities and ARTC program provider responsibilities, to assure proper supports are in place. Under this Act, attainment of final licensure and certification is contingent on meeting all ARTC program requirements, demonstrating effective teaching based on a state-approved evaluation system, and attaining passing scores on applicable and available approved content readiness exams and a performance assessment. These exit requirements hold ARTC participants to the same high standards for final licensure and certification as those entering the field from a typical teacher pre-service program. This Act also makes technical corrections to confirm existing law to the standards of the Delaware Legislative Drafting Manual.