In some years the program has certified as many as 6,000 new teachers in one year, but in recent times the numbers have fallen to around 3,000. The percentage of minorities in the program has remained roughly the same. The program has been most successful in the large school districts, most notably Houston and Dallas. The program recruits people with college degrees in areas other than education and trains them to teach. Applicants must undergo a screening process before they are accepted.
New recruits enter the program and initially take classes.
Soon, however, they begin their internships. They work in schools as classroom teachers of record, but receive more support and mentoring than certified teachers. The program takes one calendar year to complete, but it is currently offered more than once each year. New teachers must take an exit exam upon completing the program, which tests them in pedagogy as well as their subject area. New teachers in Texas can work while they are getting certified, and are paid as first year teachers.