Expanding the Pool of Teachers Policy
Candidates in South Dakota's Alternate Route to Teacher Certification can only teach approved subjects in grades 7-12 and K-12 certification areas. State code indicates that elementary certification is permitted under this alternate route; however, contradictory information appears on the state website.
Teach For America candidates can teach in all subject areas in low-income rural and urban communities.
South Dakota authorizes only local universities and colleges to offer Alternate Route to Teacher Certification programs. Teach For America is an approved provider in the state; however, South Dakota requires Teach For America candidates to take coursework at an accredited college or university.
Clarify usage of alternate route.
NCTQ encourages South Dakota to address and clarify the conflicting information between the state code and the state's website about the grades and subjects that can be taught through the Alternate Route to Teacher Certification.
Further expand the diversity of alternate route providers.
South Dakota is commended for supporting licensure through completion of the TFA program. The state should continue to consider policies that encourage additional providers, such as school districts and other nonprofit organizations, to operate programs.
South Dakota recognized the factual accuracy of this analysis.