CO HB1344

Creates the Innovative Teacher Preparation Program within the Department of Education to establish partnerships among local education providers, alternative teacher programs, institutions of higher education, and community nonprofits for multiple pilot programs.

Establishes a data collection system to analyze teacher preparation programs and identify best practices, with annual reports to the State Board of Education, Colorado Commission on Higher Education, governor, and education committees beginning January 2018.

Implements three pilot programs beginning no later than the 2018-19 school year: a teacher residency replication pilot, a paraprofessional and student training pilot to increase teaching faculty diversity, and a teacher induction pilot to improve retention and effectiveness.

Creates a voluntary advisory committee with representatives from higher education institutions, alternative teacher programs, school districts, charter schools, teachers, principals, and nonprofit organizations to assist with program implementation and selection of pilot program participants.

Funds the program through gifts, grants, donations, and general assembly appropriations (including possible State Education Fund allocations), with sunset of the program on July 1, 2022, and unexpended funds transferred to the general fund.