NC S79

Authorizes local boards of education to enter into partnership agreements with teacher education institutions to provide clinical school experience programs for student teachers.

Requires teacher education programs to include clinical school experience programs established through partnerships with local boards of education, with institutions and boards sharing responsibility, authority, and accountability.

Specifies that clinical school experience programs must align with statewide teacher preparation priorities, provide access to qualified supervising teachers with established minimum qualifications, and offer opportunities for student teachers to teach as part of a teaching team.

Requires evaluation of clinical school experience effectiveness by assessing the performance of student teachers, supervising teachers, and outcomes for students under student teacher supervision.

Effective beginning with the 2015-2016 academic year.