33-1207A TEACHER PREPARATION.

TITLE 33

EDUCATION

CHAPTER 12

TEACHERS

33-1207A. Teacher preparation. (1) Higher Education Institutions. The state board shall review teacher preparation programs at the institutions of higher education under its supervision and shall assure that the course offerings and graduation requirements are consistent with the state board approved, research based "Idaho Comprehensive Literacy Plan." To ensure compliance with this requirement, the board may allocate funds, subject to appropriation, to the higher education institutions that have teacher preparation programs.

The higher education institutions shall be responsible for the preservice assessment measure for all kindergarten through grade twelve (12) teacher preparation programs. The assessment must include a demonstration of teaching skills and knowledge congruent with current research on best reading practices. Each institution shall report annually to the state board of education the number of preservice teachers who have passed the assessment. The state board of education shall then compile the statewide results and report to the legislature and the governor.

(2) For all Idaho teachers working on interim certificates, alternate routes or coming from out of state completion of a state approved reading instruction course shall be a one-time requirement for full certification.

(3) The board of trustees of every school district shall include in its plan for in-service training, coursework covering reading skills development, including diagnostic tools to review and adjust instruction continuously, and the ability to identify students who need special help in reading. The district plan for in-service training in reading skills shall be submitted to the state department of education for review and approval, in a format specified by the department.