W. Va. Code R. § 126-161-5

Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 50, December 13, 2024

Section 126-161-5 - Procedures for Alternative Certification Programs for the Education of Teachers

5.1.Alternative Program Partners and Partnership Agreements.

5.1.a. To meet areas of critical need and shortage within West Virginia counties, this policy creates an alternative means for a qualified person to earn a teaching certificate by completing a rigorous alternative program. WVBE-approved alternative certification program partnerships formed pursuant to the requirements of W. Va. Code §§ 18A-3-1a through 18A-3-1i are described in sections 5 through 11.

5.2. Necessary Partners. In addition to one or more West Virginia schools or counties, a partnership shall include one or more of the following:

5.2.a. a regionally accredited IHE with a program for the preparation of professional educators that has been approved by the WVBE.

5.2.b. an entity affiliated with a regionally accredited IHE that has a WVBE-approved program for the preparation of professional educators.

5.2.c. the WVDE.

5.3. Partnership Agreements.

5.3.a. A partnership shall adopt a written partnership agreement in accordance with W. Va. Code and this policy that governs how the partnership will conduct its alternative program for the education of teachers. An agreement will identify the rights, roles, and responsibilities of each partner. Partnership agreements must be included as part of these alternative certification program proposals.

5.3.b. Required Contents. At a minimum, a written partnership agreement shall include the following:

5.3.b.1. procedures and criteria for determining whether a person is eligible to enroll in a WVBE-approved alternative certification program.

5.3.b.2. a requirement that a vacancy must be advertised at least twice (10 working days) pursuant to W. Va. Code § 18A-3-1b, and if no certified teacher applies, only then may the partnership consider accepting a candidate for enrollment into the alternative program.

5.3.b.3. procedures and criteria for making a formal offer of employment to the candidate who is eligible to enroll in the alternative program for the education of teachers and who has applied for the posted position. Individuals may not participate in an alternative program unless they hold an alternative teaching certificate. Upon receiving an alternative teaching certificate, an individual may enroll into the alternative certification program. The alternative program teacher must begin receiving the required instruction/training either simultaneously or before assuming the role of an educator.

5.3.b.4. a detailed list, with descriptions of the categories, methods, and sources of instruction that the alternative program will provide.

5.3.b.5. a description of the phases of on-the-job training and supervision that the alternative program will provide.

5.3.b.6. a detailed description of the academic and performance standards that the alternative program teacher shall satisfy in order to receive the partnership's recommendation that the State Superintendent of Schools (State Superintendent) issue a teaching certificate.

5.3.b.7. procedures for selecting and training the professional support team, pursuant to W. Va. Code § 18A-3-1c, who will instruct, mentor, and/or supervise the alternative program teacher(s).

5.3.b.8. provisions for determining tuition or other charges, if any, relating to an alternative program for the education of teachers pursuant to W. Va. Code § 18A-3-1c.

5.3.b.9. a requirement, subject to the provisions of W. Va. Code § 18A-3-1f, that the hiring authority for any school or county board that hires an alternative program teacher will renew the alternative program teacher's contract from year-to-year as long as the teacher makes satisfactory progress in the alternative education program and until the teacher completes the alternative program for the education of teachers.

5.3.b.10. any other provisions that the partners consider necessary or helpful to ensure that the alternative program operates in accordance with this policy.

W. Va. Code R. § 126-161-5