Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB1005

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/24
• Refer: 1/25/24
• Report Pass: 2/7/24
• Refer: 2/7/24
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Student teaching requirement for teacher preparatory programs and granting rule-making authority. (FE)

Impact

Under this bill, the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) will be tasked with reporting detailed information regarding student teaching experiences starting in the 2025-26 school year. Specifically, DPI will provide data on the passage rates of those who completed one semester of student teaching versus those who completed multiple semesters. This aims to gauge the effectiveness of longer student teaching periods on preparedness for licensure examinations.

Summary

Assembly Bill 1005 aims to amend existing teacher preparatory program requirements in the state of Wisconsin. The bill stipulates that the state superintendent must not approve any teacher preparatory program unless it requires students to complete between one and four full semesters of student teaching aligned with the daily schedule and calendar of the cooperating school. This change seeks to strengthen the practical experience of future educators before they receive their licenses to teach in public schools.

Contention

Another significant addition is the establishment of a teacher apprenticeship program. The apprenticeship will allow for practical training under specific conditions, including supervision by licensed educators. Critics may argue about the feasibility of implementing an increased number of student teaching hours and potential impacts on current educational programs. Concerns could also arise about whether this could deter prospective educators due to the lengthened requirements, thus affecting teacher supply shortages.