Expanding the Pool of Teachers Policy
West Virginia does not ensure that its alternate route candidates receive streamlined preparation that meets the immediate needs of new teachers.
West Virginia requires alternate route candidates to complete a minimum of 18 semester hours of coursework in the areas of student assessment, development and learning, curriculum, classroom management, the use of educational computers and other technology and special education and diversity.
Candidates complete three phases of induction and support during their first year. Phase I consists of intensive mentoring support for at least the first two weeks, not to exceed the fourth week, of school during which time the new teacher is observed daily. Phase II must continue for a period of at least 10 weeks; during this time the teacher is observed a minimum of one time per week and formally evaluated twice. The third phase is an additional period of continued supervision should it be necessary. The state is commended for its mentoring program.
Alternate routes can receive full certification in one year or less.
Ensure that new teachers are not burdened by excessive requirements.
Setting minimum requirements, without established maximums, does not ensure that the new teacher will be able to complete the program in an appropriate amount of time without being overburdened by coursework.
Establish coursework guidelines for alternate route preparation programs.
Appropriate coursework should include grade-level or subject-level seminars, methodology in the content area, classroom management, assessment and scientifically based early reading instruction.
West Virginia recognized the factual accuracy of this analysis.