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Among all underprepared teachers, the number and proportion participating in the preintern and intern programs has increased, while the number and proportion on emergency permits has decreased. The total number of preintern program participants increased from about 7,700 in 2000–01 to about 9,900 in 2001–02 (a 28 percent increase), and the number of all intern program participants increased from 5,600 in 2000–01 to 7,000 in 2001–02 (a 27 percent increase). Preliminary program numbers for 2002–03 indicate that this trend will continue. In contrast, the number of teachers on emergency permits and waivers decreased from about 29,100 in 2000–01 to 24,700 in 2001–02 (an 18 percent decrease). Mirroring the workforce as a whole, the number of first-year teachers in intern and preintern programs grew from about 3,100 to 3,600 between 2000–01 and 2001–02, and the number of first-year teachers on emergency permits decreased from 7,400 to 5,400 during that same time period. While the growth in the intern and preintern programs indicates that more underprepared teachers are receiving structured support and preparation, they still are fully charged classroom teachers who do not meet the state’s minimum qualifications for such an assignment. Participation in and funding for alternative routes into teaching has risen significantly in recent years. However, the 2002–03 state budget decreases funding for such programs. In 2001–02, a combined total of about 19,200 teachers participated in the preintern program, the intern program and the Paraprofessional Teacher Training Program (PTTP). Participation has skyrocketed in all three alternative teacher preparation programs since the inception of the preintern program in 1998–99.
However, in 2002–03, funding for these programs dropped. After growing more than 400 percent in four years, the combined preintern and alternative certification funds were cut by 14.2 percent down to $37.4 million in 2002–03. PTTP funding was cut from $11.5 to $7.5 million (or 34.8 percent) from 2001–02 to 2002–03, allowing the program to maintain its current participation levels but not increase participation. More information is available on: |
When
established in 1998–99, the preintern program was funded at
$2 million. In 2000, legislation combined alternative certification
funds to support both the intern program and the preintern program.
After 1999–2000, funding for alternative certification increased
by approximately $10 million per year. Funding for PTTP increased
by $10 million in 1999–2000 when Gov. Davis included the program
in his Enhancing Teacher Quality initiative.