MN HF63

Amends teacher licensure definitions to include limited-term licenses under section 122A.245 in the definition of "highly qualified teacher" under the federal No Child Left Behind Act.

Establishes an alternative teacher preparation program allowing school districts, charter schools, and nonprofits to partner with colleges or universities to train teachers through a streamlined pathway requiring a bachelor's degree, skills examinations, and content area exams.

Issues two-year limited-term licenses to candidates enrolling in approved alternative preparation programs, which must include a minimum 200-hour instructional phase, research-based teaching practices, mentoring, and performance evaluations aligned with state standards.

Permits teacher candidates trained in out-of-state programs meeting state accreditation standards to apply for Minnesota standard licenses through established criteria and performance measures set by the Board of Teaching.

Requires the Board of Teaching to submit interim and final reports on program efficacy to legislative policy and finance committees by February 15, 2013 and February 15, 2015 respectively, with program effective for the 2011-2012 school year.