Accredited teacher preparation programs; science of reading;

review process Sec. 3.1. (a) As used in this section, "teacher candidate" means an individual recommended for an initial teaching license from a teacher preparation program located in Indiana. (b) As used in this section, "teacher preparation program" includes the following: (1) A teacher education school or department. (2) A transition to teaching program under IC 20-28-4. (3) Any other entity approved by the department to offer a course of study leading to an initial teaching license. (c) The department shall develop guidelines requiring accredited teacher preparation programs to use curriculum or content that instructs teacher candidates on the science of reading. (d) Beginning July 1, 2024, the department shall conduct a review of accredited teacher preparation programs for alignment with the requirements of subsection (c). (e) Upon review by the department under subsection (d), an accredited teacher preparation program that is not in alignment with the requirements of subsection (c) shall be submitted for a referral under section 1(l) of this chapter. (f) If an accredited teacher preparation program: (1) has been submitted for a referral under subsection (e); and (2) fails to meet the criteria of the improvement plan developed under section 1(l) of this chapter; the department shall revoke the teacher preparation program's right to use the word "accredited". As added by P.L.243-2023, SEC.7.