Identifying Alternative Certification Programs for an Impact Evaluation of Teacher Preparation

A heated debate exists over the effectiveness of a teacher preparation approach called “alternative certification.” Alternative certification programs offer a means for bachelor’s degree holders to become a teacher of record, with far less training than required by traditional certification programs. Proponents of alternative certification programs argue that their fast-track structure entices highly qualified candidates to become teachers. Opponents, however, suggest that programs do not adequately prepare teacher candidates. This report explores the following questions: What is alternative certification? How do alternative certification programs and routes differ from traditional certification programs and from each other? What alternative certification models would be desirable to include in an impact study? Which alternative certification programs use these models and should be considered for inclusion in an impact study? As a whole, the existing literature suggests the need for a rigorous study of alternative certification programs to assess their effects on student achievement, a need that is growing as the number of teachers entering the profession through alternative programs expands rapidly.