Expanding the Pool of Teachers Policy
Oregon does not ensure that its alternate route candidates will receive streamlined preparation that meets the immediate needs of new teachers.
Oregon provides no specific guidelines about the nature or quantity of coursework for its alternate routes. There is no limit on the amount of coursework that can be required overall, nor on the amount of coursework a candidate can be required to take while also teaching.
Restricted Transitional Licensing candidates must be assigned a mentor by the district.
Candidates are eligible to receive a standard certificate upon completion of the program, which must be within three years.
Establish coursework guidelines for alternate route preparation programs.
The state should articulate guidelines regarding the nature and amount of coursework required of candidates. Requirements should be manageable and contribute to the immediate needs of new teachers. Appropriate coursework should include grade-level or subject-level seminars, methodology in the content area, classroom management, assessment and scientifically based early reading instruction.
Ensure program completion in less than two years.
Oregon should consider shortening the length of time it takes an alternate route teacher to earn standard certification. The route should allow candidates to earn full certification no later than the end of the second year of teaching.
Ensure that new teachers are supported in the first year of teaching.
While the state does mention mentoring, Oregon should provide more detailed guidelines to ensure that new teachers will receive the support they need to facilitate their success in the classroom. Effective induction strategies include practice teaching prior to teaching in the classroom, intensive mentoring with full classroom support in the first few weeks or months of school, a reduced teaching load and release time to allow new teachers to observe experienced teachers during each school day.
Oregon had no comment on this goal.