as introduced - 85th Legislature (2007 - 2008) Posted on 12/15/2009 12:00am
A bill for an act
relating to education; establishing an alternative licensure program for qualified
paraprofessionals interested in becoming licensed special education teachers;
amending Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 122A.18, by adding a subdivision.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:
Minnesota Statutes 2006, section 122A.18, is amended by adding a
subdivision to read:
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The board must review and approve
qualified alternative preparation programs under section 122A.24 and other alternative
competency-based preparation programs leading to licensure as a special education
teacher for those paraprofessionals who have worked directly with students with
disabilities for at least five school years and who are interested in becoming licensed
special education teachers. The programs must substitute field experience for student
teaching and provide licensure candidates with a full-time mentor who is a licensed
special education teacher. Approved alternative preparation programs must offer an
accelerated college program to those paraprofessionals who seek licensure as a special
education teacher under this subdivision but do not have a bachelor's degree from an
accredited four-year postsecondary institution. Alternative preparation programs for
interested paraprofessionals who have received a bachelor's degree from an accredited
four-year postsecondary institution must be one school year in length.
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This section is effective for persons enrolling in an alternative
preparation program after August 31, 2008.
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