Arkansas House Bill HB1154

Arkansas 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/17/23
• Refer: 1/17/23
• Failed: 5/1/23

Caption

To Amend The Law Concerning The Type Of License Issued To Certain Applicants In An Alternative Educator Preparation Program.

Impact

If passed, the bill will clarify that the provisional teaching license issued to applicants in alternative educator preparation programs is equivalent to a standard teaching license when applying for a Driver's Education Licensure Endorsement. This equivalency is significant as it allows educators who are in alternative tracks to qualify for an endorsement that was previously limited to those with full standard licenses. Such a change could attract more individuals into the teaching profession, particularly in specialized subjects like driver's education.

Summary

House Bill 1154 aims to amend existing legislation concerning the types of licenses issued to applicants involved in alternative educator preparation programs. The bill seeks to define a provisional teaching license that is issued to candidates enrolled in these programs, ensuring a clearer pathway towards full licensure. By streamlining the licensure process, HB1154 intends to better accommodate alternative educator pathways and enhance teacher workforce flexibility.

Contention

The discussions around HB1154 may focus on varying opinions about the implications of easing licensure requirements for alternative education pathways. Advocates argue that this bill will alleviate barriers for those who wish to enter teaching through non-traditional routes, which may help fill critical teacher shortages in certain subjects. However, critics may voice concerns regarding the adequacy of training and preparation that provisional license holders receive, questioning whether equivalency in licensure indeed equates to standard preparedness for teaching roles.