Expanding the Pool of Teachers Policy
Although Wisconsin does not place restrictions on providers, the state does limit the usage of its alternate routes.
Candidates may only apply to critical shortage content fields and difficult-to-staff geographic locations.
State regulations authorize colleges or universities, schools, school districts, Cooperative Education Service Agencies, consortia, technical colleges and/or private enterprises or agencies to provide alternate route programs.
Broaden alternate route usage.
Wisconsin should reconsider subject-area and geographic restrictions on its alternate routes. The state should provide a true alternative path to certification and eliminate requirements that alternate route teachers can only be hired if traditionally certified teachers cannot be found. 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.
Wisconsin asserted that the Alternative Route to Licensure program approval handbook provides further details on the state's alternate route programs. The state also contended that alternate route programs prepare applicants for full licensure in an accelerated format. "Candidates are employed in the same way as any candidate being prepared at a traditional program." Wisconsin added that alternate route program providers fill a needed pipeline niche in the state, preparing candidates in an accelerated format for shortage areas.
NCTQ was unable to locate the documents referenced in Wisconsin's response, and the state did not respond to requests for further clarification.