NC S53

Allows the State Board of Education to approve alternative, private, for-profit, or nonprofit lateral entry teacher education preparation programs.

Approved programs must include preservice training in identifying and educating children with disabilities, student behavior management, communication for de-escalating disruptive behavior, and safe use of seclusion and restraint.

State Board must request applications from qualifying programs by September 1, 2016, and approve between one and four programs by December 15, 2016, if they meet established standards.

Individuals who successfully complete an approved lateral entry program and meet all other licensure requirements shall be recommended for a North Carolina teaching license.

Approved programs may begin operating as early as the spring 2017 academic term.