Expanding the Pool of Teachers Policy
Although it does not place restrictions on providers, Oklahoma limits the usage of its alternate routes.
Oklahoma's alternate routes can only be used for certification to teach in secondary subjects, grades 6-12, or PK-12 certification in art, dance, English as a Second Language, foreign language, music, physical education/health, library media specialist, speech/drama/debate, counselor or reading specialist.
The state does allow a diversity of providers, including Teach For America and the American Board for the Certification of Teacher Excellence, and outlines course requirements in both credit hours and clock hours.
Broaden alternate route usage.
Oklahoma should reconsider grade-level and subject-area restrictions on its alternate route. Alternate routes should not be programs of last resort for hard-to-staff subjects, grade levels or geographic areas but rather a way to expand the teacher pipeline throughout the state.
Oklahoma recognized the factual accuracy of this analysis.