HB 1275 Summary: Educator Preparation

• Revises teacher preparation program core curricula to include instruction in state standards adopted by the State Board of Education, replacing emphasis on Sunshine State Standards with state system of school improvement and accountability concepts.

• Adds successful completion of a professional education training program (such as Teach For America) and passing scores on professional education competency examinations as acceptable means of demonstrating mastery of professional preparation and education competence.

• Provides that recent graduates with a baccalaureate or higher degree and minimum 3.5 GPA from accredited institutions take first priority for vacancies in the professional preparation alternative certification program.

• Extends temporary teaching certificates from 3 to 5 school fiscal years for high-performing recent graduates in alternative certification programs who meet specified criteria.

• Requires the Department of Education to inform public and private institutions of higher learning about the professional preparation alternative certification program and any changes to related state board rules.

• Effective date: July 1, 2013.