Expanding the Pool of Teachers Policy
Florida does not limit the usage or providers of its alternate routes.
Florida is commended for having no restrictions on the usage of its alternate routes with regard to subject, grade or geographic areas.
All Florida school districts are required to offer an alternate route program. These programs are prohibited from requiring college coursework. Private providers, like the American Board for the Certification of Teacher Excellence (ABCTE), are also permitted. In addition, Florida offers Educator Preparation Institutes that are created by a postsecondary institution and approved by the Department of Education to offer alternative certification programs.
The state is commended for structuring its programs to allow a diversity of providers. A good diversity of providers helps all programs, both university- and non-university-based, to improve.
Florida recognized the factual accuracy of this analysis.