SB265: AN ACT relating to teacher certification and declaring an emergency.

Legislative Summary

Creates a new section of KRS Chapter 161 to establish a teacher induction and mentor program, to require that the Education Professional Standards Board develop standards and guidance for the program, develop evaluations for new teachers, and submit an annual report to the Legislative Research Commission; amends KRS 161.030 to direct that an individual who completes a preparation program and passes the required assessments shall receive a five-year professional certificate, to provide that an out-of-state teacher who passes the required assessments shall receive a five-year professional certificate, to remove the provisions for a teacher internship requirement, and to direct that teacher certification be awarded upon successful completion of an educator preparation program or alternative certification pathway and passing of the required assessment and not be dependent on employment except for emergency certificates; amends KRS 161.048 to modify the Option 7 alternative teacher certification pathway, to remove some initial candidate requirements, to allow provisional certification upon qualifying and enrolling in an approved institute, and to establish conditions for receiving a professional certificate; repeals KRS 161.1222 relating to the pilot teacher internship program; and amends sections of KRS Chapter 161 to conform.