SB21-058: Alternative Principal Programs

• Establishes two pathways for principal authorization: individualized alternative principal programs designed by school districts and approved alternative principal programs created by designated agencies (school districts, nonprofits, charter schools, institutions of higher education, or combinations thereof).

• Requires alternative principal programs to provide information, experience, and training comparable to initial principal license requirements, including training on federal disabilities laws (Americans with Disabilities Act, Rehabilitation Act, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) and effective special education classroom practices.

• Allows individuals with a principal authorization to serve as principal or vice-principal for up to three years while employed by a school district or charter school under supervision of a professional principal licensee.

• Requires designated agencies seeking approval of alternative principal programs to submit evidence to the department of education that programs meet specified requirements; the state board must establish a periodic reapproval schedule.

• Appropriates $16,692 to the department of education from the educator licensure cash fund for 2021-22 to support implementation, including 0.2 additional FTE for the office of professional services.