Expanding the Pool of Teachers Policy
Michigan does not limit the usage or providers of its alternate routes.
The state is commended for passing legislation that does not impose restrictions on the usage of its alternate routes with regard to subject, grade or geographic teaching areas.
State regulations neither limit nor promote a diversity of providers.
Encourage diversity of alternate route providers.
Michigan should specifically authorize alternate route programs run by local school districts and nonprofits, as well as institutions of higher education. A good diversity of providers helps all programs, both university- and non-university-based, to improve. Michigan's new legislation seems to recognize credit hour equivalents in fulfilling coursework. The state should refrain from articulating specific requirements in terms of credit hours, as this effectively precludes non-higher education providers.
Michigan was helpful in providing NCTQ with the facts necessary for this analysis.