HB 15-1349 Summary

• Encourages school districts, charter schools, and cooperative service boards to partner with teacher preparation programs at Colorado higher education institutions to establish "grow your own teacher" programs for high school students.

• Defines grow your own teacher programs as credit-bearing college courses designed to increase student awareness of the teaching profession and opportunities to pursue teaching careers through postsecondary education.

• Identifies program elements including open enrollment for grades 11-12, college-transferable credits, year-long culturally responsive curriculum, student field experience teaching in elementary schools, college readiness support, and mentoring by college faculty and students.

• Encourages local education providers to authorize and reimburse instructor training costs for the programs as part of professional development.

• Effective date set for August 5, 2015, subject to potential referendum petition and voter approval in November 2016 if challenged.