1. 1. Rationale. Teacher preparation for secondary teachers is designed to improve high school graduation rates, implement developmentally appropriate, rigorous and quality 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. Implementation of the standards will be in the Alabama Continuous Improvement guidance.

2. 2. Options. In addition to meeting the standards in Rules 290-3-3-.03, 290-3-3-.04, and 290-3-3-.05, there are three options for the preparation of secondary teachers:

   1. a. A comprehensive teaching field in English language arts, general science, or general social studies that includes both:

      1. i. An academic major of at least 30 semester hours of credit with at least 18 semester hours of upper-division credit.
      2. ii. At least one course in each of the specified areas included in the comprehensive teaching field. Coursework in other areas of the comprehensive teaching field may also be included.
   2. b. A single teaching field with an academic major that includes a minimum of 30 semester hours of credit with at least 18 semester hours of upper-division credit.
   3. c. A single teaching field in an area of career and technical education that includes a minimum of 30 semester hours of credit with at least 18 semester hours of upper-division credit.
3. 3. Teaching Field Specific Methods Course. Each Class B and Alternative Class A teaching field shall be supported by at least one methods course specific to the teaching field or to the general area of the teaching field (e.g., science methods or social studies methods). Methods courses for specific teaching fields or for the general area of the teaching field shall not be combined with methods courses of other teaching fields or general areas (e.g., mathematics and biology). The course should also instruct candidates how to use an interdisciplinary approach.

4. 4. Professionalism as a secondary educator. Secondary educators:

   1. a. Utilize appropriate technology to advance learners understanding and comprehension of discipline standards.
   2. b. Interact positively with students, families, and colleagues based on student needs and instructional roles.
   3. c. Create classroom environments that promote positive classroom environments reflective of best practices in classroom management.
   4. d. Develop leadership potential and collaborate in the larger professional community.

Author: Dr. Eric G. Mackey

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

Editor’s Note: Previous Rule .07.02 was renumbered .11 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.