ERIC Digest 1, 1986. Alternative Certification for Teachers. ERIC Digest 1, 1986. Teacher shortages and public discussion about the quality of teacher education have been catalysts for the implementation of alternative routes to teacher certification for several states.
Alternative certification is defined by specific state programs.
While it is too early to know the results of such programs, evaluation questions can be framed. These definitions vary, however, according to the particular state's definition. In any discussion of alternative certification for teachers, then, it is important to define precisely what is meant by the term. The program is designed for teacher trainees in grades 9 to 12 or 6 to 8 in junior high schools departmentalized by subject. While it is too early to understand fully the results of these programs, questions for evaluation can be framed.