1. 1. Rationale. Teacher preparation for middle grade teachers is not the same as for secondary teachers. One of the most critical challenges in improving high school graduation rates may be ensuring a high level of quality in middle grades coursework and course performance. Middle grade teachers have the responsibility of planning and implementing developmentally appropriate, rigorous and quality middle grade coursework and curriculum in classrooms that engage students intellectually, emotionally, socially, and behaviorally in learning. These standards build upon the InTASC Model Core Teaching Standards, ISTE Standards, and Alabama Specific Standards. These standards for teacher preparation provide a benchmark for middle level teacher preparation programs and serve to highlight the nuances of top-quality preparation of teachers for employment in the middle grades. Implementation of the standards will be in the Alabama Continuous Improvement guidance.

2. 2. Middle Level Standards Applicable to All Teaching Fields. The following standards were adapted from the Association for Middle Level Education.

   1. a. Prior to program completion, candidates will have time to develop content and curriculum knowledge in Young Adolescent Development.
   2. b. Prior to program completion, candidates will have time to develop content and curriculum knowledge in the Curriculum. Middle level teacher candidates understand and use the central concepts, standards, research, and structures of content to plan and implement middle level curriculum that develops all young adolescents’ competence in subject matter.
   3. c. Prior to program completion, candidates will have time to develop content and curriculum knowledge in Philosophy and School Organization.
   4. d. Prior to program completion, candidates will have time to develop content and curriculum knowledge in Instruction and Assessment.
   5. e. Prior to program completion, candidates will have time to develop content and curriculum knowledge in Professional Roles. Middle level teacher candidates understand their complex professional roles as teachers of young adolescents. They are informed advocates for young adolescents and middle level education, and work successfully with colleagues, families, community agencies, and community members.

3. 3. Options. In addition to meeting Rules 290-3-3-.03, 290-3-3-.04. and 290-3-3-.05, an institution has four options for the preparation of middle-level teachers based on completion of a comprehensive teaching field. Individuals interested in middle school certification must choose a teaching field option.

   1. a. English Language Arts. The total program must include at least 9 semester hours in the teaching of reading (strategies for analyzing reading difficulties and improving reading performance) and at least 21 semester hours of English language arts courses, not professional educator preparation courses, spread across content to include literature, grammar (language use and vocabulary), writing, speaking, listening, and visual literacy. The standards are consistent with Rules 290-3-3-.03, 290-3-3-.04, 290-3-3-.05, and 290-3-3-.06; the Praxis Middle School English Language Arts Assessment; and the current Alabama Course of Study: English Language Arts.

      1. i. Prior to program completion, candidates will have time to develop content knowledge in middle-level English language arts (reading instruction, language and appropriate vocabulary, writing, speaking, and listening).
      2. ii. Prior to program completion, candidates will have time to develop content pedagogical knowledge in Middle-Level English Language Arts (research-based literacy, grammatical approaches, active listening, communication, instruction with technological tools, and text selection).

   2. b. Mathematics. The total program must include at least 6 semester hours in the teaching of reading and writing for mathematics literacy (strategies for analyzing reading difficulties and improving reading performance) and at least 24 semester hours of mathematics courses, not professional educator preparation courses, spread across content to include the number system, expressions and equations, algebra, geometry, measurement and data, proportional relationships, and statistics. The standards are consistent with Rules 290-3-3-.03, 290-3-3-.04, 290-3-3-.05, and 290-3-3-.07; Praxis Middle School Mathematics Assessment; and the current Alabama Course of Study: Mathematics.

      1. i. Prior to program completion, candidates will have time to develop content knowledge in middle-level mathematics. (numbers and operations, algebraic expressions, functions, geometry and measurement, statistics and probability).
      2. ii. Prior to program completion, candidates will have time to develop content pedagogical knowledge in middle-level mathematics (mathematical approaches, active inquiry, and instruction with technological tools).

   3. c. General Science. The total program must include at least 6 semester hours in the teaching of reading and writing for science literacy (strategies for analyzing reading difficulties and improving reading performance) and at least 24 semester hours of science courses, not professional educator preparation courses, spread across content to include physical sciences; life sciences; Earth and space sciences; engineering, technology, and applications of science; the history and nature of science; and science safety. The standards are consistent with Rules 290-3-3-.03, 290-3-3-.04, and 290-3-3-.05; Praxis Middle School Science Assessment; and the current Alabama Course of Study: Science.

      1. i. Prior to program completion, candidates will have time to develop content knowledge in Middle-Level Sciences (science and engineering, physical science, life science, and Earth and space science).
      2. ii. Prior to program completion, candidates will have time to develop content pedagogical knowledge in middle-level general science (scientific models, active inquiry, laboratory procedures, and instruction with technological tools).

   4. d. General Social Studies. The total program must include at least 6 semester hours in the teaching of reading and writing for social studies literacy (strategies for analyzing reading difficulties and improving reading performance) and at least 24 semester of social studies courses, not professional educator preparation courses, hours spread across content to include world, United States, and Alabama history; political science; geography; and economics. The standards are consistent with Rules 290-3-3-.03, 290-3-3-.04, and 290-3-3-.05; Praxis Middle School Social Studies Assessment; and the current Alabama Course of Study: Social Studies.

      1. i. Prior to program completion, candidates will have time to develop content knowledge in Middle-level Social Studies (United States history, world history, government/civics, geography, and economics).
      2. ii. Prior to program completion, candidates will have time to develop content pedagogical knowledge in middle-level general social studies (interpret various social studies concepts, active inquiry, and instruction with technological tools).
4. 4. Teaching Field Specific Methods Course. Each middle level teaching field shall be supported by a methods course specific to the teaching field and grade span and focused on teaching the content reflected in the Alabama Course of Study for the teaching field. The course should also instruct candidates how to use an interdisciplinary approach. Methods courses for a comprehensive middle level teaching field shall not be combined with methods courses for other teaching fields or grade spans.

5. 5. Unique Field Experiences, Practica, and Internship Placement Requirements.

   1. a. Field experiences shall include placements in middle grades classrooms.
   2. b. To the extent possible, field experiences should allow candidates the opportunity to practice in the chosen content option.
   3. c. Field experiences/practicum experiences must be at the middle grades level. Experiences should deepen candidate understanding and ability in middle school content. A practicum is not required.
   4. d. Internship shall be completed at the middle school grade level.

Author: Dr. Eric G. Mackey

Statutory Authority: Code of Ala. 1975, §§ 6-3-16 and 16-23-14.

Editor’s Note: Previous Rule .07.01 was renumbered .10 per certification published August 31, 2021; effective October 15, 2021.

History: New Rule: Filed April 11, 2019; effective May 26, 2019. Repealed and New Rule: Published August 31, 2021; effective October 15, 2021. Repealed and New Rule: Published March 31, 2025; effective May 15, 2025.