GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 1995

H	3 

HOUSE BILL 881
Second Edition Engrossed 5/4/95
Senate Education/Higher Education Committee Substitute Adopted 6/11/96

Short Title:  LRC Study/Alt. Teacher Certification.	(Public)

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Sponsors:

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Referred to:  Appropriations.

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April 12, 1995

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE THE LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH COMMISSION TO STUDY ALTERNATIVE METHODS OF TEACHER CERTIFICATION.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
Section 1.  The Legislative Research Commission may study alternative methods of teacher certification in order to  encourage lateral entry into the profession of teaching by skilled individuals from the private sector.  The study, if undertaken, may include the following:
(1)	A determination of the appropriate academic and professional preparation for this type of teacher certification and whether this preparation should be different depending on the grade level or subject matter to be taught.
(2)	An evaluation of the present method to encourage individuals to enter the teaching profession laterally and of the ability of these individuals to access necessary courses in order to obtain certification within five years.
(3)	A determination of appropriate basic skills that should be required of individuals who choose to enter the profession of teaching laterally, and of how these skills should be assessed.
(4)	An assessment of whether provisional certification or an internship period, or both, should be required as a prerequisite for this type of certification.
(5)	A review of other states' methods of encouraging lateral entry into the teaching profession.
(6)	A consideration of whether local boards of education should notify the community or hold public hearings before they employ teachers who are certified under an alternative method.
(7)	Any related issue the committee considers appropriate.
If the study is undertaken, the Commission may report its findings, together with any recommended legislation, to the 1996 Session of the 1995 General Assembly or to the 1997 General Assembly, or to both.
Sec. 2.  This act becomes effective July 1, 1995.