SB 1576 Summary

• Charter school sponsors must provide access to school district teacher preparation programs as an administrative service to charter schools.

• Teacher preparation program curricula must include instruction on differentiated instruction strategies and character-based classroom management, replacing previous school safety requirements.

• Educator preparation programs must now survey both employers and candidates on preparation quality and classroom readiness, with results published at state, district, and school levels.

• Teacher mentor support programs expand from 1 year to 2 years of mentorship for first-time teachers, and school boards may waive certain certification exam requirements after completion of a 2-year mentorship program with mentor and principal recommendation.

• Certification examination fees for multipart exams must be apportioned by part, requiring applicants to retake and repay fees only for failed portions, and the department must provide free resources to prepare aspiring teachers for general knowledge examinations.