(a) The Legislature finds a compelling interest in adequately preparing teachers to teach. The two basic components of teaching consist of knowing what to teach (content) and knowing how to teach (methodology). To assure that teachers entering Alabama's classrooms have been thoroughly prepared, the Legislature directs the State Board of Education to review the requirements of programs for teacher education and preparation and select a nationally normed teacher examination to be used. The nationally normed teacher examination may include the National Teacher Exam or any other national equivalent exam. Colleges and universities shall require each teacher candidate to pass the nationally normed examination as a condition of graduation. Notwithstanding any other provisions of this section, a person can, at any time, elect to not be a teacher candidate. The State Board of Education shall prescribe the manner in which the examination is to be administered and shall further determine the standard to be used for passing the examination.
(b) Graduates of teacher education programs who apply for certification who have attended out-of-state colleges and universities must also pass the same nationally normed teacher examination as required of students attending teacher preparation programs in Alabama. The examination shall be administered in a manner prescribed by the State Board of Education. The same standard used for passing the examination for students enrolled in teacher preparation programs at colleges and universities in Alabama shall be applicable.
(c) This section shall become effective for teacher education candidates who enter their program effective August 1, 1995.
Structure Code of Alabama
Chapter 3 - State Board of Education.
Section 16-3-1 - Composition; Election; Term of Office.
Section 16-3-1.1 - State Board of Education Districts; Official Maps.
Section 16-3-3 - Qualifications of Members.
Section 16-3-4 - Removal of Members.
Section 16-3-6 - Oath of Office.
Section 16-3-8 - Compensation of Members.
Section 16-3-9 - Expense Allowance for Members.
Section 16-3-10 - Compensation of Employees Subject to the Merit System.
Section 16-3-11 - Powers Generally.
Section 16-3-12 - Rules and Regulations - Generally.
Section 16-3-13 - Rules and Regulations - Necessary to Make Effective the Law's Purpose.
Section 16-3-14 - Grading and Standardizing Schools.
Section 16-3-16 - Teachers' Training and Certification; Reciprocity.
Section 16-3-17 - Educational Needs Investigated.
Section 16-3-17.3 - Flexible School Terms.
Section 16-3-18 - Vocational Education.
Section 16-3-19 - Acceptance of Federal Funds by Board.
Section 16-3-20 - Supervision of Educational Work of Special Institutions.
Section 16-3-21 - Annual Report.
Section 16-3-22 - Recommendations of Legislation.
Section 16-3-24 - Oaths of Agents; Examination of Witnesses.
Section 16-3-25 - Removal of Appointees; Filling of Vacancies in Office of Appointees.
Section 16-3-26 - Property Control.
Section 16-3-27 - Review of Local Actions by State Superintendent.
Section 16-3-29 - Donations Held for Schools.
Section 16-3-30 - Administration of Gifts and Donations.
Section 16-3-31 - Gifts May Be Accepted on Conditions.
Section 16-3-37 - Naming or Designating Institutions of Higher Learning.