HB 445

This bill would require the Alabama Commission on Higher Education to convene a meeting of the deans of all public and private institutions of higher education teacher preparation programs in the state at least twice a year for the purpose of discussing topics related to improving student access and enhancing student success

This bill would also require the commission to annually report on the status of education in the state, and to make recommendations for changes in law, policy, or practice to the Legislature and the Governor

Relating to the Alabama Commission on Higher Education; to require the commission to convene the deans of all public and private institutions of higher education teacher preparation programs in the state at least twice a year to discuss means of improving student access and enhancing student success; and to require the commission to submit an annual report to the Legislature and the Governor on the status of education in the state and recommendations for changes in law, policy, or practice.

Section 1

(a) The Executive Director of the Alabama Commission on Higher Education shall convene the deans of all public and private institutions of higher education teacher preparation programs in the state at least twice each year. (b) Topics discussed at each meeting may include, but may not be limited to, all of the following: (1) Teacher preparation requirements. (2) Initiatives and approaches for improving the effectiveness of prekindergarten, K-12, and postsecondary education in providing students with the necessary academic, technical, and social skills to prepare them to be contributing members of society. (3) Curricular changes at all levels of instruction. (4) Improving student preparation for postsecondary education. (5) Developmental education. (6) Academic program approval processes, especially for teacher preparation programs. (7) The role of teacher preparation programs in addressing student performance issues in prekindergarten, K-12, postsecondary, adult basic education, developmental education, research, workforce preparation, and lifelong learning. (8) Teacher and faculty shortages, credential requirements, compensation, benefits, and accountability. (9) The role of teacher preparation programs in assisting K-12 schools and school districts in improving their performance using assessments including, but not limited to, report cards of accountability and other comparative assessments. (10) College, school, and district governance. (11) Alternative teacher certification options. (c) Based on the meetings, the Executive Director of the Alabama Commission on Higher Education, on or before the first day of each regular session, shall submit a report to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President Pro Tempore of the Senate, and the Governor on the status of education in the state that includes recommendations for changes in law, policy, or practice.

Section 2

This act shall become effective on the first day of the third month following its passage and approval by the Governor, or its otherwise becoming law.