Alabama Administrative Code
Title 290 - ALABAMA STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION
Chapter 290-3-3 - TEACHER EDUCATION - PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Section 290-3-3-.05 - Class B (Bachelor's Degree Level) Programs For Teaching Fields

Universal Citation: AL Admin Code R 290-3-3-.05

Current through Register Vol. 42, No. 11, August 30, 2024

(1) Overview of Educator Preparation Program Levels. Formal preparation of educators occurs at two levels, undergraduate and graduate. Successful completion of an undergraduate program may qualify the candidate for Class B certification. Graduate programs are extensions of basic preparation and are divided into Class A and Class AA programs. Completion of an Alternative Class A program may qualify the candidate for initial certification at the graduate level. Advanced programs differ from basic programs not in general purpose but in the level of competence they seek to develop. Additional information is provided in Rule 290-3-3-.01(30) and (31).

(2) Relationship of Teacher Preparation Programs and Grade Placement.

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(3) General Program Requirements. The provision of Class B programs shall be limited to institutions that meet the standards for accreditation at the bachelor's degree or higher level by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

(a) Unconditional Admission to Class B programs.
1. Admission to the institution does not qualify an individual for admission to an educator preparation program. An applicant must be notified in writing whether his or her application for admission to a specific educator preparation program has been accepted.

2. The college or university shall have clearly defined criteria for admitting candidates to an educator preparation program which include the following:
(i) A criminal history background check. Additional information is provided in Rule 290-3-3-.03(6)(d).

(ii) Effective September 1, 2013, and thereafter, the prescribed score on each of the three components of the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators of the Alabama Educator Certification Assessment Program (AECAP). Effective August 15, 2020, Praxis Core will no longer be required for unconditional admission to a Class B program.

(iii) A formal written application for admission to a specific educator preparation program.

(iv) A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.50 overall in accordance with university policy, 2.50 in professional studies courses listed on the approved program checklist for the program, and 2.50 in the teaching field listed on the approved program checklist for the program.

Effective July 1, 2017, and thereafter, a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.75 overall (and used as the basis for granting the degree) in accordance with university policy, 2.75 in professional studies courses listed on the approved program checklist for the program, and 2.75 in the teaching field courses listed on the approved program checklist for the program.

(v) Remedial courses cannot be used to meet approved program requirements or calculated to meet GPA requirements. Additional information is provided in Rule 290-3-3-.01(46).

(vi) Satisfactory interviews designed to provide information on whether the applicant's dispositions and interests are consistent with the requirements for successful teaching.

(vii) Experiences in the schools, designed to assist the candidate in making a wise career choice.

3. Each institution shall establish, publish, and enforce a policy that specifies when the candidate must meet criteria to be unconditionally admitted to the program.

(b) Special education course requirement. A survey of special education course is required if not previously completed. [See Rule 290-3-3-.01(51).]

(c) Requirements for Class B certification.
1. An official transcript from a regionally accredited institution documenting an earned bachelor's degree.

2. Satisfactory completion of a State-approved program with a minimum GPA of 2.50 overall, 2.50 in the teaching field, and 2.50 in professional studies courses with no grade below a C in professional studies courses. Effective for candidates unconditionally admitted to a Class B educator preparation program July 1, 2017, and thereafter, satisfactory completion of a State-approved program with a minimum GPA of 2.75 overall (as confirmed on the transcript when the degree was granted), 2.75 in the teaching field, and 2.75 in professional studies courses with no grade below a C in professional studies courses.

3. An internship that complies with Rule 290-3-3-.03(6)(e)2.

(d) Testing for Class B Certification. Applicants unconditionally admitted to a Class B program prior to September 1, 2013, must meet the basic skills assessments requirements of the Alabama Educator Certification Assessment Program (AECAP) as a prerequisite for certification. Applicants for initial certification must meet the Praxis requirements of the AECAP as a precondition for certification. Additional information is provided in Rule 290-3-3-.01(3).

Previous Rule.04 was renumbered.05 per certification published August 31, 2021; effective October 15, 2021.

Author: Dr. Eric G. Mackey

Statutory Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§ 16-3-16, 6-23-14.

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